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.

EQUITY OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eventbrite RSVP for February 26, 2025 EAT Meeting

We are excited to have you for our in-person February 2025 EAT meeting! Please join us Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. We'll connect over a meal, and then get our meeting started by 6:15pm.

 

RSVP: bit.ly/FebEAT2025

 

The February 2025 EAT Meeting will be held at:

Street-Jones Building

1000 E. 11th Street, #120

4th Floor, Conference Room 400A

Austin, TX 78702

 

Agenda TBD!

 

We look forward to being in community with you. Come as you are, when you can!

 

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Reunión Eventbrite EAT 26 de febrero de 2025 Información de la reunión

¡Nos da mucho gusto que nos acompañe a nuestra reunión EAT presencial de febrero! Por favor acompáñenos el miércoles 26 de febrero de 2025 de 6:00 pm- 8:30 p.m. Conviviremos durante la cena y luego iniciaremos la reunión a las 6:15 pm.

 

RSVP: bit.ly/FebEAT2025

 

La reunión del EAT de febrero se llevará a cabo en:

Edificio Street-Jones

1000 E 11th Street, #120

4.o Piso - Sala de conferencias 400A

Austin, TX 78702

 

 Presentaciones ser determinada

 

Se proveerá la cena y habrá opciones para vegetarianos.

Esperamos estar en comunidad con usted. Venta tal y como es, ¡cuando pueda!

We had a full room at the Ruiz library--there was so much energy, resource sharing, connection and hugs all around. There were many new faces in the space, and it was exciting to see so many of us together--even when we are struggling, we are powerful.
 
Here are some highlights of what we learned and what was shared:
What is a Bill? How are they filed and how do they become law? 
The School House Rock  I'm Just a Bill song is still very relevant. The song was revamped in 2021, but here is the original 3-minute video showing in a very simple way, how a bill becomes law. 
Take a Deeper Dive:
Check out the City of Austin's 2025 State Legislative Agenda for the 89th Legislature. This explains the City's priorities in what we will support in our responses to bills that are filed by legislators across the state. 
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.
WHAT'S IN THE NEWSLETTER?
Click one of the buttons below to go to that section's content
LEARNING FROM HISTORY
 
We look back at their words and lives to guide us forward in our actions. For our first newsletter on the eve of Black History Month, we're sharing  Mapping Their Words: The Formerly Enslaved of Austin by Javier Wallace, Ph.D. of Black Austin Tours. 
 
 
(photo: Ellen Kinnard Alexander, Portrait of Ellen (Kinnard) Alexander seated in a rocking chair on a porch. Alexander was previously enslaved. Undated. [PICA-05993], Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)
 
WHAT WE'RE READING
 
We're keeping the recommendation a bit shorter this month, because sometimes, less is more. We have had many people ask, what do we do right now? Many of us are feeling overwhelmed and many of us have been through this (or something like it) and are tired. So many of us are tired, but we refuse to give up hope. This article from Black Joy Reckon, written by Jonece Starr Dunigan, reminds us to relax, and to know that we all have a place in all of this and that it can look different for each person. We've got to rest so we can show up for one another, and we've got to show up for one another so that we can all rest.
 
Read on to learn more about rest and revolution. 
SURVEYS + COMMUNITY INPUT

Creative Space Affordability Survey

Participate in a Creative Space Affordability Survey! Rally Austin, ATX Theatre, and Creative Policy are teaming up to redefine “affordable creative space” in Austin - and your input is essential! Help shape pricing guidelines for future Cultural Trust venues, ensuring they reflect the true needs of our creative community. 

 

Participate in the survey by January 21!

If you work at a venue, take this survey!

Cultural Arts & Music Funding: Community Engagement

The City of Austin's Cultural Funding Process has administered grants since 1981 through the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) authorized by state law.  Managed by the Economic Development Department, the following programs support various activities in arts and music. We invite you to share your thoughts!

This survey will remain open through July 2025.

CITY + COMMUNITY EVENTS
Every month is Black History Month the Office of Equity and Inclusion, BUT we also celebrate this recognition in February and want to invite you celebrate, too! 
 
✊🏽Join Javier Wallace and his team on a Black Austin Tour
✊🏽Attend the African American Heritage Network's Black History Program on Wednesday, Feb. 5th from 11:30am to 1pm at Palmer Events Center
✊🏽Attend the Central Texas African American Family Support Conference on February 4th and 5th at the Palmer Events Center
✊🏽Share with Black owned businesses to become a vendor at Celebrate Black Austin + ATTEND Celebrate Black Austin on Sat. Feb. 22nd at Kenny Dorham's Backyard on E. 11th from 1pm to 5pm
✊🏽Attend Art in ATX for their Black History Month Market at the Gallery on Feb. 15th at 1305 W. Oltorf from 12pm to 4pm
 
Saturday, February 1st
11 am to 4 pm at Huston-Tillotson University
900 Chicon St.
Austin, TX 78701
 
The family friendly festival will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year's celebration the best ever! Come prepared to have a great time!
 
 
Lunar New Year Mutual Aid Fundraiser for Solidarity
 
Proceeds will be split among Palestinian, Sudanese, Congolese and Dalit mutual aid organizations and Indigenous folk in Texas.
 
📅 February 8th, 2025
🕑 1pm to 5pm
📍 Red Salmon Arts, 2000 Thrasher Lane, Austin, TX
Equality Texas will host a training on contacting representatives and lead a postcard-writing table from 12–2 PM sharp. Join them to take action together and care for our community together 🌈
 
GRANTS + TRAINING + SERVICES
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. 
ECHO is requesting applications for the SOAR Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) By-Name List grant from organizations in our Homelessness Response System (HRS) or organizations willing to join the HRS. The funding will also support the overall Permanent Supportive Housing HealthCare Collaborative (PSH HCC). This grant will increase the capacity for organizations to facilitate access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare, for unsheltered people in Travis County using the SOAR model.
Submission deadline: February 17th, 2025

$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.

  • Workshops: Register for upcoming in-person or virtual options.

  • 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.

Register here for an upcoming Information Session on February 6 at 6 p.m. (In-Person). Learn more at the Nexus website

Registration Dates
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Fechas de registro
 

You know what they say: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now. Treefolks has several opportunities for you to claim a free tree! Check out their upcoming NeighboWoods tree distribution events below: 

  • Saturday, 2/1 9AM-1PM | East Austin | 1409 Meander Drive, Austin, TX 78721
  • Saturday, 2/08 9AM-1PM | Southeast Shores, Lady Bird Lake | 2525 South Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
  • Saturday, 2/20 9AM-1PM | East Bouldin Creek Greenbelt | 614 W Gibson St, Austin, TX 78704

TreeFolks’ NeighborWoods Program, in partnership with the City of Austin Government and Austin Energy, provides 5-gallon trees to Austin residents looking to adopt a tree. We hope to see you at a NeighborWoods event!

Click here for more details!

Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) Now Accepting Applications 

 

The letter of interest period for GTOPs Core funding is open now through January 10, and the grant window opens January 15th to February 12th. This matching grant supports Austin organizations working to expand digital access and provide technology training in underserved communities, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $35,000. Community members passionate about digital equity can also apply to serve as review panelists—stipends are available!

 

Learn more:  

 

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. Register here.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
 
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers who help make their communities stronger and healthier during disasters and every day. Volunteers are a part of a local community-based unit that works to improve emergency response capabilities, reduce potential public health risks and vulnerabilities, and build resiliency within a community. They prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as wildfires, tornadoes, severe winter weather and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks. MRC volunteers also regularly contribute to community preparedness —engaging in activities like health fairs and assisting with community vaccination clinics. 
 
Bilingual volunteers needed for our summer camp! Stipend provided! Must commit to 2 days a week for one session (June or July). To apply, email: volunteer@elbuen.org
Bilingual volunteers needed for our summer camp! Stipend provided! Must commit to 2 days a week for one session (June or July). To apply, email: volunteer@elbuen.org
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1050 E. 11th St. Ste. 250, Austin, Texas, 78702


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