A record of 17 officers and specialists. Six returning and 11 new. This is the largest number of student journalists across the state that New Voices Texas (NVT) has had before. With the growth, NVT is determined to increase outreach and build connections with state lawmakers to prepare for the legislative session in 2027.
NVT is a non-profit, student-led organization that focuses on protecting student journalists and advisers by passing the New Voices Bill. The bill will prevent the censorship, prior review and or prior restraint of student media.
“This year’s team is larger than ever before which means that we can hopefully accomplish more in terms of our advocacy and connecting with legislators,” Co-Education Officer Katie Grumet said. “I’m extremely hopeful with this new team, we have a lot of eager and excited new members that have lots of ideas and are ready to take action.”
Unlike other years, NVT aims to start a podcast with hosts Sydney Ortiz, Communications and Legislative specialist, and Grumet. They plan to interview advisers, student journalists and state representatives to hear their perspective and thoughts about student press rights.
“Podcasting is a great tool for advocacy because I have seen the impact it has had on the world in such a short time period,” Ortiz said. “In the last decade podcast views have skyrocketed and it is a convenient way for people to gain information. They can listen anywhere at any time, which allows us to share our goals and information to a much wider audience.”
Along with a podcast, the officers and specialists have agreed to start designing new merchandise, adding tote bags and stickers into their collection. The leadership team anticipates getting the designs and merch printed before Fall Fiesta TAJE, which is a state wide journalism conference.
“Having merchandise that displays NVT’s message is incredibly important because when we have eye-catching apparel, people are bound to take notice,” Communications Specialist Ava Weaver said. “Because humans are curious, hopefully it will spark interest in our cause for the people that see our merch.”
For social media, this year will be heavy on bringing awareness to NVT and expanding outreach. They plan on increasing educational posts and videos showcasing how the New Voices bill works and why it is important. Furthermore, they intend to start an adviser spotlight, where students can submit their adviser to be featured on the NVT Instagram.
“I enjoy helping brainstorm different ways for us to get our organization out there,” Grumet said. “NVT challenges me to be creative in the way that advocates and challenges me to think about how to get people passionate about student press rights.”
Before the school year, the regional organizers will send out emails to advisers to increase awareness about NVT. When school starts, the leadership team aspires to meet every two weeks.
“I remember that last year it took a few decent four to five months for us to really open up and connect,” state organizing officer Poojasai Kona said. “But from the get-go this year I feel connected to all my officers. I feel I can rely on them for anything and they can rely on me. We have each other’s backs, and we support each other.”
Last year, NVT had a Lobby Day on March 17, where officers and volunteers, Michael Reeves, Ava Weaver, Erick Garcia, Faye Zayed, Charlotte Schwarte, Elizabeth Yowell and David Doerr came together to speak to legislative offices to gain support for their HB (4821).
“It was an opportunity of a lifetime to go to the capitol and lobby for this bill,” Garcia said. “Speaking to the legislative offices was a new point of contact that I’ve ever done before. Speaking with State Rep. Diego Bernal was a whole different world. He was able to connect us journalists with how we are superheroes and how we use our skills for good.”
The bill was first sponsored by State Rep. Gina Hinojosa and after Lobby Day, State Rep. Diego Bernal expressed interest in becoming a co-sponsor. Ultimately, the bill wasn’t scheduled to the public education committee, ending its chances of passing.
“Speaking to legislators was a very empowering experience because everyone that I spoke to admired what I was doing, which gave me confidence not only in my advocacy abilities but in speaking to [others] in power,” Grumet said. “Legislators typically respond really well to seeing people, especially students, showing up at the Capitol advocating for their cause.”
For student journalists in Texas interested in learning more, they can connect with NVT through their instagram, @newvoicestx.
“Student press rights matter because they protect our ability to report the truth and represent student voices without censorship,” Garcia said. “They teach us how real journalism works, how to ask hard questions and think critically.”
Editor’s note: Faye Zayed is an officer for New Voices Texas and has been on since 2024.