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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May EAT Meeting Recap:
Pictured above: Carmen, who presented with Austin Sanctuary Network, Closeup of Peggy in her Austin Sanctuary Network shirt and and other EAT members, Eli from Vocal-TX presenting to the EAT, and a photo of interpreters giving instructions.
- Austin Sanctuary Network shared updates on SB4 and how CAFA (Council at First Appearance) is impacting people in Austin
- Vocal-TX presented about their organization, and about Rapid Rehousing & Permanent Supportive Housing
Saturday, June 29th from 10:30am to 1:30pm
Topics and presentations are still being confirmed.
Brunch 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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The Get Ready Central Texas Neighborhood Preparedness Guide
is a resource for individuals, families, and communities to discover ways to keep their people, pets, and property safe din an emergency. Anyone can play an important role in emergency planning by preparing them self, their family, and their neighborhood.
This guide will help you discover how you can keep your community safe before, during, and after an emergency – no matter what type of home you have. Using this guide, we can work together to build a more resilient community.
As the hot summer months approach, take advantage of the information in this guide to discover:
- Ways to help you plan for hazards (flooding, winter weather, and wildfires).
- Tools to build an emergency supply kit.
- Resources for making an emergency plan for your family.
- Templates for how to help your neighborhood plan for emergencies.
- How to create a contact chain to check on neighbors in an emergency.
- And how to make emergency preparedness your superpower!
Download the Get Ready Central Texas Neighborhood Preparedness Guide - English // Spanish
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SURVEYS & COMMUNITY INPUT |
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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 |
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Being Black in Repro Space
Join Planned Parenthood and Stand with Black Women in a conversation with Black Austinites discussing being Black in a Reproductive Justice space, and the mistreatment of Black women in healthcare. Then ending with community fellowship with food and drinks!
Saturday, June 1st
2:30-4:30pm
Carver Library
1161 Angelina St.
Scan the QR Code, or click the image to sign up for free! |
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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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GRANTS | TRAINING | SERVICES |
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2024 Austin Live Music Fund Application Open
$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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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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