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 August EAT Meeting✨
Register here for the August Meeting or just come through!
Saturday, August 24th from 10:30am to 1:30pm
Agenda for the August EAT:
- The City Council will vote on the budget and will approve a budget between August 14th and August 16th. By August 24th, we will know what has been approved in the budget. We'd like to spend some time going through the budget with the EAT to understand what was funded and what was not funded.
- Other discussions and presentations TBD!
- We reserve time for community updates, shout-outs, and resource sharing, too!
Join us for the August EAT Meeting at:
Windsor Park Branch Library
5833 Westminster Dr.
Austin, TX 78723
🍽️ 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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July EAT Meeting Review ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
Last month, the EAT met on Wednesday, July 31st in the Street-Jones Building on East 11th Street. We learned and talked about...
- Non-profit Our House and the East Riverside/Oltorf Combined Contact Team (EROC) Malcolm Yeats and Ed Miller talked about lack of parks and access to green space. They also discussed the displacement of non-profits that provided services to the East Riverside/Oltorf area of Austin.
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- Hispanic Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commissioner Daniela Silva spoke about how to get involved with Boards and Commissions to ensure yours and your community's voice is heard.
- Monica Guzman from GAVA reviewed GAVA's budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025--see GAVA's budger recommendations here
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BUDGET SEASON EVENTS & RESOURCES |
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What is Black August? Black August is a commemoration and celebration of Black resistance--it is not a 'second Black History Month' but rather a time to honor Black freedom fighters and to reflect and learn from the Black revolutionaries that came before us. Read more about Black August here.
August is also Black Business Month! On Saturday, August 10th, Greater Mt. Zion Church will host the Black Business Empowerment Summit 2024 to celebrate, recognize, and encourage Black business owners and businesses. The Equity Office's Interim Chief Equity Officer, who is also Assistant Director of the Small and Minority Business Department, and Interim Director of the Office of Civil Rights. Click here to learn more about the Black Business Empowerment Summit.
This August is 100 years of James Baldwin! Born on August 2nd, 1924, he was one of the greatest writers, cultural thinkers, and civil rights activists of the 20th century. Thank you to the Austin Public Library for curating a James Baldwin collection. Read, listen to or learn about the works of James Baldwin here.
Picture 1: Required citation: [PICA-38183], Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
Identifier: DO/2014/014
Title: [1963 Civil Rights March]
Description: People marching on their way to the Texas State Capitol on August 28, 1963. Many people hold posters and banners that read "Freedom Now" and "Jim Crow Must Go." Both black and white people march, and young boys are in the foreground. This image was created by Fanny Velma "Fran" Normann
Picture 2: Required citation: [PICA-38195], Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
Identifier: DO/2014/014
Title: [1963 Civil Rights March]
Description: Group of young African-American men gathered in Wooldridge Square Park after having marched across town on August 28, 1963. They face the right towards the bandstand which is not pictured. The County Courthouse is partially visible behind them. This image was created by Fanny Velma "Fran" Normann
Picture 3: James Baldwin, 1969. Taken by Allan warren. James Baldwin taken in Hyde Park London. Rolliflex twin reflex. 2 1/4 kodak 400 black & white negative film
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In recognition of Park and Recreation Month this past 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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Apply for the Imagine Austin Working Group! Application Closes August 26th, 2024!
It’s time to update Imagine Austin, the long-range plan that guides goals and policies for Austin’s future growth and development. With your help, this revision will build on our successes and emphasize our commitments to racial equity, resilience, sustainability, and access to opportunity.
All Austinites are invited to apply for the Imagine Austin Working Group. The Group will provide critical input and guidance to inform City staff’s work. Working Group participants may be eligible for a $25/hr stipend. The application will close on August 26, 2024. Staff will review applications and notify those who have been selected by the end of September. You can find the application at SpeakUpAustin.org/ImagineAustin.
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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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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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Date: Saturday, August 10th
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Red Salmon Arts, 2000 Thrasher Lane
Learn how to get the most nutrition out of your corn harvest with the traditional technique of nixtamaization. This ancient process dissolves the hard outer kernel coating and adds calcium, making it easily digestible. The process was developed in Mesoamerica and is practiced by numerous corn growing cultures, including the Cherokee. The process produces hominy which can be added whole to soups like pozole, ground into grits / cornmeal, or ground fine into masa for tortillas and tamales. Help create food sovereignty and security in our community by learning and passing on this important cultural knowledge.
The process lasts overnight, participants will see the start of a batch of hominy and learn about the various ways that is can be achieved. When that batch is ready to rest, a previous prepared batch in the second day stage will be washed and strained to finish the process. Depending on size participants will be able to sample and take home the prepared hominy or if the equipment is available hominy can be ground into masa. The CTCT will acquire a few pounds of whole corn so, depending on size, participants will be able to take some for home processing. The event runs from 10am until noon on August 10 at Red Salmon Arts, 2000 Thrasher Lane.
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Solar Saturday returns to the Carver as we move into August!
Join us on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 2:00PM-6:00 PM at the Carver Museum, where we'll be highlighting Black August, a month-long holiday that honors Black freedom fighters, political prisoners, and resistance against oppression.
Black August is a time to reflect, to learn, honor and to celebrate Black freedom fighters, many of whom were killed by the state or imprisoned for defending Black lives. We'll be hosting panels and community discussions with local, Black-led community organizations and nonprofits, hands-on art activities for all ages, museum tours, live music, and so much more! This full-site activation is all ages, free, and open to the public.
Experience the Carver Museum & Cultural center at Solar Saturday!
📅 Saturday, August 10, 2024
🕒 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina Street, Austin, TX 78702
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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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Black and brown people are centered, but all are welcomed!
Sunday, August 11th
6:00pm to 10:00pm
Zilker Park by the Rocks
Sounds by:
@osean2.0 🐐
@prince_euro (SATX)
@djwyldflower 🌻
&& We know it will be hot 🥵 so they will also have some limited edition merch available (fans, water bottles, etc) check us out!!
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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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Date: Friday, August 30th
Time: 11:30 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Meet and Greet with the new City of Austin Manager, Mr. TC Broadnax!
Participate in a fast paced in person networking event with some of the City of Austin's senior leadership and executive staff. Bring your questions and your note pads, we will provide the wisdom and a little lunch.
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GRANTS | TRAINING | SERVICES |
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AccessHealth is excited to announce that their FREE comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) services are available at no cost to your clients. Their program is designed to support individuals at any stage of their recovery journey, offering both in-person and telehealth services to ensure accessibility for all, including those outside of Fort Bend County.
Services: AccessHealth’s SUD program is dedicated to treating individuals battling substance use disorders. Their team of addiction professionals collaborates closely with primary care providers and behavioral health therapists to address triggers, cravings, withdrawals, and other medical, emotional, and behavioral concerns. Services are offered in both English and Spanish to individuals aged 12 and older. Quality care provided by AccessHealth’s Providers include:
Prevention Education
- SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment)
- MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment)
- Counseling (Individual, Family, and Group)
- Tobacco & Smoking Cessation
Join the Virtual Support Group: "The Journey" They also offer a free virtual support group, "The Journey," open to individuals at any stage of their recovery journey.
The group meets every Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
This supportive environment provides a safe space for participants to share experiences and gain encouragement from peers and professionals.You are invited to refer your clients for SUD services and encourage them to join "The Journey." For more details, please see the flyer above for the support group.
Contact Information: For referrals or more information about our SUD services, please contact the Behavioral Health office Monday-Friday, 7am to 6pm at (832) 957-6136. |
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Austin Energy encourages the adoption of solar energy by offering rebates and incentives to customers.
To be eligible for Austin Energy's $2,500 solar rebate, residential customers must take the Austin Energy Solar Education Course and work with a participating solar contractor. To get solar smart and earn solar rebates, visit AustinEnergy.com/Solar |
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Attention Austin creatives! Advance and grow your creative business with Artist Career Training. This six-week training will include business training, critical resources, and expand your professional peer network. Apply by August 13.
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¡Atención creativos de Austin! Avance y haga crecer su negocio creativo con la Capacitación Artística Profesional. Este entrenamiento de seis semanas incluirá entrenamiento empresarial, recursos críticos y ampliará su red de colegas profesionales. Solicite antes del 13 de agosto. |
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Get to Know Your Veteran Benefits
The City of Austin and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs invite you to a "Get to Know Your Veteran Benefits" event on Wednesday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7901 Metropolis Drive. Discover the benefits available to veterans and their families.
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Resilient Advocates Collective Training: Unique Considerations for Representing Trans Migrants
Representing transgender migrants isn’t just about getting your client’s pronouns right - it’s also about innovative legal strategy.
What is a transition, when does it begin or end, and why does it matter? We’ll answer these questions and more in this training designed to equip you to represent trans migrants competently, zealously, and creatively.
During this session, we will introduce basic concepts related to transgender identity, best practices for working with transgender clients, and unique opportunities to leverage legal strategies to advocate for your trans clients.
After the training, participants will be invited to receive case referrals and volunteer opportunities to work with queer and trans migrants with RAC’s supervision and support.
This course has been approved for 1 Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of Texas Committee on MCLE in the amount of credit hours, of which 0.5 credit hours will apply to legal ethics/professional responsibility credit.
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FREE!
Health screenings
Vaccinations
Valuable health info
Live entertainment
Door prizes
Backpacks and school supplies
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Lleve a su ser querido a un chequeo de salud. Reciba exámenes de salud GRATUITOS y mucho más ¡Ayúdelos a mantenerse saludables! Sábado 17 de agosto, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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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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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 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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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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