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 May EAT Meeting✨
Register here for the May Meeting or just come through!
We are excited to have you for our in-person May EAT meeting on Wednesday, May 29th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. We'll connect over a meal, and then get our meeting started by 6:30pm.
Join us for the May EAT Meeting:
Street-Jones Building
1000 E 11th Street #120, 4th Floor
Conference Room 400A
Austin, TX 78702
For May...
Dinner will be provided and there will be vegan options. Please bring your reusable water bottle so that we can reduce waste.
We look forward to being in community with you!
As always, you can reach out to the Equity Office at our team email: equity@austintexas.gov and we'll answer your questions or find someone who can answer them!
With gratitude for our amazing EAT,
-Natalie Hulsey, Equity Office Public Information Specialist, Sr. and the Equity Office team |
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On Saturday on May 4th (also known as Star Wars Day-"May the force/fourth be with you!") , the "force" was with the 30+ participants and the many volunteers who joined the Equity Office and American Gateways for our Spring Citizenship Clinic!
In partnership with American Gateways, the Equity Office has been hosting Fall and Spring information sessions leading up to a Citizenship Clinic.
At the Citizenship Clinic, attendees were able to:
Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers, and congratulations to those attending on starting your journey to naturalization and becoming a U.S. Citizen!
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Due to changes in Meta's archiving capabilities, the EAT Facebook Group will no longer be used starting April 20.To ensure transparency and legal compliance, we're switching to a Facebook Business Page at https://www.facebook.com/CityofAustinEquityOffice
for our communications.
Stay connected with us!
- The City of Austin is required by law to archive the contents of its social media accounts for records retention and Public Information Requests (PIR).
- Meta will be discontinuing third-party access to the Facebook Groups API—which means we will no longer be able to archive any of our current Facebook Groups.
- Since the ability to archive is an essential function of any social media platform we use, the City has decided to stop using Facebook Groups and we will be moving our communications over to https://www.facebook.com/CityofAustinEquityOffice
- We recognize the value of this Group and the interruption this change will cause. It is our goal to make this as seamless a transition as possible.
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For May and recognition of Mental Health Month, we're remembering and honoring a mental health pioneer and former UT professor, Dr. Melvin Sikes.
"Author, educator, and psychologist Dr. Melvin P. Sikes was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the renowned unit of African American fighter pilots who flew during World War II. After the war, he embarked on a career in academic psychology that eventually led him to the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a professor of education psychology and a one-time member of the Hogg Foundation’s National Advisory Council."
--by Kate Rooni | Feb 22, 2024 | 4ABHN, archives, Blog, Children, Community, Declaration of Racism as a Mental Health Crisis, Education, Events, Justice, Podcast, Podcast, Racism, University of Texas
From The Hogg Foundation archives, we hope you'll tune in to this recorded shared broadcast (with commentary from today) called
The Human Condition. This broadcast was hosted by former Hogg program officer Bert Kruger Smith, and it shared lived experiences of people and mental health between 1971 and 1983.
On Into the Fold, a current podcast, you'll hear commentary on
The Human Condition episode featuring Dr. Sikes and some of his former students and colleagues. Providing commentary in the context of today, you'll hear Ike Evans, Hogg Foundation communications manager, and Elizabeth Stauber, the foundation's archivist and records manager, as they listen in to Dr. Sikes and others.
Image courtesy of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health - The University of Texas at Austin,
Honoring a Mental Health Pioneer |
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For May, we're diving into the Equity Office's growing library of books, curated by our team! In our April EAT meeting, many folx in the EAT spoke about the protests in solidarity with Palestine and Gaza at the University of Texas, and frustrations they were feeling at the response from the Governor and the State.
There is a robust history of protests on university campuses, which led us to this month's book recommendation:
In the post–World War II period, students rebelled against the university establishment. In student-led movements, women, minorities, immigrants, and indigenous people demanded that universities adapt to better serve the increasingly heterogeneous public and student bodies. The success of these movements had a profound impact on the intellectual landscape of the twentieth century: out of these efforts were born ethnic studies, women’s studies, and American studies.
In
We Demand, Roderick A. Ferguson demonstrates that less than fifty years since this pivotal shift in the academy, the university is moving away from “the people” in all their diversity. Today the university is refortifying its commitment to the defense of the status quo off campus and the regulation of students, faculty, and staff on campus. The progressive forms of knowledge that the student-led movements demanded and helped to produce are being attacked on every front. Not only is this a reactionary move against the social advances since the ’60s and ’70s—it is part of the larger threat of anti-intellectualism in the United States.
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SURVEYS & COMMUNITY INPUT
(Note-Images link too!) |
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Austin Water Public Input Opportunity on their Cost of Service Study
A Cost-of-Service Rate Study is being conducted now by Austin Water, with a goal of increasing affordability for customers, while improving and maintaining critical utility infrastructure for extreme weather and a growing population.
Austin Water invites its customers to attend one of several Open Houses over the next several weeks to learn about their water and wastewater system, planned investments, and how these investments may impact rates in the coming year.
As Austin Water seeks to improve system resiliency, keep pace with a growing population, and optimize the system, water and wastewater, rate increases may be needed in 2025.
Open House attendees will have a chance to ask staff questions and share their feedback.
Open houses run from May 23 to June 22nd across the City at various libraries and Recreation Centers.The schedule of Open Houses, their locations and times can be found here at Austin Water's Speak Up Austin page.
In-Person Open Houses: No formal presentation will be made. Customers can drop in at any time to view materials and speak with Austin Water officials. Representatives from customer service will be on hand to answer billing questions. Comment cards will be provided.
Can't make it in-person? Join the virtual Open House on Thursday, June 13 from 6pm-7pm.
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Austin ISD needs your help in reimagining the former Metz Elementary School outdoor space after earning a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support outdoor learning.
Why it matters: The new Metz Outdoor Wonder and Learning Center aims to cultivate outdoor learning experiences to benefit the whole Austin ISD community.
The backstory: Since closing its doors as a school campus in 2020, Metz has served as a community resource.
What’s next: The Metz OWL Center project is in the early planning stages. The goal is for the space to welcome students and teachers beginning the 2025-26 school year.
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ENG: Project FEASible is a research study that uses sensors like smartwatches and smartphones to identify factors that may be related to women’s risk for metabolic and cardiovascular disease. This study has monetary compensation. If you are between the ages of 18-40 age and would like to learn more, email Tania Ramos-Santiago at taniaramos@utexas.edu or Andreana Haley at haley@austin.utexas.edu. The University of Texas at Austin IRB approved this study.
ESP: El Proyecto FEASible es un estudio de investigación que utiliza sensores como relojes inteligentes y teléfonos inteligentes para identificar factores que pueden estar relacionados con el riesgo de enfermedades metabólicas y cardiovasculares de las mujeres. Este estudio ofrece compensación monetaria. Si tiene entre 18 y 40 años y desea obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a Tania Ramos-Santiago a taniaramos@utexas.edu o a Andreana Haley a haley@austin.utexas.edu. La Universidad de Texas en Austin IRB aprueba este estudio. |
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Thank you to everyone who joined the Office of Police Oversight for the second quarterly Police Oversight Implementation Workgroup meeting on February 22, 2024.
- If you attended but could not complete a survey, you can fill one out here to let us know what you think! Submissions close on June 3rd, 2024.
- Our next
meeting will be on June 13, 2024 at 6:00 pm, and will be hosted on Zoom. You can register for the meeting here.
- Want to stay informed on our next meeting date? Sign up for OPO's email newsletter for the latest update.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please email OPO.Outreach@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-9090.
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CITY & COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
(Note-Images link too!) |
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Celebrating Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
May marks a special time for us to honor the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of our Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
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The City of Austin's Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is hosting its annual CelebrASIA Austin event, featuring performances, art, culture, food, and more!
This free, family-friendly festival will take place during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11am to 3pm.
The main stage will be indoors in the AARC ballroom, with special performances from a wide range of groups, including Heavenly Dragon Lion Dance Association, Austin Kyudo, Aiping Tai Chi, Chinese Society of Austin, Korean American Association of Greater Austin, Nana Dance, Odissi Dance Company, Xiquan Wang, Austin Folk Dance & Music Group, KhushATX, QiLi Dance, Austin Uri Karak Dance Group, FASCA, Austin Moonflower Performing Arts Group, Senior Bollywoord Dance Group, Austin Matu Hula, G-Force, and Saloni Dance Group.T
he AARC’s classrooms will be transformed into cultural experience rooms, where you can immerse in hands-on cultural experiences.
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Cultivate Mental Wellness, Embrace Serenity, and Find Balance while Honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage & Mental Health Awareness Month with BRAVE Communities!
😌 We invite you to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage and Mental Health Awareness month in May. Step into a sanctuary of balance, mindfulness, and empowerment as you join us for our FREE monthly BRAVE Communities Connection - Harmony in Motion: Tai Chi for Wellness, Mental Health, and AAPI Awareness in May! In this immersive and inclusive gathering, we aim to create a nurturing space that celebrates cultural heritage while prioritizing the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit.
🧘🏾 Through an engaging introduction to Tai Chi philosophy and its benefits, attendees will gain insights into the rich history and meaning of culture and serenity. Led by an experienced instructor, Vince Cobalis, participants will be guided through Tai Chi movements, allowing them to experience the flow of harmony and energy. As we move together in a CommUNITY practice session, we'll foster connections and unity - embracing the diversity that enriches our shared experience.
RSVP at https://betterunite.com/braveccmay24
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The festival showcases contemporary films and videos from Latin America (North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean) and the Iberian Peninsula. Films and videos made by or about Latinos & Latinas in the U.S. or the rest of the world, as well as films and videos by or about Indigenous groups of the Americas are also invited to participate.
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"The Price is Right?" How the City of Austin Spends Your Money
Tuesday, May 21st from 6pm to 8pm at Austin PBS
It's the city’s budget like you’ve never seen it before… live, on-stage, and actually fun! Learn more about how the city spends your money, play a real game of The Price Is Right, and discover how you can make your voice be heard on this important issue.
And that’s not all!
The event will also include:
- the opportunity to meet with candidates running to be the next mayor of Austin
- a budget “store,” where you get to decide where the city should spend its money… featuring real-live monopoly dollars!
- drinks, mingling, and fun!
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Join Central Health, the driving force behind equitable healthcare in Travis County, in a conversation about how they're helping more people get the healthcare they need. You'll hear from the Central Health Board Chair, President & CEO, and other health leaders.
Register here.
When: Tuesday, May 21st, 11 AM - 1 PM
Where: Southeast Health & Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis Dr |
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How do you think about civic duty? Do we have responsibilities as citizens? Are they optional?
Join KUT News and
1A's Jenn White for pre-event networking and a live conversation exploring how our individual civic duty contributes to how well our democracy works. The conversation will be recorded for potential later use in a national broadcast of
1A.
This community conversation is part of KUT’s participation in the "1A Remaking America” project, a two-year collaborative effort examining the local causes and effects of a nationally growing distrust in institutions.
RSVP here for Civics 101: What is your Civit Duty?
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 from 6pm-8pm
Doors at 6:00 p.m.
Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Rollins Theater at The Long Center - 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704*
Complimentary parking for the first 200 vehicles.
A cash bar will be available.
*The Long Center is accessible via public transit, including CaptMetro routes 1, 3, 7, 10, 20, 30, 801 and 803.
KUT News is a non-profit newsroom. Donations from individuals like you help keep our content and events free to all.
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allgo presents...Baile: Queer Night on the Ranch May 25, 2024
Now more than ever do we need spaces where we can reconnect with community, ground ourselves in love and joy and refill our own cups before we can continue pouring into others. That is why Baile is back for 2024 and we’re queering the scene so put on your boots and jeans! We will be playing the hits that stick like grits. Grab a dance Partner(s) and tell a friend so we can let all the queer and trans joy right on in. Tickets will be on sale while supplies last so mark those calendars; come have a blast! Let this celebration foster connection and liberation. We will have food, drinks and performers and will be honoring an allgo champion for their years of service to allgo and the community at large. Meet us at Esquina Tango Saturday May 25, 2024 from 7pm to 10:30pm for an evening of great vibes on an ATX night. Make use of the long weekend as we dance the night away under the proverbial stars.
Use the Promo Code "BAILEHOLDEM" to get 25% OFF! (Good Until 5/11)
Volunteers Get in Free! Click here and select from our shift options!
Please help allgo get the word out about this wonderful night!
This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department.
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Latinapalooza: Free Event!
What: Enjoy the free Latinapalooza show featuring top Latina acts like Bidi Bidi Banda, Llamativa, Mariachi Las Coronelas, The Tiarras, and Patricia Vonne. Latinapalooza, Austin's premiere Latina/Hispanic music showcase, connects culture and community. Sponsored by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division and Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, this free, family-friendly outdoor event celebrates East Austin's cultural heart with diverse musical performances.
When: Sunday, May 26th, 12 PM - 5 PM
Where: Lampkin Pavilion in Rosewood Park, 1182 North Pleasant Valley Rd |
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GRANTS | TRAINING | SERVICES |
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In partnership with the United Negro College Fund, the Center for Black Educator Development’s Black Teacher Pipeline Fellowship provides:
- Up to $5,000 annually for four years
- Up to $20,000 in stipends at the start of your fifth year of teaching
- Academic support and professional coaching
Students who participate in CBED’s Teaching Academy or Freedom Schools Literacy Academy are eligible for this Black Teacher Pipeline Fellowship. All Black Teacher Pipeline fellows are expected to engage in CBED programs, maintain a high GPA, and complete additional coursework.
The deadline to submit an application is May 20, 2024 at 6pm EST.
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2024 Austin Live Music Fund Application Opening Soon
$4.5 million in grants will soon be available through the 2024 Austin Live Music Fund. Local professional musicians, bands, independent promoters can apply for $15,000 or $30,000 grants, while live music venues can apply for $30,000 or $60,000 grants, to support eligible music activities. Applications open Tuesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. and closes on Tuesday, June 18 at 7 p.m. View the Austin Live Music Fund press release to learn more.
Pronto se abrirá la solicitud del fondo para la música en vivo de Austin 2024
Pronto estará disponible el fondo para la música en vivo de Austin 2024, dotado con $4.5 millones en subvenciones. Músicos profesionales locales, bandas y promotores independientes pueden solicitar subvenciones de $15,000 o $30,000, mientras que los locales de música en vivo pueden solicitar subvenciones de $30,000 o $60,000, para apoyar actividades musicales elegibles. Las solicitudes se abren el martes 21 de mayo a las 10 a.m. y se cierran el martes 18 de junio a las 7 p.m. Visite el sitio web del fondo para la música en vivo de Austin para obtener más información.
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WIC Voucher Program
From April through October, eligible WIC participants can receive Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vouchers to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets and mobile markets. Each eligible participant will receive $30 in WIC Vouchers.
Bring your WIC Shopping List and WIC card to one of the participating locations listed below.
For more information, hours, and locations, contact the bilingual Help Desk at 512-730-1807 Monday - Saturday 9 AM - 12 PM.
With funding provided through Travis County Public Health, each eligible participant in the Austin area will also receive $30 in Double Up Food Bucks as a match to the $30 in WIC Vouchers. Double Up Food Bucks can be used throughout the entire year!
How to Use WIC Vouchers
To see if you are eligible to receive WIC vouchers, contact your local WIC clinic.
Start your online application at https://texaswic.org/apply.
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Programa Cuponera WIC
De abril a octubre, los participantes de WIC pueden recibir cupones del Programa de Nutrición de Mercados Agrícolas (FMNP, por sus siglas en inglés) para comprar frutas y verduras frescas en los sitios de Austin, Texas. Cada persona elegible obtendrá $30 en cupones de WIC y $30 adicionales en Double Up Food Bucks.Traiga su tarjeta y lista de compras WIC a los sitios participantes para recibir esta promoción.
Para conocer las ubicaciones, envíe la palabra “WIC” por texto a este número (737) 214-7575
¿CÓMO USAR CUPONERA WIC?
Para saber si usted es elegible para recibir Cuponera WIC, entre al chat en este enlace de internet https://texaswic.org/
Inicie su aplicación para beneficios WIC aquí: https://texaswic.org/apply. |
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This free, 2-hour course is open to community members, regardless of preparedness knowledge. The course will provide an introduction from the experts on how to practice the four steps of emergency preparedness: making a plan, building a kit, knowing your neighbors, and staying informed. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on how to prepare their home, family, and community for a variety of hazards.
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Save the Date! Del Valle Day: 06.02.2024
The Del Valle Community Coalition (DVCC) is hosting its 2nd annual DV Day, and they want YOU to be a part of it!
Here are the details:
📢 Event: Del Valle Day
📍 Location: Circuit of the Americas - 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
📅 Date: June 2nd, 2024
⌚ Time: 10am-2pm
DVCC is on the lookout for organizations, with resources that benefit the Del Valle community and its surroundings. Last year around 1500 individuals attended and they expect that number to increase this year.
DVCC has got you covered with a 10x10 tent, table, and chairs -just bring your awesome selves and showcase what you've got to offer!
If you are interested in sponsoring or have any questions reach out to sarah@atxdvcc.org. Organizations can sign up directly via the DVCC website at www.atxdvcc.org/dvday24
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The Roots & Wings Festival is an annual community-wide celebration of trees, pollinators, and all creatures. This year's festival kicks off Saturday, October 19th and goes through Sunday, November 3rd. The Festival is dedicated to celebrating nature in our neighborhoods. We embrace the idea that we are all connected to each other and to our local ecosystem. Growing these connections creates a stronger, more resilient community.
The Roots & Wings Festival is not just one event. It is many, and it is led by the community in neighborhoods all over Austin. The Festival is more than two weeks long, with fun events and activities happening on different days and at different locations all over town. Community events feature celebrations of our urban forest ecosystem (trees, plants, fungi, soil health, pollinators, birds, bats, and more)!Learn more about the Festival and how you can be a part of it. The application to be an event host is open until August 1, 2023. Mini-grants are available for event materials. To qualify for funding, you must host your event in Austin.
Have questions? Email us at rootsandwings@austintexas.gov. |
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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--Registration Closes on Oct. 2nd
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El Buen Samaritano is looking for bilingual volunteers for their in-person Summer Camp for 1st - 8th grade students
Email esaenz@elbuen.org or volunteer@elbuen.org to apply!
Camp Schedule:
- Session 1: June 3rd - June 27th
- Session 2: July 8th - August 1st
- Monday - Thursday from 9am - 3pm
*Training is provided to all volunteers! Bilingual volunteers will receive a $500 stipend.
Requirements:
- All volunteers must commit to 2 class days per week for one full session (June or July)
- Must be 18 years or older- Must be fluent in Spanish
- Must agree for us to run a background check and attend a safety training prior to participating.
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