The Equity Action Team (EAT) is a coalition of community members and City of Austin staff focused on advancing racial equity in our communities through partnerships with City departments, non-profits, philanthropic entities and community-based groups.
The EAT meetings are dedicated to critical discussions and strategizing on how to best improve the quality of life for most directly impacted communities in Austin. Join the EAT and find more information on the dashboard.
Everyone is welcome to join the EAT! As a member, your responsibility is to attend and bring your community with you. During our meetings, we hear from community members and City staff to understand community needs and City projects and work together to produce better outcomes for all.
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EQUITY OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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We are now the Office of Equity and Inclusion - Equity Division!
The Equity Division also welcomes our new Director:
Dr. Lindsey Wilson!
"The purpose of this memorandum is to announce the structuring of the Office of Equity and the Office of Civil Rights under a single office named the Office of Equity and Inclusion with three divisions: Equity, Civil Rights, and a newly created Human Rights Division. The Human Rights Division will include a focus on ADA compliance, immigrants, refugees, and veteran-related matters. This reorganization aims to strengthen and streamline services, ensure a holistic approach to community needs, enhance accessibility, and align operations with the City’s strategic goals. The Office of Equity and Inclusion will be led by a newly created position, Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion..."
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Eventbrite RSVP for March 29, 2025 EAT Meeting
We are excited to have you for our in-person March 2025 EAT meeting! Please join us Saturday, March 29th, 2025 from 10:30am to 1:30pm. We'll connect over a meal, and then get our meeting started by 11:00am.
RSVP: bit.ly/MarchEAT2025
The March 2025 EAT Meeting will be held at:
Gus Garcia Recreation Center
1201 E Rundberg Lane
Austin, TX 78753
Agenda Coming soon!
We look forward to being in community with you. Come as you are, when you can!
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Reunión Eventbrite EAT 29 de marzo de 2025 Información de la reunión
¡Nos da mucho gusto que nos acompañe a nuestra reunión EAT presencial de marzo! Por favor acompáñenos el sábado 29 de marzo de 2025 de 10:30 am- 1:30 p.m. Conviviremos durante la comida y luego iniciaremos la reunión a las 11:00 am.
RSVP: bit.ly/MarchEAT2025
La reunión del EAT de marzo se llevará a cabo en:
Gus Garcia Recreation Center
1201 E Rundberg Lane
Austin, TX 78753
¡Agenda próximamente!
Se proveerá la cena y habrá opciones para vegetarianos.
Esperamos estar en comunidad con usted. Venta tal y como es, ¡cuando pueda!
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We had a full room at Street-Jones and many new faces again at our 2nd EAT meeting of 2025. We enjoyed some delicious soul food from Three Chicks Soul Food--a Black, woman-owned catering company in Austin. Vegan food options were provided by Casa Colombia.
Here are some highlights of what we learned and what was shared:
We are also still keeping our eye on bills filed in the Texas Legislature, so we will keep the resources below here for you all.
Bill hearings are starting end of February into March. The last day for a bill to be filed in the Texas Legislature is March 14, 2025.
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What is a Bill? How are they filed and how do they become law?
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You can register an account with the Texas Legislature Online and keep track of bills. You can also look up a specific bill (even without a login). Or, you can set up an account and have an area of interest where you want to see what bills are being filed sent straight to your email. |
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Our Spring Citizenship Clinic and Information Session dates have been finalized! See flyers below in English and Spanish
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WHAT'S IN THE NEWSLETTER? |
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Click one of the buttons below to go to that section's content |
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Photo Title: Pioneers of Ebenezer Baptist Church
Description: Group portrait of six African American women in dresses and hats in front of a car, undated. These women were pioneers of the Ebenezer Baptist Church
As we wrap up Black History Month and enter Women's History Month, we wanted to weave these celebrations together and showcase a beautiful historical photo. Though undated, we could make an argument that this photo is from the late 1800's. That's because the Ebeneezer (Third) Baptist Church was organized in February of 1875 over on East 10th Street. Also in looking at the style of the car parked behind them, the timeline checks out. You can read the history of the Church, and you'll see that most of the 18 charter members were women--the church even began in the home of a woman named Mrs. Elisa Hawkins. Ebeneezer still stands today and is an important place of worship, community gathering, and cultural events centering the Black community in Austin. The Church also recently celebrated its Sesquicentennial Anniversary (that's 150 years!) on February 16th, 2025. As these women posed for this photo, we can't help but wonder if they knew how important their work was and that it would last over fifteen decades.
Read more about the Ebeneezer Third Baptist Church here
Required citation: [PICA-04126], Austin History Center, Austin Public Library |
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Ramadan Mubarak! In honor of this holy month of Ramadan (evening of Feb. 28 to March 29th) and in honor of Women's History Month in month, we're reading
This book challenges common stereotypes of Muslim women by highlighting the activism of eighteen women from the U.S. and Canada who work in fields like social services, marital counseling, and political advocacy. Through personal narratives, they share their motivations, perspectives on Islam and activism, and the obstacles they’ve faced, from cultural patriarchy to societal discrimination. Representing diverse backgrounds—including converts, immigrants, and daughters of immigrants—these women demonstrate the vital role Muslim women play in advancing social justice. Katherine Bullock’s introduction underscores their historical contributions and calls for greater gender equity in building a just society.*
*This book summary was written with the help of AI and reviewed by a human in the Equity Division.
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SURVEYS + COMMUNITY INPUT |
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Join the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission for their Town Hall!
📅 Monday, March 3rd, 2025
🕑 6:30pm
📍Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1401, Austin, TX 78752
The event will seek input from the LGBTQAI+ community on the City’s proposed LGBTQAI+ cultural center project. In addition, the town hall will provide information and support to the community on City related matters. |
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The AARC is getting ready for our annual CelebrASIA Austin event on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 11am to 3pm, and we need food vendors, performers, cultural experience rooms, and community tables to join us! Applications are due by February 28, 2025 at 11:59pm.
CelebrASIA Austin is a free, family-friendly, and open to the public event, celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This indoor/outdoor event offers a variety of performances, food vendors, exhibits, and cultural experiences for the entire family. The festival attracts approximately 1000-1500 attendees. |
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KOOP Radio's WOMANifest
📅 Saturday, March 1st, 2025
🕑 11am to 4pm
📍 Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E 38th 1/2 St, Austin, TX 78722
Austin’s community radio station, proudly presents WOMANifest 2025, a dynamic, all-ages networking concert and fundraiser celebrating International Women’s Day. This non-profit event will showcase an all-star lineup of female artists, thought-provoking social commentary, art, and an array of community organizations advocating for women.
Texas Senator Sarah Eckhardt, activist and author Alice Embree, and vocalist and Survive 2 Thrive CEO Courtney Santana will co – host this inspiring kickoff event, held at the woman-owned Cherrywood Coffee House, a vibrant venue known for its open art space and community spirit.
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📅 March 1st, 2025
🕑 1pm to 4pm
📍 Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754
Step into spring by supporting local Asian American makers! Hosted at the Asian American Resource Center, this spring's makers market is a curated lineup of over 20 local AAPI creatives and makers, organizations, and cottage bakers.
Free and open to the public.
Family Friendly.
Parking is limited. |
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📅 Wednesday, March 19th, 2025
🕑 6:30pm to 8pm
📍 La Madeline, 5493 Brodie Lane, Austin TX, 78745
She will be speaking on the history of one of Austin's biggest grassroot environmental victories that occurred in the 1990s, and affected a neighborhood that was predominately people of color.
Feel free to come around 6:30 pm to 7 pm to order food/drink and to socialize. |
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HBCU AI Con
📅 April 1st-April 3rd, 2025
📍 Huston-Tillotson University
View the agenda here!
The HBCU AI Conference and Training Summit is more than just an event! As AI continues to transform the way we work and live, it is critical that we all work together to ensure that human excellence stays at the forefront of the future!
📅 Mark your calendars for April 1-3, 2025, and join us for this transformative summit. Whether you're a student, educator, researcher, industry professional, or AI enthusiast, this event is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive in the world of AI.
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📅 Saturday, March 8th, 2025
🕑 11 am to 1:30pm
📍 AARC (Asian American Resource Center), 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
Come join the Asian American Resource Center and Asian Family Support Services of Austin for an insightful event where we will discuss the unique challenges and joys of caregiving within Asian families. From navigating cultural expectations to setting boundaries to preventing burnout, we will explore how to maintain a healthy balance while caring for loved ones. There will be a panel discussion featuring people who are caretakers, sharing personal stories and how they navigate caregiving.
There will also be a Resource Fair with various community organizations tabling and sharing more information about their services. Food and refreshments will be provided. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with others facing similar experiences and gain valuable insights! When: Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11am - 1:30pm Where: Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road Austin Texas 78754 Registration: Free. Please register in advance on Eventbrite. Arabic and Vietnamese interpretation will be available if requested. Please submit interpretation requests by March 3, 2025. |
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GRANTS + TRAINING + SERVICES |
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Gender Unbound, an Austin-based org uplifting trans and intersex artists, is putting on our third annual TDOV picnic and art market! Last year we had over 350 attendees throughout a beautiful afternoon of sunshine, snacks, games, and community leisure and joy.
We are looking for transgender artists to show and sell their creations. We will prioritize creative and artistic vendors over businesses selling products and organizations promoting their services.
Find the form and more info at genderunbound.org |
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$5,000 Creative Grants Available
Applications Now Open through March 6
The Nexus Grant supports emerging artists and small, local organizations for their work producing creative public projects. Applications open January 28 and will close March 6 at 7 p.m CST.
The Economic Development Department provides multiple resources to assist with the Nexus Grant application process and eligibility.
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Workshops: Register for upcoming in-person or virtual options.
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Office Hours: Join Cultural Arts staff for Virtual Open Office Hours on each Tuesday through March 4, 10 a.m. to Noon.
Learn more at the Nexus website.
Watch a pre-recorded Nexus Information Session and view slides.
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Vea una sesión informativa de Nexus y vea las diapositivas.
Subsidio creativos de $5,000 disponibles
Las aplicaciones ahora están abiertas hasta el 6 Marzo
La Subvención Nexus apoya a artistas emergentes y a pequeñas organizaciones locales por su trabajo en la producción de proyectos públicos creativos. Solicitudes abiertas 28 Enero a las 10 a.m. CST y cerradas 6 Marzo a las 7 p.m. CST.
El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico proporciona múltiples recursos para ayudar con el proceso de solicitud y elegibilidad de la Subvención Nexus.
Obtenga más información en el sitio web de Nexus.
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The Native Arts + Cultures Foundation (NACF) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025
SHIFT empowers Native artists, curators, and collectives to address critical societal issues, inspire systemic change, and amplify Indigenous voices.
Awardees will receive:
+ $𝟏𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 ($50,000 for the lead artist/curator and $50,000 for project expenses)
+ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 in community organizing, sustainability, and legacy-building
+ Support for community engagement and public presentations
+ More!
Applications close 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐚𝐭 𝟓:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐏𝐓.
Learn more and apply here. |
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The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications for Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program grants. A total of $27 million is available to award for planning and design phase activities for developing transportation projects in rural or tribal communities. Grants will support hiring staff or expert firms to provide technical, legal, or financial assistance to advance transportation projects that would be reasonably expected to be eligible for select Department of Transportation discretionary grant or credit programs. There is no local match required to participate in this program.
Two types of grants will be awarded: Single Project grants and Multi-Community grants, which will fund projects in, at minimum, three separate communities submitted under a single application.
- Single Project grants: $10 million available to award
- Min. award amount: $200,000
- Max. award amount: $750,000
- Multi-Community grants: $17 million available to award
- Min. award amount: $500,000
- Max. award amount: $2.25 million
$10 million of Program funding is set aside for tribal governments.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early, given the first-come, first-served award process. The application portal will close at 4:59 p.m. ET on April 17, 2025; however, award funding may be committed before this date.
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Oportunidad de arte público para el sitio de St. John
Invitamos a artistas de Texas y a equipos dirigidos por artistas a presentar su candidatura para una instalación de arte público en el rediseñado sitio de St. John, una histórica comunidad afroamericana. Animamos a los artistas que tengan conexiones con el vecindario a que presenten su solicitud antes del 14 de marzo. El 11 de febrero se llevará a cabo una sesión informativa para artistas en el centro
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TADOHE invites you and your networks to submit proposals for their upcoming TADOHE Summer
Inclusive Leadership: Persevering with a New Perspective!
Join TADOHE at Texas Christian University from July 11 to 12, 2025, to strategize for the future of higher education.
Please share bold ideas, innovative strategies, and transformative solutions that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Together, let’s preserve the mission of inclusive leadership while shaping a brighter, more equitable future. Submit your proposal here: https://forms.gle/bRaYMCtxWZcaWVje6
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Come experience the benefits of FREE community acupuncture!
📅Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 4:30pm
👉🏽THRA Drop-Off Center
📍1803 E Cesar Chavez St.
A powerful, grounding way to relieve stress, ease pain, and restore balance—all in a welcoming and supportive space.
No cost, no judgment—just care.
Open to everyone, whether you’re new to acupuncture or a regular.
Leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected.
Your well-being matters.
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Racial Justice Community of Practice (Online) 2025
Hosted by the Interaction Institute for Social Change
How Do We Sustain Ourselves While Advancing Racial Justice?
Sustaining the work of racial justice can feel overwhelming, especially when facing resistance or isolation. Have you ever wondered how to stay grounded and effective in this work, or how to find the support you need to keep going?
Our FREE Racial Justice Community of Practice is here for you. This quarterly gathering is a space for connection, reflection, and action. Together, we’ll explore challenges, celebrate progress, and share strategies to advance racial justice in and through our organizations. Whether you’re just starting out or deeply experienced, this is your community to recharge, learn, and lead boldly.
In 2024, we expanded participation to welcome anyone engaged in advancing racial justice - not just alumni of our workshops. Join us in 2025 as we continue building a community of leaders driving meaningful change!
Multiple sessions and times available:
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Wednesday, March 12, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM ET
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Wednesday, June 11, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM ET
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Wednesday, September 17, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM ET
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Wednesday, December 3, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM ET
(1 PM - 3 PM CT / 12 PM - 2 PM MT / 11 AM - 1PM PT)
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