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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✨Join us for our March EAT Meeting✨
Register here for the March Meeting or just come through!
We are excited to have you for our in-person March EAT meeting on Wednesday, March 27th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. We'll connect over a meal, and then get our meeting started by 6:30pm.
Meeting Location:
Street-Jones Building
1000 East 11t Street #120, 4th Floor Conference Room 400A
Austin, TX 78702
For March, we will learn about updates on SB4 and opportunity for questions and discussion with American Gateways (keeping in mind this is still in flux and changing), updates and engagement opportunities with the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, and information sharing and engagement with the EV (Electric Vehicle) Justice Working Group.
We also reserve time for community updates, shout-outs, and resource sharing, too!
Dinner will be provided and there will be vegan options.
We look forward to being in community with you!
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The State of Immigration in Texas: SB4 + Know Your Rights
The City of Austin Equity Office and Catholic Charities of Central Texas are hosting a workshop about immigration in Texas. They will provide an overview of the new SB4 law and how you can protect your rights under this law.
The Zoom link for this event will be emailed out the day before the event to people who have registered. This workshop will be presented in English with interpretation to Spanish.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Rocío Villalobos – rocio.villalobos@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-7972
RSVP here for the April 4 event in English
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La Oficina de Equidad de la Ciudad de Austin y Catholic Charities of Central Texas están organizando un taller sobre la inmigración en Tejas. Compartirán un resumen de la nueva ley SB4 y cómo puede proteger sus derechos bajo esta ley.
El enlace de Zoom para este evento se enviará por correo electrónico el día antes del evento a las personas que se hayan registrado. Este taller será presentado en inglés con interpretación al español.
Si tiene cualquier pregunta sobre este taller, comuníquese con Rocío Villalobos – rocio.villalobos@austintexas.gov o marque al 512-974-7972
haga clic aquí para reservar su asistencia al evento del 26 de marzo |
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Austinites and employees are invited to meet and hear from the two finalists for the Austin City Manager position at an event on Monday, March 25.
The two candidates under consideration, T.C. Broadnax and Sara Hensley, will be introduced at a Meet the City Manager Candidates event at the Permitting and Development Center Events Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive. The event begins at 6 p.m. and doors will open to the public at 5:30 p.m. Free parking will be provided at the adjacent parking garage, which can be accessed from Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Middle Fiskville Road or East Highland Mall Boulevard.
The public will hear opening remarks, listen to a discussion moderated by veteran Austin news anchor Judy Maggio, and have the opportunity to interact with the candidates at a reception following the program. The event will be aired live on ATXN and in Spanish on ATXN3.
As part of the City Manager recruitment process, the City is inviting community members to submit questions that may be included during the moderated discussion. Questions can be submitted at SpeakUpAustin page or by calling 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. Questions will be accepted until 11 p.m. March 20.
Interpretation services for American Sign Language, Mandarin, Spanish and Vietnamese will be available at the event. Services for other languages can be requested by calling 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 no later than March 20.
Following the event, the public will be invited to give their feedback on the two candidates via a survey. That information will be provided directly to the City Council to help aid in their selection.
Also on March 25, the two candidates will meet with members of the City management team, department directors, staff, public safety unions, and the local chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
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It is with solemn hearts that we announce the loss of our dear friend: Renowned Austin musician
W. C. Clark, who died peacefully on March 2, 2024.
W.C. is known as the Godfather of Austin Blues and his guitar stylings influenced generations of young musicians and blues fans. He frequently appeared at venues on Austin's East side, and many of us knew him as warm and approachable; onstage he was always the consummate professional.
Celebrate his life with us by remembering the good times, and join us in reading about his many achievements and the generations of musicians he mentored and inspired.
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Feminism-A Graphic Guide by Cathia Jenainati, with illustrations by Judy Groves and Jem Milton
For the month of March, we are celebrating Women's History Month by grounding ourselves in the history of feminism and intersectionality, and the "inseparability of race and gender" through Feminism: A Graphic Guide.
What is feminism? Why are we still talking about it, and what can it tell us about ourselves, our societies, and prejudices? In this unique, illustrated introduction, we'll explore the early history of conscious struggle against sexist oppression, through the modern "waves" of feminism, up to present-day conversations about MeToo, intersectional feminism, and women's rights in the Middle East. We'll look at critical theory, popular action and the social and cultural forces that affect attitudes toward gender, women's lives and the struggle for equality. And we'll hear about the contributions of pioneers like Mary Wollstonecraft, Simone de Beauvoir and Kimberlé Crenshaw. As we'll see, feminism is at once global, local and individual.
Written by Cathia Jenainati with illustrations from Judy Groves and Jem Milton, Feminism: A Graphic Guide engages with the heated debates taking place in our homes, workplaces and public spaces - and the work still to be done. |
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SURVEYS & COMMUNITY INPUT |
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Imagine Austin is getting an Update!
A Vision for Austin’s Future: Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all. Austin’s greatest asset is its people: passionate about our city, committed to its improvement, and determined to see this vision become a reality.
– Imagine Austin
If you work for a local non-profit organization or service agency, come and give voice on behalf of those populations you serve!
As a representative from area non-profits or service agencies, you are invited to participate in an upcoming stakeholder meeting for the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Update. Initially adopted in 2012, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that shapes the city by guiding long-term growth, development, and land use decisions. The Planning Department is embarking on a journey to update Imagine Austin.
Our priority is to hear from stakeholders working in these organizations to learn about local voices heard and strategies championed to inform its Comprehensive Plan update. With your help through these listening sessions, the City hopes to inform the community engagement phase of the plan update by capturing how to best reach and amplify the voices of the communities you serve.
You or another organization representative are welcome to a roundtable discussion with the City, and other stakeholders at various dates and locations throughout Austin’s metropolitan area between March 18 and March 29.
Please use this poll to select an available meeting date and time.
We will then follow up to confirm your assigned meeting date, time and place, along with details. Let our team also know if we should reach out to another representative and contact Lilly Swank at lswank@cdandp.com if you have any questions.
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Borrador del Plan de Conservación basado en la Equidad disponible para revisión de la comunidad
El Departamento de Planificación solicita la opinión de la comunidad sobre el borrador del Plan de Conservación basado en la Equidad. El plan nos ayudará a aprender de nuestro pasado para modelar un futuro para todos, y queremos escuchar a muchos habitantes de Austin para asegurarnos de que refleja las prioridades de la comunidad.
El borrador del plan fue elaborado por un grupo de trabajo comunitario con 26 miembros de todo Austin. Más de 300 personas ayudaron a elaborar el borrador a través de una encuesta, grupos de discusión, etc.
Sume su voz: Visite PublicInput.com/ATXpresplan antes del 31 de mayo para compartir lo que le importa.
Próximos eventos incluyen:
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Una Nuts & Bolts Reunión pública, el 28 de marzo, de 5:30 a 8:00 p.m., en la Escuela Baker (3908 Avenue B). Los asistentes podrán revisar los proyectos de recomendaciones que podrían afectar a las propiedades históricas y los procesos de revisión
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Un Block Party, el 20 de abril, de 12.00 a 16.00 horas, en la avenida Givens, en el distrito histórico Rogers Washington Holy Cross. ¡Pase por aquí para dar su opinión sobre el borrador del plan y jugar juegos de conservación!
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Draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan available for community review
The Planning Department is asking for the community’s feedback on the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan. The plan aims to help us learn from our past to shape a future for everyone, and we want to hear from many Austinites to make sure it reflects community priorities.
The draft plan was developed by a community working group with 26 members from across Austin. More than 300 people helped create the draft through a survey, focus groups, and more.
Add your voice: Visit PublicInput.com/ATXpresplan by May 31 to share what matters to you.
Upcoming events include:
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A Nuts & Bolts Open House on March 28, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Baker School (3908 Avenue B). Attendees can review draft recommendations that could impact historic properties and review processes.
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A Block Party on April 20, 12-4 p.m. on Givens Avenue in the Rogers Washington Holy Cross Historic District. Stop by to give input on the draft plan and play preservation games!
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CITY & COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS |
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In the month of March, APL will be celebrating the efforts and accomplishments of women around the world. Join them at one of our many events! |
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Date and Time: Sunday, March 24th; 2-4pm CT
Location: Danzversity Studio (7531 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757
(Danzversity is ADA accessible and .2m walking distance within a CapMetro bus stop).
Guest Speakers:
⭐ Lydia Anoyke, Health Awareness & Youth Empowerment Consultant (HAYEC)-Ghana, Co-Founder
⭐ Mindy Hofman, Women of Austin - Founder
⭐ Izazi Mosli, ASEAN Youth Advocates Network-Brunei, Co-Director
⭐ Jaymie Orozco Howard, Founder, Danzversity
⭐ Candyce Hunt, Career Wellness Strategist & Podcaster
⭐ Kitty McLeod, Illumine Wellness, Chief Solutions Officer
⭐ Faylyn Wang, 17 y.o. Senior at Westlake HS, BRAVE Young Leader, VP
As always, this is a FREE event (refreshments provided) and community members of all ages are welcome! RSVP here: https://betterunite.com/braveccmar24 |
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Exploring the Cultural Tapestry of the Mexican American Community
Learn about the rich history of Austin’s Mexican American community with Art in Public Places commissioned artists, Fidencio Duran and Angel Quesada, at the Mexic-Arte Museum on March 24, 2-4 p.m.
RSVP today to delve into captivating stories, celebrate contributions, and engage with contemporary Latino/Mexican art
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DATE: Thursday, March 28, 2024 - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Calling all advocates for bilingual education!
Get ready for the 2024 Adelante Conference: Bridging Cultures, Empowering Minds! Hosted by the Family and Community Engagement Support Office, Austin ISD Multilingual Department, and AAABE Austin Area Association for Bilingual Education. This event will be presented in Spanish with English interpretation available.
7000 Woodhue Dr, Austin, TX 78745
Don't miss out! Register now: bit.ly/ADELANTE2024
¡Atención a todos los defensores de la educación bilingüe!
¡Prepárense para la Conferencia Adelante 2024: “Uniendo culturas, empoderando mentes”, organizada por la Oficina de Participación Familiar y Comunitaria, el Departamento Multilingüe del Austin ISD y la Asociación del Área de Austin para la Educación Bilingüe (AAABE)!
7000 Woodhue Dr, Austin, TX 78745
¡Regístrense ahora y sean parte de esta experiencia enriquecedora!
bit.ly/ADELANTE2024
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Children of all ages are invited to hunt for the thousands of eggs hidden around the Huston-Tillotson University campus during the 2024 18th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled on Saturday, March 30 at 10 a.m. on the campus at 900 Chicon Street. The Easter egg hunt features a $500 scholarship prize egg, prize eggs for school supplies and gift certificates, eggs with candy and coins, and filled baskets. The event is free and open to the public. |
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You are invited to Breaking Barriers/ Rompiendo Barreras a- free event dedicated to our young people where our Caminantes, young community artists and cultural activists will facilitate an exploration of the powerful idea of Breaking Barriers. What does that mean to our youth? How can we take care of our mental health and heal from past trauma?
We will use art, community, reflection, mindfulness, poetry, & indigenous healing practices to break down barriers!
Students can earn volunteer credit for attending this free event. This event is open to all teens. Free parking is available on-site.
When: Saturday, March 30 · 10am - 2pm
Where:
Montopolis Recreation and Community Center
1200 Montopolis Drive Austin, TX 78741
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will bring together leaders from across the five county Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos Metropolitan area
to explore how we can develop our local workforce through “earn & learn” and other up-skilling programs that help job-seekers connect with local opportunities and our community meet its workforce needs in high-need and high-demand industries.
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Welcome to "It's a Birthing Thang!"
Austin Public Health’s Maternal Infant Outreach Program (MIOP) invites you to participate as we celebrate Black Maternal Health Week. Whether you're a parent-to-be, birth professional, or birth enthusiast, this event is for you.
Date: Sat Apr 13 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: ACC Eastview Campus, African American Cultural Center
Register for 'It's a Birthing Thang' here!
Black Maternal Health Week is observed yearly, April 11th - 17th. This week highlights efforts and collective work in advancing better maternal, reproductive, and birth outcomes for Black Moms and birthing people. Austin is committed to addressing this maternal health crisis by elevating Black voices and building allyship.
In 2020, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 3 times the rate for White women in the United States. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as lower quality healthcare, structural racism, implicit bias from healthcare providers, and underlying chronic conditions (CDC).
For more information:
Cynthia Washington, Program Coordinator
cynthia.washington@austintexas.gov, (737) 268-6312
https://www.austintexas.gov/department/miop
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Join CAN (Community Action Network) for their Race Equity Principles in Practice Training in 2024!
Many of us have taken race equity trainings such as Beyond Diversity or Undoing Racism, and upon finishing, have wondered "what's next?" We have created a series of trainings that will focus on ways to utilize the lessons learned in these race equity trainings in our daily lives, in our work, and in our community. The series of trainings will require you to reflect on your past racialized experiences, research your community and nation's racial history, and learn about ways to actively engage in local work aimed at addressing racial inequality.
In order to participate in the series, you would need to be able to attend all 4 sessions in the series as each session builds off each other. All sessions will be on Zoom from 11:30am - 1 pm. A calendar invite with the Zoom login credentials will be sent to you after you register.
Sign up for the October 2024 Race Equity Principles in Practice Series here
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Asian Family Support Services in Austin extends a warm invitation to community leaders and experts to join us in sharing their insights and skills, contributing to the success and impact of this conference--Partners in Progress: Disrupting Violence, Building Hope. Together, we strive to create a collaborative space where knowledge and experience converge to enhance our understanding of violence prevention.
PARTners in Progress offers three distinct tracks: Youth Leadership, Community Healing, and Policy. Each track is designed to address specific populations and their roles in collective violence prevention.
If you have a presentation, would like to host a panel discussion, or have another idea for a summit session that fits within one of these three focus areas...
Please submit a proposal by visiting https://e.givesmart.com/events/AsH/page/call-for-proposals/.
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Playdates in the Park is an inclusive, free community event series designed to activate families with young children. Enjoy story time, make crafts, and MOVE AND GROOVE with our friends from Creative Action! Music & Movement sessions are active and designed to inspire creativity, encourage physical and emotional development, and support bonding and connection for parents and children.
Sessions contain singing, beatboxing, guided movement exercises, and end in a dance party for the whole family! Playdates begin at 10 a.m. and end around noon.
Check out movie dates and locations at a park near you here!
Austin Parks Foundation's Movies in the Park is a free series of films in partnership with Rocket Cinema. For over 10 years, APF has brought movies to neighborhood parks across Austin ensuring Austinites of all backgrounds have access to free outdoor entertainment.
100 free bags of popcorn are available at each screening, courtesy of Cornucopia Popcorn.
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GRANTS | TRAINING | SERVICES |
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Get a free ride from CapMetro to APL Eclipse parties!
The deadline to request your pass is Thursday, April 4th @ 4 pm.
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The Austin ISD Ombuds Office is officially open to help families find information, discuss issues and find resolutions.
What does the Ombuds Office do?
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Provide students, families, and community members with a confidential, informal, impartial and independent resource to discuss questions, issues and concerns about Austin ISD,
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Clarify concerns and explore options for resolutions,
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Gather information and the perspectives of others to help resolve issues,
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Advocate for fair and equitable processes,
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And more!
Why it matters: The Ombuds Office operates by the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) to serve the interest of the district’s constituents.
How it works: Make an appointment by phone (512-414-9600), email (ombuds@austinisd.org) or filling out an appointment request form.
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In Case You Missed It: Energy, Equity & Housing Livestream
Low-income people in Texas face serious challenges in securing accessible and affordable air conditioning, temperature control, and utilities in their homes. This is why we were so proud to present 'Energy Equity & Housing' livestream, to hopefully provide useful information and framing for our efforts to make a difference in improving housing conditions for low-income Texans.
If you were unable to watch the panel in its entirety or would like to share the event, we are happy to share the recording of the livestream.
We also wanted to share with you a few resources mentioned on the livestream from our panelists:
The Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI) has released their 2023 Community Voices in Energy Survey regional profiles. Check back with TEPRI later on this year for the release of the statewide summary.
Rep. Sheryl Cole shared information about her bill from the last legislative session, 88(R) HB 2592, which would improve air conditioning protections for renters.
Thank you again to our amazing panelists Rep. Sheryl Cole, Bobuchi Ken-Opurum (TEPRI), and Carol Biedrzycki.
And thank you for being part of the movement for low-income housing in Texas!
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The City of Austin's Economic Development Department (EDD) recently deepened collaboration with Capital IDEA, supporting career pathways in healthcare. This partnership empowers individuals, develops a skilled local workforce, and sees remarkable progress in the Nursing Pilot program, contributing to the local healthcare sector's growth.
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