Deeds Not Words is a Texas-based non-profit organization that is guided by intersectional core values rooted in gender justice to help young leaders envision, challenge, and make a difference for a fair and just future. Located across the state of Texas, the remote organization consists of 6 employees, 10 Campus Organizers in colleges and high schools, and over 500 student members.

In 2016, Wendy Davis founded Deeds Not Words to give young Texans the tools needed to turn their passion into effective action – teaching civic engagement skills to young women who use what they learn to organize, advocate for policy change, turn art into action, and increase voter participation. Wendy knows no change comes without walking the walk. From her 13-hour filibuster in the Texas State Senate to her legislative efforts to support the LGBTQIA+ community, Wendy has pushed for progress. With Deeds Not Words, we continue to push.

The name of the organization is inspired by the century’s old fight to secure the right to vote for women in the United Kingdom. With the motto 'Deeds not Words', the Women's Social and Political Union pioneered a campaign of civil disobedience to gain suffrage. Today’s young leaders in Texas are building upon the legacy of generations of advocates working to bring about progress. 

The 10-year-old organization’s mission statement is to create today’s Changemakers and tomorrow’s leaders by galvanizing the power and building the leadership of young people through organizing, policymaking, art, and voting. Led by YOUth, they are uniting young changemakers to push progress forward — not through talk. Through deeds. Our core values lie within our FREE Legislative Agenda:

1. Freedom from violence: We're dedicated to creating a Texas where all young women can thrive without the specter of violence looming over their lives. By dismantling systemic barriers and confronting the interplay of white supremacy and misogyny, we aim to uplift young women of color disproportionately affected by these injustices.

2. Reproductive autonomy: Our push for legislation seeks to empower all young people with the agency to make decisions about their bodies, health, and families. We advocate for policies that uphold dignity and self-determination in every aspect of life.

3. Economic opportunity: By advocating for the dismantling of economic injustices, particularly those that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, we strive to create a Texas brimming with opportunity for all young people.

4. Equitable representation: We're committed to ensuring that the diverse voices of Texas are not only heard but also reflected in decision-making processes and governance structures. Increasing civic engagement among historically marginalized communities is paramount to shifting the balance of power.