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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With gratitude for our amazing EAT,
-Natalie Hulsey, Equity Office Public Information Specialist, Sr. and the Equity Office team |
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Did you know...?
The Equity Office has been providing funding to Building Promise USA over the last 3 years through a re-entry service grant. Building Promise USA has used this funding to:
- Connect with over 300 formerly incarcerated individuals since its first year of operation
- Establish MOU's (Memorandum of Understanding) with 17 organizations & has over 30 Partnership Agreements with key organizations in Austin
- Engage with 15 reliable second-chance employers that have hired their clients
- Train 6 Reentry Peer Support Specialists
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In this week's newsletter, we're highlighting stories of local Austin Queer POC folx and the intersectionality of LGBTQ+/queer individuals and race. The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health released a 2-part Hogg Blog in 2022 Called 'Queer People of Color', examining both the mental health effects on intersectionality of being both LGBTQ+ and a person of color.
Read stories of local Austin Queer POC below!
Kimberlé Crenshaw, professor, and co-founder of the African American Policy Forum, is the academic who coined the term 'intersectionality'. She is an American civil rights advocate with three published books on intersectionality and race. She is also a leading scholar in critical race theory.
Now more than ever, it's important to look boldly at the reality of race and gender bias -- and understand how the two can combine to create even more harm. Kimberlé Crenshaw uses the term "intersectionality" to describe this phenomenon; as she says, if you're standing in the path of multiple forms of exclusion, you're likely to get hit by both. In this moving talk, she calls on us to bear witness to this reality and speak up for victims of prejudice. |
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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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CITY & COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS |
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The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center, will host the fifth annual Stay Black and Live (SB&L) Juneteenth Festival from June 15-19, 2023. This year’s programming will center local collaborations and partnerships with organizations and individuals making an impact.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of formal slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and more than one month following the end of the American Civil War. Colloquially known as “The Black 4th of July,” Juneteenth marks the beginning of an African American journey to carve a new place in society for free people to shape identities independent of racial caricature, eradicate slave culture, promote ethnic pride, and create economic prosperity. The roots of Juneteenth are traced back to Galveston, TX where a Union general posted an order to the citizenry that included the beautiful words "All slaves are free".
On Monday, 6/17 from 2pm-4pm, join in on a virtual conversation with Dr. Cornell West and Dr. Melina Abdullah (both joining via ZOOM) Facilitated by Kellee Coleman, COA Equity Office Program Coordinator, and Dr. Jacqueline Smith-Francis (in-person), the session will begin with a 20-minute performance by Ebony Stewart.
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Austin Studio & Garden
1209 E 6th St.
All are welcome, Black and brown people are centered 🖤🤎
Same vibes- come with your picnics, blankets, games, books, art, whatever. 🌅🧺🤸🏽🫧🌿
Bring the homies or come solo & meet a new friend- your inner child is welcome, children welcome until 8p, leashed pets welcome, but no BYOB.
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Celebrate Pride with us on Tuesday, June 18th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm for Queer Crafts at CRAFT located in the Canopy community at 916 Springdale Rd!
Feel free to bring your own crafts to work on or that one project that you’ve been wanting to get started or start back on, but just needed the right space and motivation ✨🪄
This is completely optional as we will have plenty of easy to use and beginner friendly craft supplies and activities for you to choose from – our treat to you!
We will also make sure to have actual treats to get and keep those creative juices flowing! 🍬
We are looking forward to this time of connection, play and fun accessing pleasure through creativity 🥰
This event is brought to you by @afssaustin and @allgoqpoc to center LGBT+ AAPI communities, but all allies are welcome and encouraged to attend 🏳️🌈🫶
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Thursday, June 20
7pm @Texas African American History Memorial at the Texas Capitol
8pm @African American Cultural & Historical Facility
Join Torch Literary Arts for the 2nd Annual Carrying the Torch: A Reading and Remembrance for the Future.
This special event acknowledges the historical significance of Juneteenth and celebrates the accomplishments of the African American community. Poets, writers, and guest speakers will share original work to acknowledge the federal holiday and celebrate the future of African Americans in Texas.
Note: This event takes place in 2 locations.
RSVP for Carrying the Torch here!
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An In-Person Event
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
7pm-9pm
Register online on Eventbrite
According to online publication, them., “needlepoint is likely the campiest art form in human history.” And we agree! Textile Arts have a deep thread interwoven with Queer history, from challenging gendered connotations to demanding visibility from those around them. Led by DAC’s own weaving wonder Cidnye Stott, the event will provide supplies and guidance to strengthen well-loved textiles or transform clothing through patchwork and visible mending, queering the idea of fabric and thread itself!
This event is free! Registration is encouraged, but not required. DAC Nights will have some thread and mending supplies on hand, but participants are welcome to bring their own.
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Saturday, June 29, 204
George Washington Carver Library & Museum
1161 & 1165 Angelina Street
Austin, TX 78702
10am to 4pm
Join the Austin African American Book Festival for their 18th Annual event at the Carver Library & Museum! Author and poet Nikki Giovanni will headline the event. This year's theme "Black Feeling, Black Talk: Activism in Poetry and Prose" embodies Giovanni's work "Black Feeling, Black Talk" as "an acknowledgement of the awareness and consciousness required to confront the ongoing challenges facing Black communities, particularly in the realm of civil rights". Discussions are centered arond what Black people are feeling, and the festival promotes honest and transparent conversations about the lived experiences, struggles, and successes within the community, with a goal of turning those feelings and discussions into meaningful action.
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💖Festival begins at 11am
🏳️🌈 Parade begins at 8pm
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Austin loves soccer!
Called football/futbol in most countries, soccer transcends borders and cultures, connecting people from all walks of life all over the world. In 2021, Austin welcomed its first professional major league team, Austin FC of the Major League Soccer, to much fanfare in Central Texas. The arrival of the franchise to the live music capital of the world not only provided locals with a professional soccer team to support but also galvanized the city's soccer community.
Did you know....The City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department has 25 soccer fields, 70 multipurpose fields and a growing number of mini-pitches! Learn about the City's public soccer fields and mini pitches: AustinTexas.gov/Soccer. |
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GRANTS | TRAINING | SERVICES |
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Children need nutritious meals to learn, grow, and thrive—even when school is out.
Austin ISD is providing free breakfast and lunch for students at many schools throughout the summer through a federally funded Texas Department of Agriculture meal program.
Who qualifies:
● Students participating in on-site summer programs at eligible schools.
● Any child in the community younger than 19.
● Enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old.
How to find free meals this summer:
● Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator.
● Visit www.SummerFood.org for an interactive site locator map.
● Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304.
● Families may also find district meals sites on the AISD website.
How it works:
Children in the community enjoy free meals regardless of household income and without any registration or identification. To receive a free, healthy meal, children may simply visit the cafeteria at any participating site during designated service times. Children do not have to be enrolled in AISD to receive free summer meals.
Good to know:
All AISD meal sites are closed July 1-5. Meal sites and times are subject to change.
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The Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grants program supports a more just and resilient Austin by providing direct funding for community-led solutions that enable transformative change in the areas of food, climate, and resilience. The program aims to uplift the experience of those most impacted by systemic and structural inequities, eliminate disparities in health outcomes, and improve quality of life for all.
By offering grants up to $3,000, we hope to support community organizations that represent and/or serve racially and economically diverse Austinites and have unique insight into their communities' needs.
Learn more about the Food & Climate Equity Grants (FACE) and apply here by July 18th!
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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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Funding Opportunity:
Community Driven Change--Equipping Communities to Achieve their Health Priorities
The Community Driven Change open call is focused on elevating organizations engaging community members in decision making and leadership to foster healthier communities in our Central Texas region of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. The one-time grants awarded as part of this open call will support the community to achieve their health priorities.
Awarding up to $10M through this open call, grant recipients will receive an unrestricted, one-time operating grant based on organization size, with funding expected to be distributed in October 2024.
Learn more about the Community Driven Change funding opportunity here!
Eligibility Requirements
- Located and operating in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, or Williamson counties.
- Classified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Annual operating budget of at least $250,000.
- Evidence of work engaging community members in decision making and leadership to foster healthier communities
Important Dates
- Open Date: May 29th, 2024
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline: June 28th, 2024 by 5pm
- Application Deadline: August 29th, 2024 by 5pm
Contact Information:
For programmatic questions, please email: questions@stdavidsfoundation.org
For technical questions, please email: grantsinfo@stdavidsfoundation.org
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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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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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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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This summer, Black Mamas ATX will be piloting a project to provide medically-tailored meals for Black pregnant clients who are at additional risk during pregnancy and postpartum. UWSA was fortunate to partner with Black Mamas ATX during our very popular meal distribution program from 2020-2023. There will be an orientation for drivers.
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