Equity Action Team Newsletter [Equity Office logo and slogan] Critical Love in Practice]

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
Join our In-person October Equity Action Team Meeting! Wednesday, October 25, 6pm-8:30pm at the Street-Jones Building, 1000 East 11th St #120, 4th floor conference room, Austin, TX 78702. Register today: bit.ly/OctoberEAT
✨Join us the October EAT Meeting✨

Register here for October!

 

The next EAT meeting will be Wednesday, October 25th at the Street-Jones Building. 

 

We will expand discussion and learning about people and places impacted in Montopolis and hear from residents and organizations from the Montopolis area and learn how we can support. 
Join the City of Austin Investing in Community-Joint Inclusion Budget Town Halls to share interests and concerns about your community with commissioners. We want to hear from you! October 18, 6:30pm-8pm, Virginia Brown Rec Center/St. John's Library Branch, October 24 12pm-1:30pm via Zoom, and November 4, 11am-12:30pm, Wildflower Community. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/JIC_InvestsATX25. Language interpretation will be provided at all sessions in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and ASL. Request additional interpretation by calling 3-1-1 no later than five days before the meeting you wish to attend. For additional requests or for accommodations, please contact Alejandra Mireles 512-97408045.
For more information, including flyers in other languages, visit: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/joint-inclusion-budget-town-halls
Austin Public Library Enhanced Library Card. The Austin Public Library Enhanced Library Card is a full-access library card for Austin residents (18 or older) that includes your library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, the expiration date, and a scannable barcode. The card can be used at al Austin Public Library locations, as well as online to access our eBooks and other digital resources, and is accepted by many local organizations and government agencies as a valid photo ID. Starting May 1, 2023, the card will be available at three Austin Public Library locations: Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln, St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Avel, and Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd. More information and a list of agencies that will accept the Enhanced Library card at: library.austintexas.gov/enhanced
Stop by one of the three pilot locations and get yours today and help us spread the word within your communities.
LEARNING FROM HISTORY
Black and white photo of three children standing in front of their home with the Tank Farms visible in the background in close proximity to their home.

TANK FARM: ORGANIZING FOR JUSTICE

In an early celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day, explore the history of People Organized in Defense of Earth and her Resources (PODER) with this online exhibition, TANK FARM: ORGANIZING FOR JUSTICE. The exhibit traces' PODER's work as they organized with other Black and brown organizations against the East Austin tank farms. PODER's story illustrates the powerful work that continues to be done by our indigenous communities today.  
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
An animated girl with dark hair against a yellow background is reading a book with a dark pink cover. She has flowers and stars in her hair. 'What We're Reading: Check out these recs from the Equity Office!'
Rivermouth: A Chronicle of Language, Faith, and Migration by Alejandra Oliva. [cover of the book has a photo of the Rio Grande River and red lines showing crossing paths from Mexico into south Texas]
 
 
In 'Rivermouth,' Alejandra Oliva, a Mexican-American translator and immigrant justice activist, shares her heartfelt memoir about working at the US-Mexico border. Through vivid storytelling, she reveals her experiences assisting asylum seekers and explores her family's connection to the border across generations. Oliva delves into the physical spaces of immigration, from the river that separates the two countries to the table where she prepares asylum seekers, and the imposing wall that marks the southern border. With beautiful prose, she prompts us to ponder tough questions about American citizenship, conditional aid, and our responsibility to the disenfranchised. Oliva's book is both analytical and compassionate, urging us to fight for a better world. 
Book covers 9 books listed as Indigenous People's Day Reading Guide books.

Looking for additional ways to learn honor Indigenous Peoples' Day? Check out this Indigenous Peoples’ Day Reading Guide create by Austin Public Library.
SURVEYS & COMMUNITY INPUT
[English] The City of Austin and CapMetro invite you to join our Community Workshops! Thurs Oct 19 4pm-8pm @TA Brown Elementary School, Sat Oct 21, 10am-2pm @St. Elmo Elementary School. By Project Connect, Austin Transit Partnership and City of Austin.
[Spanish] La Ciudad de Austin y CapMetro initan a unirse a nuestros Tallere Comunitarios! Jueves 19 Octubre, 4pm-8pm @TA Brown Elementary School. Sab 21 de octubre, 10am-2pm @St. Elmo Elementary School. Project Connect, Austin Transiti Partnership, CapMetro, y City of Austin.

CapMetro & the City of Austin invite you to help shape the North Lamar and South Congress Transit Center Station Area Vision Plans at two upcoming workshops! We’ll share options for the future of these transit centers based on feedback from this spring. Snacks and kid-friendly activities provided, along with a resource fair with healthcare providers, assistance agencies, workforce training opportunities, CapMetro services, and more.

 

The Details:

Thursday 10/19, 4-8pm at TA Brown Elementary School 

Saturday 10/21, 10am-2pm at St. Elmo Elementary School 

Click here to RSVP!
Creative Space Visioning Workship: Oct 10, 6pm-8pm, Park in the Garage @6234 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752. AEDC, Rude Mechs, and Austin Bat Cave.

Creative Space Visioning Workshop

 

On behalf of the Austin Economic Development Corporation, Rude Mechanics, Austin Bat Cave and Creative Policy. We are excited to announce our upcoming creative space visioning workshop scheduled for October 10th! This interactive workshop aims to gather invaluable insights and ideas from our vibrant community as we envision the future of the new creative space.

Event Details:

Date: October 10th, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: New Creative Space, 6234 Middle Fiskville Road

 

This session is designed for creative minds and community members to contribute their unique perspectives to the preliminary design phase of the center. Together, we'll explore potential events, activities, and the overall environment that will define this new arts space in the heart of our community.

 

We cordially invite you to participate in this collaborative process. Your input will be crucial in crafting a space that not only represents but also serves and celebrates the diverse tapestry of our local arts and cultural scene.

 

How You Can Help:

  • Attend the Workshop: Join us for an evening of imaginative brainstorming and proactive planning.
  • Spread the Word: Share this invitation with friends, family, colleagues, and anyone interested in shaping the future of arts and creativity in our community.
Learning from our past to shape a future for everyone

What’s happening with the preservation plan?

The draft plan will be released in 2024: Stay tuned for more precise timing. We’re working with a consultant to make sure we effectively engage the full range of community members and stakeholders. Let your voice be heard by taking the two surveys below!
Austin Police Department Strategic Planning: Community Input Sessions. The Austin Police Department invites the public for open house meetings to discuss the future of APD.

Austin Police Department's Community Input Sessions

The Austin Police Department would like your feedback as part of the development of the Strategic Plan. This plan will focus on providing direction and establishing priorities as our department continues to grow and change, as technology evolves, as demands shift and as APD and our community face new challenges and opportunities.

 

The intent is to look at implementing a plan that helps APD build a department that is innovative, transparent, community-focused, and highly trained. This plan will communicate our overall direction, forming a logical framework that connects our goals, strategies, and measures, which can be applied to everyday work.

 

Next Session is Tuesday, Oct. 10

Register for the session and learn more here

 

What: APD Strategic Plan Open House Community Input Sessions 

When: Tue, Oct 10 6:30 PM 

Where: Gethsemane Lutheran Church, West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX, USA

Questions or need assistance? Email: apdstrategicplan2023@publicinput.com 

 

Feedback is also being accepted on the Speakup Austin website: https://www.speakupaustin.org/t4622
Asian American Resource Center front of the modern building with some traditional Japanese elements to the building
Have you recently attended an event at the Asian American Resource Center (AARC)?
Please take a few moments to fill out our Program & Events survey 
so that we can continue planning programs for the community. 

 

Read the AARC Annual Report now! This report highlights the AARC's past fiscal year's events, exhibits, programs, and the communities served. Translated text for the AARC Annual Report is available in Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Burmese.
GRANTS & CONTESTS
What is SSES?

What is SSES?

Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) are $1,500 one-time online grants for parents/caregivers of eligible students served by special education. Families of eligible students can use the online accounts to obtain educational materials, resources, and/or services such as additional speech therapy or other specific services. Watch the video below to learn more.

 

Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) Parent Webinar Overview - YouTube
 
Climate Career Pathways Scholarship Fund [A woman of color is holding up a lighbulb while standing in front of solar panels]
Dream.org's Climate Career Pathways Scholarship Application is open!
Application Deadline TODAY October 6th by 11:59pm Pacific time!
At Dream.Org, we understand that equipping our generation with the skills to combat and adapt to this change is paramount. We believe in creating pathways for untapped talent to pioneer green innovation, foster sustainable development, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
 
As part of our commitment, we are launching the Climate Career Pathways Scholarship Fund. We are investing in future leaders of the Climate and Sustainability sectors by providing up to $3,500 in scholarships for trainings, courses and professional certifications in these fields.
 
CITY & COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
HRD: Human Resources Department presents City of Austin Community Job Fair. October 10, 2023, 11am-2pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752. Join us to network and connect with City of Austin departments and local employers to learn about job opportunities. Open to people from all backgrounds, including justice involved individuals, veterans, individuals 50+, and people with disabilities. Bring your resume and dress for success! Register today at: AustinTexas.gov/JobFairs. For more information, contact (512) 974-3210 or employment.services@austintexas.gov
[English] Double Up Food Bucks Austin: A Sustainable Food Center Program Now Available at Randall's Grocery Store, 2025 W Ben White Blvd, Mon-Sun 6am-11pm. Spend $5, earn $5 on fresh fruits and vegetables when using your SNAP EBT Card and Randalls 4 U Account.
[Spanish] Double Up Food Bucks Austin: A Sustainable Food Center Program. Ya Disponible! En tienda de comestibles Randalls 2025 W Ben White Blvd, Lun-Dom, 6am-11pm. Gaste $5, Gane $5 en frutas y verduras cuando se usa su tarjeta de estampillas SNAP EBT y su cuenta Randalls 4U.
When it comes to fresh fruits and veggies for you and the people you love, the more the better.💚🍏That’s why we’re excited to share that @randalls_stores Ben White Blvd. is now a @doubleuptexas retailer!
SNAP participants can stop by Randalls Ben White Blvd. (2025 W Ben White Blvd.) Mon. - Sun. from 6 AM - 11 PM and earn DOUBLE the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables when you spend $5 on produce using your SNAP EBT card and Randalls 4U Loyalty account.

Simply enter your Randalls 4U account phone number at the register, buy $5 or more of fresh
produce with your SNAP EBT Card, and earn a $5 Double Up Food Bucks coupon printed on
your receipt*.

*Must spend a minimum of $5 to receive match funds. Funds will not be matched over $5.
Customers may earn one match ($5/day) per household. There is no limit on how many
earned match funds can be spent at a time. Your #DoubleUpFoodBucks expiration date will be
printed on the receipt.
 
*****
En el tema de productos frescos para usted y sus queridos, mientras más, mejor.💚🍏
Por eso estamos felices de compartir que @randalls_stores Ben White Blvd (2025 W Ben White Blvd) ya es un minorista de @doubleuptexas!

Los participantes del programa SNAP pueden visitar Randalls lun. - dom. de 6 AM hasta 11 PM y ganar el DOBLE de frutas y verduras frescas cuando se usa su tarjeta SNAP EBT y cuenta Randalls 4U.

Simplemente gaste $5 o más en las frutas y verduras con la tarjeta SNAP EBT, ingrese el número celular asociado con su cuenta Randalls 4U, y obtenga $5 adicionales en Double Up Food Bucks impresos en el recibo.*

*Debe gastar un mínimo de $5 para obtener fondos complementarios. No se le podrán dar fondos complementarios arriba de $5. Los participantes puedan ganar en montos de $5 en fondos complementarios por cada cliente, familia. No hay un límite en cuántos fondos complementarios ganados podrán ser gastados en una vez. Los fondos complementarios se expiran en la fecha impresa en el recibo.
HRD: Human Resources Department presents City of Austin Community Job Fair. October 10, 2023, 11am-2pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752. Join us to network and connect with City of Austin departments and local employers to learn about job opportunities. Open to people from all backgrounds, including justice involved individuals, veterans, individuals 50+, and people with disabilities. Bring your resume and dress for success! Register today at: AustinTexas.gov/JobFairs. For more information, contact (512) 974-3210 or employment.services@austintexas.gov

HOPE FEST - FESTIVAL DE ESPERANZA  |  SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023  |  9:30AM TO 3PM AT NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL

In its 18th year, HopeFest ’23 will continue to bring a day of celebration and service to the St. John and surrounding communities! We’ll have the full range of services, including health, vision, dental, housing, employment, health insurance, family programs, Blue Santa registration, youth programs and much more, along with children’s activities (crafts, climbing wall, moonwalks, ponies, kiddie train and more), lunch (catered by Amaya’s Taco village), a live music stage, free trees from Treefolks, bikes to be raffled, food from the Central Texas Food Bank and lots of performances and displays from our Northeast area schools.

 

This year, we also have a job fair in collaboration with Workforce Solutions that will bring 30 employers to HopeFest! It’s going to be a great day in the community! Our expected attendance is 4,000, with 170 exhibitors.

 

Exhibitors will have tables with their information, giveaways, games and activities. HopeFest will provide tables and chairs. While some exhibitors will be inside or under covered walkways, please bring a tent if you have one. We also have extra tents for exhibitors to use.

 

For more information, visit: https://www.austinvoices.org/event/hopefest-23/

To register as an exhibitor, click here.

We need approximately 250 volunteers for HopeFest. Click here to volunteer.

 

Other questions about HopeFest? Contact Allen Weeks, AVEY Director, at aweeks@austinvoices.org
Learn from our past to shape a future for everyone. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes Hispanic and Latino/a/x/e history, traditions, and culture from September 15 to October 15. The City's Trnasportation and Public Works Department is celebrating by highlighting local streets named after prominent Hispanic community leaders. Read about: Calle Limon, Nash Hernandez Sr. Road, Cepeda Street.
HRD: Human Resources Department presents City of Austin Community Job Fair. October 10, 2023, 11am-2pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752. Join us to network and connect with City of Austin departments and local employers to learn about job opportunities. Open to people from all backgrounds, including justice involved individuals, veterans, individuals 50+, and people with disabilities. Bring your resume and dress for success! Register today at: AustinTexas.gov/JobFairs. For more information, contact (512) 974-3210 or employment.services@austintexas.gov
The Art of Surviving State Violence by Texas After Violence Project at Austin Cinemaker Space, 2200 Tillery St. Austin, TX 78702 on Friday, October 13, 6:30pm-9pm.

Join Texas After Violence's "The Art of Surviving State Violence"

event coming up on Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Austin Cinemaker Space located at 2200 Tillery St., Austin, TX 78722

 

Texas After Violence Project is a public memory archive that fosters deeper understandings of the impacts of state violence. Our mission is to help build power with directly impacted communities, centering their dignity, agency, and expertise to cultivate restorative and transformative justice.

 

Our vision is a culture of care that addresses and prevents violence without compounding harm and trauma. A culture that centers the needs of victims, survivors, and their loved ones through community-based accountability and healing. Where family and community relationships that have been torn apart by the carceral state have been mended.
Early Childhood Town Hall, Wed Nov 1 6pm at ACC Eastview Campus, Auditorium 8500
HRD: Human Resources Department presents City of Austin Community Job Fair. October 10, 2023, 11am-2pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752. Join us to network and connect with City of Austin departments and local employers to learn about job opportunities. Open to people from all backgrounds, including justice involved individuals, veterans, individuals 50+, and people with disabilities. Bring your resume and dress for success! Register today at: AustinTexas.gov/JobFairs. For more information, contact (512) 974-3210 or employment.services@austintexas.gov
Apply for U.S. Citizenship!
HRD: Human Resources Department presents City of Austin Community Job Fair. October 10, 2023, 11am-2pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752. Join us to network and connect with City of Austin departments and local employers to learn about job opportunities. Open to people from all backgrounds, including justice involved individuals, veterans, individuals 50+, and people with disabilities. Bring your resume and dress for success! Register today at: AustinTexas.gov/JobFairs. For more information, contact (512) 974-3210 or employment.services@austintexas.gov
HRD: Human Resources Department presents City of Austin Community Job Fair. October 10, 2023, 11am-2pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752. Join us to network and connect with City of Austin departments and local employers to learn about job opportunities. Open to people from all backgrounds, including justice involved individuals, veterans, individuals 50+, and people with disabilities. Bring your resume and dress for success! Register today at: AustinTexas.gov/JobFairs. For more information, contact (512) 974-3210 or employment.services@austintexas.gov
Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Latino Heritage Month!

 

Starting on the 15th, Austin Public Library is celebrating Hispanic Latino Heritage Month with a variety of cultural experiences designed to enlighten and empower our community. 

 

Find a movie screening, concert, craft class or workshop near you!

 

Comenzando el 15 de septiembre, Austin Public Library estaremos celebrando el Mes de la Herencia Latinoamericana con una variedad de experiencias culturales diseñadaspara empoderar nuestra comunidad.

 

¡Encuentre una proyección de película, un concierto, una clase de manualidades o un taller cerca de usted!
Austin Vida October Cultura Guide

What's in the October Cultura Guide?

 

💃🏻 Where to wrap up National Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

🕯️ How to kick off Día de los Muertos celebrations. 

 

🎨 Where to pay tribute to Frida Kahlo. 

 

🎶 Where to catch live música ranging from flamenco to Mexican regional music.

💪  How to level up at Latina empowerment events. 

 

        It's all in here 👇👇👇👇
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer opportunities in Austin schools through Austin Partners in Education (APE)

TreeFolks Upcoming Events

 

Tree planting season starts soon – volunteer to help us get ready! 

 

🌳Weds Sept 27th @ Blair Woods Nature Preserve: Tree ID Walk | 6:00-7:30pm | Learn more

🌳Weds Sept 27th @ TreeFolks Office: Volunteer Workday at the TreeFolks Nursery | 9:00am-12:00pm | RSVP here

🌳Thurs Sept 28th @ TreeFolks Office: Volunteer Workday at the TreeFolks Nursery | 9:00am-12:00pm | RSVP here

🌳Sat Sept 30th @ TreeFolks Office: Volunteer Workday at the TreeFolks Nursery | 9:00am-12:00pm | RSVP here

🌳Fri Oct 6th @ TreeFolks Office: Treerobics | 12:00-2:00pm | RSVP here

🌳Sat Oct 7th @ Dove Springs Rec Center: NeighborWoods Tree Adoption Event | 11:00am-3:00pm | Learn more
Casa Marienella needs volunteers.
HRD: Human Resources Department presents City of Austin Community Job Fair. October 10, 2023, 11am-2pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752. Join us to network and connect with City of Austin departments and local employers to learn about job opportunities. Open to people from all backgrounds, including justice involved individuals, veterans, individuals 50+, and people with disabilities. Bring your resume and dress for success! Register today at: AustinTexas.gov/JobFairs. For more information, contact (512) 974-3210 or employment.services@austintexas.gov
HRD: Human Resources Department presents City of Austin Community Job Fair. October 10, 2023, 11am-2pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752. Join us to network and connect with City of Austin departments and local employers to learn about job opportunities. Open to people from all backgrounds, including justice involved individuals, veterans, individuals 50+, and people with disabilities. Bring your resume and dress for success! Register today at: AustinTexas.gov/JobFairs. For more information, contact (512) 974-3210 or employment.services@austintexas.gov
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