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December 16, 2025TUCSON, Ariz. (December15, 2025) - The Arizona Democracy Resilience Network and Mormon Women for Ethical Government Arizona honored Msgr. Raul Trevizo, Diocese of Tucson, with the Faith in Action Award at the 2025 Tucson Civic Champion Dinner. The event, which celebrated individuals strengthening civic trust and reducing political divides, took place Tuesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Hacienda del Sol.
Trevizo received recognition for his lifelong commitment to faith-based community service and advocacy for Hispanic families throughout Southern Arizona. His dedicated ministry addresses critical needs for social justice while building stronger connections across diverse religious and cultural communities.
"Faith calls us to serve not just within our parish walls, but to be active participants in building a more just and compassionate community," said Msgr. Raul Trevizo, Diocese of Tucson. "When we work together across different backgrounds and beliefs, we create the kind of society where everyone can flourish and contribute their gifts."
Trevizo has faithfully served the parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish since September 1993, while simultaneously serving the Diocese of Tucson as Vicar for Hispanic Affairs. In this leadership role, he provides advocacy and guidance for the Hispanic Catholic community throughout Southern Arizona, addressing both spiritual and social needs.
"Msgr. Trevizo demonstrates how faith-based leadership strengthens our democratic institutions," said Ron Barber, Democratic co-director of the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network. "His commitment to social justice and interfaith collaboration shows how religious leaders can bridge divides and create positive change in their communities."
Born in Ray, Arizona, and raised in Hayden, Trevizo dedicated ten years to education as a teacher with the Tucson Unified School District before entering seminary. His 37 years of ordained ministry have been deeply connected to the Hispanic community of South Tucson, where he has worked to strengthen faith, support families, and advocate for social justice through participation in civic initiatives including the Pima County Interfaith Council.
"Msgr. Raul Trevizo represents the kind of faith leadership that builds trust across community lines," said Jane Andersen, Arizona State Director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government. "He shows us how religious commitment can translate into civic engagement that benefits people of all backgrounds and strengthens our shared democratic values."
The 2025 Tucson Civic Champion Dinner honored seven Southern Arizonans in different categories, showcasing diverse approaches to strengthening democratic institutions. These awards highlight the vital role of everyday citizens in fostering a healthy civic culture, especially during times when democratic norms face significant challenges.
Other honorees included:
Nonprofit Impact Award: Marcela Chavez, Director of the Santa Cruz County Diaper Bank
Business Leadership Award: Doug Levy, Founder and Owner of Feast Restaurant
Unsung Hero Award: Lorena Parra Howard, community volunteer
Civic Innovator Award: Desiree Cook, Founder and President of I Am You 360
Community Media Award: Dylan Smith, founding Editor and Co-Publisher of the Tucson Sentinel
Election Integrity Award: David Greenwood, supervisor in the Voter Unit of the Pima County Recorder's Office
The event brought together community leaders, business executives, and civic champions from across Southern Arizona at a time when collaboration across political divides remains essential for the state's continued prosperity and democratic health.
About the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network:
The Arizona Democracy Resilience Network works to promote and strengthen trust in U.S. democracy and the capacity of communities to mitigate identity-based conflicts. It works with individual and community partners to make anti-democratic and violent behavior less acceptable; to empower communities with people, structures and skills designed to build bridges across community divides and foster resilience to reduce political/identity-based violence; and to increase trust in elections. Learn more at https://arizonadrn.org/
About Mormon Women for Ethical Government:
Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG) is a nationwide grassroots organization that seeks to inspire women of faith to be ambassadors of peace who transcend partisanship and courageously advocate for ethical government. MWEG empowers women to use their unique voices to influence civic spaces, offers a supportive community to discuss political issues, and advocates on a variety of issues, including advancing democracy. We are faithful, nonpartisan, proactive, and peaceful.
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