Texas Appleseed is a Catalyst for Positive Change in our State
In March of 2013, I was introduced to the scourge of payday and auto title lending in Texas. I am embarrassed to say that I had been ignorant of this vicious and aggressive predatory industry. Dallas had recently developed a municipal ordinance that some other cities were adopting to do all that could be done apart from state action to protect their citizens. Faith leaders and community nonprofits were banding together with city council members to find ways to effectively combat a well-funded industry with its sights set on victimizing the poorest among us.
How does that sort of commitment come together? What causes pastors, priests, rabbis and imams to come together in common cause? Where do city council members find information on what constitutes an effective ordinance (rather than a local overreach)?
Statewide action cannot happen apart from legal expertise, relational capital, social commitment, and real tenacity. Texas Appleseed brought all these qualities to the table to come to the aid of the least of these among us. You might not know about Texas Appleseed. That is largely because they work effectively behind the scenes educating and equipping local leaders, forming networks among concerned citizens to help them work in concert. Texas Appleseed takes to heart the old adage that “there is no limit to the good that can be accomplished if you do not care who gets the credit.”
And what came of the work of Texas Appleseed? Thirty-nine cities to date have adopted identical ordinances. More than one-third of the people who live in Texas have been given some reprieve from payday and auto title lenders.
And what is next? There is more work to be done. Only the state legislature can set a rate cap – the universally accepted best practice for curbing lending abuse. And Texas Appleseed, working faithfully and behind the scenes, has the expertise and the commitment to help fight this fight. Won’t you join us? Won’t you help them?
This post is part of Texas Appleseed’s 20th anniversary celebration. Between now and the end of December, we’re celebrating 20 of our proudest accomplishments. Learn about the rest of our work here and on social media. Donate now if you want to support the next 20 years of fighting for justice.