A Message from our Director of Advocacy and Engagement 

At Woodlawn United, we believe real change starts with presence — listening closely to residents and working together to shape policies that reflect real needs. That belief came to life as we hosted a delegation of lawmakers during this year’s Southern Legislative Conference (SLC), right here in the heart of Woodlawn.

The SLC brought together legislators from across the Southeast to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore the issues impacting the people and places we serve. As one of the selected host sites, Woodlawn United had the opportunity to spotlight the power of place-based work and community-rooted partnerships.

Our President & CEO, Mashonda S. Taylor, moderated a timely and impactful fireside chat on how public policy shapes neighborhoods and quality of life. The panel featured Rep. Leigh Hulsey, Rep. Neil Rafferty, Rep. Kelvin Datcher, and Sen. Robert Stewart — leaders focused on shaping policy through the lens of impact and inclusion.

Together, they explored how policy intersects with daily realities like housing, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunity. Whether in Birmingham or in rural communities across Alabama, the issues may look different — but the core challenges (and the opportunities) are often the same.

Proximity is power. When we’re close to the problems, we can co-create solutions that are effective, sustainable, and rooted in trust. The issues residents bring forward — affordable housing, quality schools, safe streets, reliable transit — aren’t theoretical. They’re real, and they deserve policy grounded in empathy and shared vision.

The Conference reminded us that deep listening matters. Not just to data, but to people. It also created space to build meaningful relationships with legislators who are committed to doing this work alongside communities. Good policy is a team effort. And when residents, elected leaders, and organizations like Woodlawn United move together, real transformation is possible.

We’re thankful to the Southern Legislative Conference for giving us the space to share our story — and even more energized by what’s ahead. When policy and proximity align, lasting change takes root.