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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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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EQUITY + INCLUSION OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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Eventbrite RSVP for the May 31st, 2025 EAT Meeting
We are excited to have you for our in-person May 2025 EAT meeting!
Please join us Saturday, May 31st, 2025 from 10:30am to 1:30pm
RSVP: bit.ly/May2025EAT
The May 2025 EAT Meeting will be held at:
Gus Garcia Recreation Center
1201 East Rundberg Lane
Austin, TX 78753
Agenda: Legislative Updates + Facilitated Discussion
We will have interpretation into Spanish available.
We look forward to being in community with you. Come as you are, when you can!
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Reunión Eventbrite EAT 31 de mayo de 2025 Información de la reunión
¡Nos da mucho gusto que nos acompañe a nuestra reunión EAT presencial de mayo! Por favor acompáñenos el sábado 31 de mayo de 2025 de 10:30 a.m. a 1:30 p.m.
RSVP: bit.ly/May2025EAT
La reunión del EAT de mayo se llevará a cabo en:
Gus Garcia Recreation Center
1201 East Rundberg Lane
Austin, TX 78753
Agenda: Actualizaciones legislativas + Discusión facilitada
Esperamos estar en comunidad con usted. Venta tal y como es, ¡cuando pueda!
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Thank you to Texas Immigrant Law Council (TxILC) Attorney Bobby Painter for their presentation on immigration updates.
Looking for other resources from the EAT? Check out the links below!
We are also still keeping our eye on bills filed in the Texas Legislature. Currently, Senate Bill 689, filed by Senator Bryan Hughes, was voted on and passed by the Senate. This legislation now goes to the House. We're also watching HB4552, and bills on immigration, guaranteed income, LGBTQIA+ rights, and more.
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Thank you Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) for inviting us to La Mujer! We provided interpreters to support Spanish speakers at workshops and to provide access to speeches at the festival. The Office of Equity and Inclusion hosted a self-paced workshop:
"Austin Stories: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Joy"where we encouraged attendees to come explore Austin’s past and share their own stories. Attendees walked through a gallery of powerful events that showed how race and culture have shaped Austin. Attendees watched real videos from the Austin History Center, read about important moments on a community timeline, and added their own family’s history. Attendees also had the chance to record their story and celebrate their culture, memories, and joy that make Austin special.This was a chance to reflect, learn, and help shape a fuller picture of Austin—past, present, and future, where everyone's story matters. |
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Office of Equity and Inclusion and Hungry Hill Foundation Alumni Earn Small Biz Certificates!
This milestone was supported by fellow ACCC alumni and Office of Equity and Inclusion staff Sheridan Ray and Arleni Carreño, who not only completed their own Small Business Certificates but also played a key role in guiding and encouraging their peers through the program.
These achievements reflect the strength of collaboration and mentorship in creating equitable pathways to employment, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurship.
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The Green Career Fest, hosted by Emerging Green Leaders, aims to connect, inspire, and empower young people (ages 16-24) to pursue green careers and become environmental leaders, and gain the skills required for a sustainable future.
The Emerging Green Leaders (EGLs) Career Fest was a huge success, reflecting the vision, mission, and values of ACCC and the broader EGLs network.
With 14 organizations, 7 workshops, over 10 job applications submitted, 3 new voters registered, and 120 plants given away, it was a true celebration of green workforce development—full of connections, learning, and fun!
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This April, the Office of Equity and Inclusion hosted the 2025 Fair Housing Conference and Resource Hub.
The 2025 Fair Housing Conference included:
- Insightful panel discussions on housing discrimination, tenant rights, and inclusive housing policies.
- Interactive workshops led by local experts.
- Resource Hub featuring organizations providing housing assistance, legal services, and community programs.
- Networking opportunities with advocates and professionals committed to housing equity.
Did you attend the Fair Housing Conference?
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The Office of Equity and Inclusion Welcomes New Human Rights Officer, Shafina Khaki!
Shafina Khaki is a licensed attorney in Washington State with a distinguished career in human rights, governance, and sustainability. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Sustainable International Development and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from the University of Washington School of Law. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Societies & Justice and Political Science, specializing in human rights, diversity affairs, and African studies.
As the newly appointed Human Rights Officer for the City of Austin, Ms. Khaki brings a wealth of experience in legal strategy, policy development, and advocacy. Prior to this role, she served as Special Attorney to the Attorney General of Washington State as well as in various capacities within the United Nations system in Geneva. As Strategic Advisor to the City of Seattle, she led City Light’s post-pandemic human rights strategic plan. Ms. Khaki has advised international organizations, governmental agencies, and corporations, delivering strategic analysis and actionable recommendations in human rights, environmental and social governance (ESG), diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), and sustainability.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Khaki is deeply committed to philanthropic initiatives, working with global organizations to advance gender equity, support immigration and refugee relief, provide humanitarian aid, and policy reform for displaced communities.
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The Office of Equity and Inclusion was restructured back in October of 2024 at the direction of the City Manager, T.C. Broadnax. In February, we welcomed our new Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Lindsey Wilson. Our Office now has 3 divisions--Equity, Civil Rights, and Human Rights.
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They've been posting monthly podcast episodes since April 2022 to elevate the voices and stories of Asian Americans living in Austin, Texas while exploring what it means to come into one's own identity.
There are so many great episodes, like episode 102. Crazy Conscious Asians w/Dr. Eric Tang (Associate Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies and Director of the Center for Asian American Studies). In episode 102, the hosts and guest talk about defining Asian American and the ethnicities it encompasses. They also talk about the context that brought the first Asians to Austin.
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May is Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AHPI) Heritage Month!
This annual celebration in May is dedicated space and time to reflect on the wonderful culture and people that identify as Asian, Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander.
According to the City of Austin's Demographic Profile, 9.3% of Austinites identify as Asian/Asian American. The top 5 Asian nationalities reported were Asian Indian (~37k), Chinese (~21k), Other Asian-includes Pakistani, two or more Asian ethnicities, Taiwanese, Nepalese, and Thai (~16k), Vietnamese (~7k), and Korean (~6k).
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SURVEYS + COMMUNITY INPUT |
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City Council Members will be hosting district level community meetings about the proposed budget in July and August. See the schedule
City Council District 2
July 30
More information coming soon
City Council District 3
July 28
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
More information coming soon
City Council District 5
August 4
More information coming soon
City Council District 6
July 19
More information coming soon
City Council District 7
July 22
6:00 PM
More information coming soon
City Council District 8
July 21
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Virtual
More information coming soon
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The Austin Parks and Recreation Department's new Director, Jesús Aguirre, invites community members to share their thoughts and perspectives on what the Parks and Recreation Department does well and what opportunities there are for improvement.
The Director will be holding listening sessions throughout Austin and visiting department facilities. He would love to hear from you.
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The Creative Reset is Here!
The City of Austin's new Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) just turned 90 days old—and is kicking off The Creative Reset, a year-long strategic planning initiative to reimagine how Austin supports arts, music, culture, and heritage.
Phase 1, launching now, focuses on redesigning the City's cultural funding programs.
📣 You’re invited to participate through surveys, focus groups, and more.
📝 Take the survey and learn more: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/creative-reset
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The Austin History Center (AHC) invites you to help shape the direction of our programs, exhibits, and spaces. As the archival branch of the Austin Public Library, the Austin History Center's mission is to procure, preserve, present, and provide the historical records that make up Austin's unique story.
Our priorities are guided by the AHC's Collection Policy which seeks to fill the gaps in our expansive archival holdings. This year we are celebrating our re-opening in the John Henry Faulk Building located at 800 Guadalupe St. as well as the 25 year anniversary of our Community Archives Program. Our work is rooted in Community and we'd love to hear your opinions and do what we can to meet your needs. Thank you for your time!
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The plan is our compass, guiding our decisions - every voice helps us get it right.
Tell us what matters to you, take the survey. Want to say more? Join a focus group (you'll get a $50 gift card for your time).
Take the survey or sign up by visiting here
Together, we can make Austin Water stronger, smarter, and ready for the future. |
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📅 Saturday May 31st, 2025
🕚 11 am to 2pm
📍 Bethany Cemetery, 1308 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX
Celebrate freedom, honor our ancestors, and witness the unveiling of new interpretive signage sharing the stories of those buried at Bethany—Austin’s first African American cemetery.
🎤 Libation Ceremony
🎶 Live Performances
🪦 Guided Tours by Black Austin Tours
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Theme: “Every Stone Has a Story – Honoring Our Ancestors, Preserving Our Legacy”
🤩 Free & open to the public.
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Various Locations in/around Austin
This event is similar to the traditional “Jump On It” we all remember at Rosewood Park and Givens Park!!!! There will be fun activities for all, free *BBQ, vendors, resources and a live concert headlined by OMB Peezy, Quin NFN & NOOK Turner. We are also bringing back the popular Jump On It Old School Karaoke and Freestyle Contest. All ages welcome! DJ Smurf in the mix and all the original Jump On It hosts and legacy members will be in attendance!!!!!! This event is free but you must RSVP for entry! All JOI Society Members will get a free Meet & Greet with OMB Peezy
*While supplies last |
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📅 Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Pease Park, Austin TX
🍗 Food Available For Purchase
🎨 Activities:
🪑 Chill on the lawn – bring your chair & blanket
🖌️ Sip & Paint (first come, first served – 30 spots)
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📅 Saturday, June 14th
📍 Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Drive, Austin, TX 78724
🕛 12pm to 4pm
🎉 It’s that time again, ATX! Freedom Fest 2025 is going down on June 14th at Colony Park—and it’s about to be BIGGER than ever. 🖤✊🏾
Come celebrate Black freedom, culture, and community with us!
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Dr. Roz Oliphant Jones, a longtime educator and bookseller in Austin, Texas had a vision to organize a book festival in Austin similar to the Harlem Book Fair in New York. In 2006, she reached out to writer Evelyn Martin Anderson and together they established the Austin African American Book Festival. The inaugural festival was held in 2007. Since that time the festival has grown to include nationally recognized authors, a platform for local and regional authors, literary discussions, children’s activities, and a vendor marketplace. The Austin African American Book Festival, held at the George Washington Carver Library and Museum, is a highly anticipated community event that attracts 400+ festival goers each year.
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GRANTS + TRAINING + SERVICES |
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If you don't feel safe...
24-hour support is available at the following:
- Emergency: If you are experiencing an emergency call 9-1-1
- Abuse: If you are experiencing abuse call the SAFEline 512-267-SAFE (7233); Text: 737-888-7233; SAFEline Chat;
- Self-harm: If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741)
- Suicide and Crisis: Text or call 988 for emotional support.
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Evidence for Action research grants are geared towards researchers or community-based organizations who may have lost federal funding for racial or Indigenous health equity research, or who are launching new, action-oriented, community-centered projects focused on systems- or structural-level solutions.
Call for Proposals Highlights:
E4A will award up to $5 million through two funding streams:
- Rapid Response Research Awards – for early- to mid-career researchers impacted by federal funding shifts
- New Research Support Awards – for community-driven research advancing racial and Indigenous health equity
Rapid Response proposals are due May 28.
More details can be found here:
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Save the Date!
The City of Austin and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs warmly invite you to attend a
"Get to Know Your Veteran Benefits" briefing.
Event Details:
📅 Wednesday, June 11, 2025
🕒 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
📍 7901 Metropolis Dr. Austin, TX 78744
This informative event will feature presentations designed to educate Veterans and their families about the various benefits they may be eligible for.
The best part? This event is completely free, and no registration is required. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the resources and support available to you.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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On Tuesday, May 13th, The City of Austin's Homeless Strategy Office announced that they are seeking applications in response to this RFA from qualified nonprofit organizations or non-government entities with demonstrated experience in providing supportive services to families experiencing homelessness. During the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 City of Austin budget process, the Austin City Council approved funding to help families exit homelessness and sustain housing. The Homeless Strategy Office is issuing this Request for Applications (RFA) to seek innovative ideas to serve families experiencing homelessness.
Application due date Thursday, June 12, 2025 by 3pm CST. |
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The City of Austin has opened a $5 million funding opportunity for non-profits through Project Connect’s Community Initiated Solutions program. This funding supports efforts to prevent displacement and boost economic mobility for residents near planned transit lines.
Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply online from April 8 to June 13, 2025.
Grants will range from $500,000 to $2 million.
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📅 Festival Dates: Saturday, October 18 – Sunday, November 2, 2025
🌿 Why Host?
- Celebrate trees, pollinators, and many other related aspects of nature in your own, unique way!
- Receive guidance during the planning process, tools for promotion, and many event resources!
- Mini-grants of up to $1,500 available to support your event!
📅 Join us Wed. May 21st, 12-1pm for the Roots & Wings Festival Information Session w/ Q&A
- Zoom details: Register here! (Strongly recommended, but will be recorded)
📝 Apply by August 1, 2025: 2025 Roots & Wings Festival Application
- Click to review it first, and once started, save it every 30 days until submission.
🌐 Visit rootsandwingsfest.com for more information
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The Excellence Project is prepared to offer payment assistance and scholarships on an individual basis. The $200 registration cost does include meals provided for the entire week, a camp t-shirt, and access to the fun event at the end of the camp- SPARK Change camp where they will be visiting Typhoon Texas and AALC will be visiting Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to:
Danielle Williams dwilliams@breakthepipeline.org
Treva Scott tscott@breakthepipeline.org |
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There are general camps, art and music, dance and theater, instructional camps, and sports camps.
Check out summer learning for high school, middle school, elementary school, multilingual, and Special Education Summer Programs.
The City of Austin has therapeutic camps, cultural and art camps, nature, community recreation, and free camps available for Summer 2025.
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The Aquatic Division of Austin Parks and Recreation offers Swim Lessons for all ages and skill levels, first-time swimmers to aspiring competitive swimmers. The recreational Swim Team Program is designed to develop swimmers' potential and foster sportsmanship, team spirit, and lifelong fitness. The program aims to enhance both physical competence and mental fitness, building self-esteem through swimming. Don’t miss out! Swim season is practically here. For program details, visit AustinTexas.gov/Swimming. Register today at AustinTexas.gov/ParksOnline.
Required citation: [PICA-24217], Austin History Center, Austin Public Library |
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The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, will host its annual Stay Black and Live (SB&L) Juneteenth Festival from June 10-14, 2025. In response to the ongoing global health crisis and heightened awareness of the endemic violence experienced by Black communities, SB&L was launched in 2020. What started as a live stream has now become a fixture of Austin’s citywide Juneteenth celebrations.
We welcome volunteers 18+. The Carver will provide volunteers with a free Juneteenth shirt, food, plenty of water, and breaks, especially for those volunteering outside.
✊🏽 Learn more about Stay Black and Live Juneteenth Festival here
✅ Sign up to volunteer here
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NEW: Seeking AISD PFC Board Members
In April 2023, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees approved the formation of the AISD Public Facility Corporation (PFC)—a new initiative focused on supporting housing and facility development for the District.
Now, AISD is inviting community members to apply for one of two open seats on the PFC Board of Directors.
AISD values transparency, community participation, and the importance of reflecting the diverse voices of Austin. The Board is particularly seeking individuals with lived experience related to housing, as well as those with career expertise in real estate, development, or public service.
This is a unique opportunity to shape how AISD addresses the intersection of housing and education—and to ensure the voices of those most impacted are at the table.
The District is committed to creating a Board that mirrors the diversity of the community it serves, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with direct experience in housing development or navigating housing challenges in Austin.
Applications are open now through June 30.
Please note: submitting an application does not guarantee appointment, but all applicants will be thoughtfully considered.
🔗 Learn more and apply here
📧 Questions? Contact Jeremy Striffler, Director of Real Estate, at realestate@austinisd.org
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Our volunteers are the heart of El Buen, generously giving their time and talents to further our mission. Volunteers provide support that allows us to maximize limited resources. You can choose to volunteer in adult education, youth education, food pantry and special events.
All volunteer opportunities require a semester long commitment. For group volunteer opportunities, please contact volunteer@elbuen.org. All in-person volunteer opportunities require COVID-19 vaccination.
See more volunteer opportunities here!
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The City of Austin’s Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) is looking for volunteers to review applications for its Mini and Capacity funding pathways.
GTOPs funds local nonprofits working to expand access to technology, internet, and digital skills in our community. As a reviewer, you’ll help ensure these critical resources reach those who need them most.
What You Need to Know:
- Time Commitment: 10-15 hours total in June
- Virtual Participation: Meetings and reviews are online
- Orientation: May 26, 5-6 PM (virtual)
- Final Reviews Due: June 25
This is a great way to give back, learn about local projects, and help shape Austin’s digital future.
🔗 To volunteer, sign up here.
🔗 Learn more or join the GTOPs mailing list here. |
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As funding and staffing for public health services face growing challenges, volunteers are more essential than ever. The Austin/Travis County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a vital community-based network of volunteers who support emergency preparedness, disaster response, and everyday public health efforts like vaccination clinics and health fairs. Open to anyone over 18 — whether or not you have a medical background — the MRC offers a meaningful way to give back, build skills, and help protect your community. With reduced capacity among health professionals, MRC volunteers play a critical role in keeping our communities safe and resilient. Joining is simple — apply today and be part of the mission!
See the impact here: "Volunteers, Austin Public Health running vaccine clinics to stay ahead of measles outbreak"
Training is held in person every 3rd Tuesday of the month on Microsoft Teams.
Upcoming Dates for Training:
May 20, 2025
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