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 July EAT Meeting✨
Register here for the July Meeting or just come through!
Wednesday, July 31st from 6pm to 8:30pm
Agenda for July EAT:
- Non-profit Our House and the East Riverside/Oltorf Combined Contact Team (EROC) Malcolm Yeats and Ed Miller
- Hispanic Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commissioner Daniela Silva!
- We reserve time for community updates, shout-outs, and resource sharing, too!
Join us for the July EAT Meeting at:
Street-Jones Building
1000 East 11th Street #120, 4th Floor
Conference Room 400a, Austin, TX 78702
🍽️ 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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June EAT Meeting Review ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Last month, the EAT met at the Montopolis Rec Center in East Austin
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BUDGET SEASON EVENTS & RESOURCES |
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As the month of July comes to a close, we want to make sure we recognize the tremendous work that has been done by local Austinites, and work that continues being done in Austin for equitable access to parks and recreation.
In Episode 12 of 'In the Parks', Pete Rivera talks about how he and his brother advocated for the City of Austin to designate Red Bluff as a nature preserve so that future generations can benefit from the natural area. Mr. Pete Rivera acknowledges that Red Bluff would not have become a park and nature preserve if it had not been for the support of many in the conservation community. Mr. Rivera thanks the following individuals listed here for their support in saving Red Bluff.
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In recognition of Park and Recreation Month this July, we're reading...
The natural beauty of Austin, Texas, has always been central to the city's identity. From the beginning, city leaders, residents, planners, and employers consistently imagined Austin as a natural place, highlighting the region's environmental attributes as they marketed the city and planned for its growth. Yet, as Austin modernized and attracted an educated and skilled labor force, the demand to preserve its natural spaces was used to justify economic and racial segregation. This effort to create and maintain a "city in a garden" perpetuated uneven social and economic power relationships throughout the twentieth century.
In telling Austin's story, Andrew M. Busch invites readers to consider the wider implications of environmentally friendly urban development. While Austin's mainstream environmental record is impressive, its minority groups continue to live on the economic, social, and geographic margins of the city. By demonstrating how the city's midcentury modernization and progressive movement sustained racial oppression, restriction, and uneven development in the decades that followed, Busch reveals the darker ramifications of Austin's green growth. |
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SURVEYS & COMMUNITY INPUT |
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Help Shape the Future of the AACHF!
The African American Cultural and Heritage Facility (AACHF) wants to hear from YOU!
We're conducting a survey to get your feedback on the facility and your ideas for future programs and activities.
Your input is critical in developing our Five-Year, Long Range Strategic Plan. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you'll help us ensure the AACHF meets the needs of our community and enhances Austin's cultural landscape.
Take the survey and make your voice heard!
Click here to participate: https://bit.ly/AACHFCommunitySurvey24
Together, we can build a vibrant future for the AACHF!
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VOLUNTEER CALL FOR THE G.R.A.C.E. CONFERENCE REENTRY SIMULATION
Texas Mutual Aid and the Texas Workforce Commission are excited to announce Barbara Ornelas (Reentry Advocacy Fellow) and Misty Campbell (Vice Chair) who have developed a reentry simulation for the G.R.A.C.E. (Growth through Reentry and Advanced Careers and Employment) Conference.
This conference is hosted by the Texas Workforce Commission
Date: August 8, 2024
Location: Austin Southpark Hotel, located at 4140 Governors Row, Austin, TX 78744.
Time: Registration at 7:30 AM
Welcome session at 8:30 AM,
Conference ends at 3:30 PM.
As part of the conference, the RARE Experience Simulation will provide an immersive learning experience to educate participants on the daily struggles faced by Justice Impacted Individuals and their families. This simulation highlights the challenges in education, employment, housing, transportation, and other aspects of life for those with a criminal record, aiming to reduce stigma and foster a supportive environment.
We are seeking organizations that employ Justice Impacted Individuals to volunteer their teams or individuals for this simulation. Volunteers will represent agencies, services, and resources in realistic reentry challenges. If you or your organization are interested, please complete the provided form by Friday, July 12, 2024. Chosen volunteers must be available on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for an in-person training.
Your participation can make a significant difference in promoting understanding and support for Justice Impacted Individuals. Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause! |
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Our Future 35 Survey Closes on August 2nd!
Our Future 35 is the City's initiative to create vibrant public spaces along the I-35 corridor and connect East and West Austin.
With the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) plans to lower the highway’s main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and US 290 East, the City of Austin has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to construct “caps” and “stitches” over those sections. These will serve as platforms with amenities that bridge over the highway once it is rebuilt.
There are many exciting possibilities for these caps, including:
- Parks
- Natural spaces
- Trails
- One/Two-story buildings for dining or cultural events
- Outdoor art exhibitions
Check out this quick video (English | Español) for more information.
We want to hear your ideas! Complete this survey by August 2nd to share your vision. To schedule a meeting with your organization, please email Nirali Thakkar at Nirali.Thakkar@austintexas.gov or call (512)-978-0770.
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Non-profit Stakeholders: Help Strengthen the City's Mass Care Planning & Response Capabilities for Emergency Resources During Disaster Events
HSEM is working alongside a Project Steering Committee with representatives from City agencies and Hagerty Consulting, a contracted third party, to assess and strengthen the City’s mass care planning and response capabilities. This effort builds upon the City’s existing mass care planning efforts, highlighting how the City and key partners, including nonprofit organizations, may provide emergency resources during disaster events.
As part the City’s mass care planning efforts, HSEM and the Project Steering Committee are asking nonprofit stakeholders to participate in a “Partner Capacity Assessment.” This Assessment includes an online survey followed by a more in-depth interview. The goal of the Assessment is for the City to further understand existing mass care capabilities in the community and to identify and then work to resolve gaps in resources required for emergency mass care. Please note that responses provided in the Assessment do not imply commitment.
Response Requested:
Your organization is a key stakeholder.
We request you complete the Partner Capacity Assessment Survey
This survey is designed to gather information on current resources, processes, and capabilities in relation to an emergency that might require a mass care response.
Please email Rachael Wells@hagertyconsulting.com and Haley Broder@hagertyconsulting.com with Hagerty Consulting with any feedback and/or questions about the project.
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CITY & COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS |
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Unificar Hoy (Uniting Today): Come and celebrate the digital exhibit
Unificar!
Join the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel for its workshop event!
July 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
The event is free to attend and parking is available at the cemetery
RSVP on Eventbrite
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Oakwood Cemetery presents a new digital exhibit:
Unificar, to Unite. The digital exhibit will debut with an event at Oakwood Cemetery, located at 1601 Navasota St Austin, TX 78702. During the event, Tejano community organizers will conduct a workshop where participants will be taught how to organize within their own communities. Furthermore, various speakers from Tejano organizations will lead talks about advocacy, giving insight to participants on what it is like working behind the scenes during political events.
Unificar touches on historical Tejano organizations that had a variety of goals and accomplishments through their journey of advocating for social change, telling the historical stories of multiple generations of Tejano social justice leaders.
Read
Unificar in English
Read
Unificar in español
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Get ready for school! CBS-Telemundo Austin will have its 11th annual backpack giveaway on Saturday, July 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at lot H of the Circuit of the Americas. Free backpacks and school supplies will be handed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
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Join in for a collaborative event intended to highlight Sunday Sessions ATX and its community while also showcasing some more local talent indoors. This is a safe space for our Black and Brown creatives and wellness gurus.
Incredible music, dancing, and healing community.
When: Sunday, July 28th
Where: Austin Garden & Studio
Time: 6pm to 10pm |
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When: Sunday, July 28th
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Location: 506 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
This event will include intergenerational arts programming, live music and performances, free snacks and beverages + Torchy's chips & queso, and fun activities for the whole family.
In partnership with the George Washington Carver Museum, Glass Half Full Theatre, and Latinitas, we are excited to celebrate the creative and diverse community that lies at the heart of Austin.
Activities and Workshops include stop motion animation, 3D pen design, screen printing demos, bilingual (Eng/Span) mindful drawing sessions, music and movement, and storybook theatre.
Live Music, Poetry, and Performances by:
Mika Syms, Keearah Kyles-Flewellen, Elijah Carlyle, and Glass Half Full Theatre's Walkabout Puppets (2pm-3pm)
Featuring Teaching Artists: Marga Garza, Danni Hyche, Matilde Trujillo, and Sweet Van Loan
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🌈 About Community Art Sunday:
Since 2015, Creative Action's Community Art Sunday has been a space to connect with local artists, community organizations and educators, and make meaningful connections through the arts. This free, recurring event is an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate creativity, community, and belonging through hands-on creative learning, live music and performances, and unique art experiences.
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Location: Antone's (305 E. 5th St Austin, TX 78701)
Come build commUNITY at BRAVE Fest 2024 - a celebration of art, music, diversity, community, and connection - highlighting local creatives from marginalized populations. This family-friendly event features a lineup of talented local artists, children’s book authors, and a vibrant pop-up market with small business owners and non-profit organizations.
Lineup and Anticipated Schedule on the Main Floor:
2:10-2:45PM The Foxtones
3:10-3:45PM Mariachi Las Coronelas
3:50-4:15PM Sway with Pray Bollywood Dance
4:15-4:55PM SaulPaul
5:15-6:00PM The Peterson Brothers
Event Highlights on the Second Floor:
🌟 Vendor market featuring entrepreneurs and organizations focused on justice, community, and love
🌟 Children's Corner with games and activities
🌟 Sway with Pray Bollywood Dance (4:55-5:15PM)
🌟 Local Children's Book Authors' Storytime
📖 Chris Isom,
Vitality Quest (2:50-3:05PM)
📖 Terry P. Mitchell,
The City We Built: Black Leaders of Austin (3:40-4:00PM)
Ticket Information:
🎟️ FREE General Admission Tickets with RSVP through July 27
🎟️ Day of / At the door (July 28th) $5 - General Admission Ticket
Every attendee must RSVP
Suggested Donation: $10+ students; $25+ adults
🔥 VIP tickets: access to VIP areas with complimentary refreshments, meet & greet with artists and other VIPS from 1-2pm, 2 complimentary drink tickets, and 2 raffle tickets
💗At BRAVE Communities, we are committed to equity and inclusion. If you need support with ticket costs, please do not hesitate to contact us. We're here to ensure everyone can participate.
💕All ticket, raffle, and donation proceeds will support our 2024/25 BRAVE Young Leaders & Social Change program and ongoing free BRAVE Communities Connections' events. Thank you for your contributions! |
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What: Colony Park Celebration Event
When: Monday, July 29th, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Turner-Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Dr, Austin, TX 78724
Join Colony Park Plan on Monday, July 29, for a free, family-friendly event with activities, refreshments, and remarks from key leaders. Colony Park Plan is inviting all attendees to sign a commemorative display marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Colony Park Sustainable Community. Strike a pose in our lively photobooth and create lasting memories with friends and neighbors. Learn more about the vision of the Colony Park Sustainable Community and celebrate the progress made. |
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With the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Location: Oswaldo A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center
Tuesdays: July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30
6:00pm-9:00pm
Join the Facebook Event!
✨ The Oswaldo A.B. Cantu Pan American Recreation Center and Neighborhood Park along with the ESB Mexican American Cultural Center, present Austin's longest running free concert series!
The Pan Am Hillside concert series has been a tradition for many families in East Austin and this year is the 65th year!
Grab your lawn chairs and coolers and get your
familia together for this anticipated yearly event!
✨Free live music!
✨Bring blankets/ lawn chairs
✨Free children's activities
✨Refreshments for sale
✨DJ & Color Guard Performances
Check out the tentative performance schedule here!
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August 3rd in Georgetown, TX
This is going to be an amazing day filled with:
✨ Fun & Games
🍔 Delicious Food
✂️ Hair Cuts & Quick Styles
🏰 Bounce Houses
🎒 Trunk or Treat School Supply Giveaways
🎶 Live Concert
iFosterCare is bringing our foster care community together for a day of fun and celebration as we prepare for the new school year.
Please save the date!
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Small Business Opportunity Summit
Explore critical business development topics at the Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance’s 2nd Annual Small Business Opportunity Summit—featuring expert panels, discussions, Q&A sessions, and key resources to help elevate your business. Register to attend on Friday, August 9 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center.
General Admission is FREE for this event!
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Celebrate India's Independence Day in grand style on August 10th with a vibrant parade and cultural festivities. Bring your family and friends to this FREE event for a day of joy, culture, and community. Don't miss this chance to celebrate India's independence with us! Let's come together to honor the spirit of freedom and unity.
Schedule:
Parade of India Performances, Drums, National Anthems, Dignitaries: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Monsoon Dance Performances in Rotunda: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Get Involved in PARADE OF INDIA:
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💖Festival begins at 11am
🏳️🌈 Parade begins at 8pm
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Sun. Aug 11 @ 2pm - Austin Central Library Special Events Center
BORDER CROSSINGS: Asian American Cinema and Immigrant Identities
Conversation and book signing with Jeff Yang, author of THE GOLDEN SCREEN: The Movies That Made Asian America, and a screening of indie hit YELLOW ROSE (2019), dir. by Diane Paragas. In YELLOW ROSE, a Filipina teen must decide whether to stay with her family or leave her small Texas town to become a country music singer.
*Free & open to the public. In partnership with the Austin Central Library.
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GRANTS | TRAINING | SERVICES |
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Exciting news! Black Mamas Village is hosting a Free Store Event on August 3rd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Village Place, 8401 N IH-35!
They'll have a wide range of essential items available for all, completely free of charge! They are encouraging you to bring your own bags. If you'd like to donate items, please ensure that they are cleaned, neat, and organized by size if they are wearable. There are a limited number of spots available for appointment drop-offs, where the Village team can take care of these preparations for you. Let's come together and support our community!
For more information or to arrange a drop-off appointment, contact them directly.
Drop-off Schedule:
Saturday, July 27 & Tuesday, July 30 10-2,
Monday 10-12, and 6-7 by appointment
They are collecting clothing, shoes, food pantry items, diapers, wipes, and formula. Please bring large items such as furniture, large appliances, and oversized decor/toys on the event day from 7 am to 8 am.
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Teens have always experienced emotional highs and lows. More teens have been having mental health crises than ever before. But you’re not alone and anyone can help. Join Integral Care to learn how to help a teen or young person in your life weather their emotional storms in our FREE youth mental health first aid training.
Upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings
- Friday August 23rd, 2024: Central Texas Community In-Person Adult MHFA Training
- 8am to 5pm
- Dove Springs Clinic-5015 S. IH 35 Suite 200D; Rudy Zapata Training Room, Side A Austin, Texas 78744
- Register on Eventbrite here
- Friday August 30th, 2024: Community Youth MHFA Training
- 8am to 5pm
- Dove Springs Clinic-5015 S. IH 35 Suite 200D; Rudy Zapata Training Room, Side A Austin, Texas 78744
- Register on Eventbrite here
- Friday September 13th, 2024: Community Youth MHFA Training
- 8am to 5pm
- Dove Springs Clinic-5015 S. IH 35 Suite 200D; Rudy Zapata Training Room, Side A Austin, Texas 78744
- Register on Eventbrite here
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The Austin ISD Family & Community Engagement Support Office is excited to announce the return of the family virtual workshop series,
Tools for Success 2024-25!
Join the first Tools for Success session of the school year and learn more about UpClose program! This leadership program offers a unique opportunity to learn about Austin ISD, creates a community of well-informed education advocates, inspires participants to do more for our schools and students and allows for small group interaction with district leadership.
Session will be in English and Spanish on Facebook live and through Zoom.
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La Oficina de Apoyo para la Participación Familiar y Comunitaria de Austin ISD se complace en anunciar el regreso de la serie de talleres virtuales para familias,
¡Herramientas para el Éxito 2024-25!
Únase a la primera sesión de Herramientas para el Éxito del año escolar y aprenda más sobre el programa UpClose. Este programa de liderazgo ofrece una oportunidad única para aprender sobre Austin ISD, crea una comunidad de defensores de la educación bien informados, inspira a los participantes a hacer más por nuestras escuelas y estudiantes y permite la interacción en grupos pequeños con el liderazgo del distrito.
La sesión se llevará a cabo en inglés y español a través de Facebook Live y Zoom.
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Before you begin this application, please make sure that you have your applications materials ready:
1. Poetry Portfolio (5 poems)
2. CV / Resume
3. Optional Multimedia Supplement
The application period will open on Monday, July 1, 2024. The application period will close on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 11:59PM Central Time. All applications should be submitted by this time.
If you would like support in working through this application, The Library Foundation is holding workshops that help teens understand and prepare for the application. These will take place on July 13, 20, 27, and August 10, 17, 24. We are also hosting a workshop in person at Austin Public Library to help applicants create their multimedia supplement using recording and podcasting equipment. Please look for these workshops on our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-library-foundation-15281851354.
If you have questions or problems submitting your application, please email the Library Foundation Programs Manager Katherine Lamb at klamb@austinlibrary.org. She will be happy to assist you. |
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This summer, all Texas kids can access no cost, healthy meals through the Summer Meal Program!The Texas Department of Agriculture is working with community partners to provide nutritious meals in your community for Texas kids 18 and younger. Some schools participating as meal sites may close when summer school ends.
You can visit SummerFood.org or text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find other meal sites near you. |
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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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