Get F.I.T. is a citizen leadership development program for people of faith, to help you and your congregation participate in the public policy debate in ways that express your faith, honor diversity of opinion, and respect laws governing political activity by religious organizations.
Know the Law on Political Activity by Religious Organizations
The 2006 election year will feature increased attention to political activity by religious groups. The law is clear and guidance is available, so bone up on the do's and don'ts now for a worry-free 2006.
Getting Started: Take the FITness Quiz
"Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free men."--Dwight D. Eisenhower
Take the Get FIT Challenge!
What resources are available to help me or my group meet our goals?
What recognition do Get FIT Congregations receive?
Get FIT Challenge for Congregations/Groups
Get FIT Challenge for Individuals
The Get FIT Challenge is simple: We challenge you to be the kind of informed, engaged citizen you think Texas deserves.
The Get FIT Challenge is a set of goals to help individuals and congregations take concrete steps to become involved in the public square. Groups and individuals that sign up for the Get FIT Challenge receive materials and support to assist them in meeting their goals, as well as recognition for their efforts.
Click here to take the Get FIT congregation or individual challenge and request information and materials
What resources are available to help me or my group meet our goals?
The Get FIT Kit includes “Get FIT Know-How” guides for events and projects, sample newsletter and bulletin articles, and promotional materials to inform your congregation about how you are working on the Get FIT Challenge.
What recognition do Get FIT Congregations receive?
Get FIT Congregations are listed on the Get FIT website. In addition, your judicatory or other regional body will receive a list of all its member congregations participating in Get FIT.
The Get FIT Challenge for Congregations/Groups
- Assign a “Fitness Coordinator/s” to coordinate your group’s efforts
- Hold a pledge-to-vote campaign within your congregation.
- Hold one adult education event (like a Sunday school class) on a key Texas public policy issue.
- Submit an article or press release to the editor of your local or denominational newspaper about your congregation’s Get FIT activities.
- Help organize or participate in at least one event in your community that builds democracy—a candidate or issue forum, voter registration drive, or get-out-the-vote effort.
- Invite your state representative and senator (either together or separately) to a dinner or other meeting, to meet members of the congregation and give a brief talk about their goals and activities as a legislator.
The Get FIT Challenge for Individuals
- Vote in the Texas primary and general elections in 2006.
- Understand at least three key Texas public policy issues well enough to explain them to someone else.
- Write at least one letter to the editor of your local or denominational newspaper on an issue you care about.
- Help organize or participate in at least one event in your community that builds democracy—a candidate or issue forum, voter registration drive, or get-out-the-vote effort like driving people to the polls.
- Introduce yourself to your state representative and senator.
From the Horse's Mouth: Why the Editor didn't print your letter