Creative Action

This #givingseason, sow the seeds of creativity. ????? Visit https://lnkd.in/gpFavwQe to continue planting a future of creative leaders at Creative Action. Your gift helps cultivate the next generation of changemakers. ??? #CreativeAction #PlantingAFutureofCreativeLeaders #BloomingTogether #ArtsEducation #DonateNow #CommunityImpact

Earlier this week, our Executive Director, Patrick Torres, joined Studio 512 at KXAN for #MentalHealthMonday to talk about the importance of the arts in education, and how necessary it is for the mental health of young people in our community. Visit https://lnkd.in/g8J-6UB4 to watch the full segment. ??? Patrick also got to share about our newest partnership with Postino WineCafe (South Lamar). Join us there on Sunday, November 17 from 1:00p - 3:00p for good eats and art-making! We will be hosting Clay Time, where you can create your own unique food-inspired keychains from clay. Postino WineCafe (South Lamar) will also be donating $1.00 to Creative Action from each bruschetta board sold the entire month of November. We'd love to see you there! This event is free to attend, and family-friendly.

We are so excited to announce the winners for the 2024-2025 Art on the Bus contest! ?? Popham Elementary (Del Valle ISD) ?? North Elementary (Leander ISD) ?? Lagos Elementary (Manor ISD) ?? Linder Elementary (Austin ISD) This year's theme is "Protecting Our Wild Neighbors." Each of these schools received a $1,000.00 stipend for art supplies and will work side-by-side with Creative Action Teaching Artists, doing eco-friendly printmaking, and exploring creating their own inks and dyes as they learn about the importance of protecting native plants and animals. Their artwork is coming soon to a community near you! ??? ???? What is Art on the Bus? In partnership with CapMetro, Art on the Bus is a contest designed for local public elementary schools for the incredible opportunity to have their artwork displayed on our city's electric buses. The Art on the Bus contest is part of a much larger initiative dedicated to harnessing the power of educating via the arts to teach young people about the environmental benefits of public transportation, specifically zero-emission buses.

“Everything becomes a new kind of hard when you become a caregiver, including upholding your values and practices for environmental justice at home…. However, having a young child also deepened my connection to the land in ways I hadn’t experienced before.” – Stephanie Chavez Noell Sharing an interview with community artist Stephanie Chavez Noell who is leading on The Parents' Climate Community's renewable energy art build this fall alongside Texas Sierra Club. Stephanie speaks about her formative experiences growing up in Brownsville, Texas, her work as Senior Director of Community Programs Creative Action, and the role of the arts and dance in social-change movements and community building. Hope y'all enjoy this latest parent spotlight--it is one of my faves! https://lnkd.in/guASXiVj

Join us Sunday, November 10 at Creative Action HQ to advocate for the clean energy future that our young people deserve. ???? In December, Austin’s City Council will vote on where Austin Energy will get its power for the next several years. Most area residents aren't aware that a new gas plant is on the table. The Parents’ Climate Community, Texas Sierra Club, Creative Action, and coalition partners invite you to this intergenerational family-friendly art build where we’ll create powerful messages advocating for clean energy. This free event will feature community arts workshops, crafts, and youth-led interviews, and snacks and beverages will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, creatively express your commitment to clean energy, and support the next generation's future. Visit https://lnkd.in/g8kU3DhD to let us know you're coming. We hope to see you there! ???? #CleanEnergy #ClimateAction #Sustainability #YouthLeadership #AustinEvents #ClimateAdvocacy #CreativeAction #IntergenerationalMovement #GreenEnergy

Sending a huge shoutout to our amazing Creative Action Board Members, Emily Beckman and Erin Mindell Cannon! ?? Thank you for joining us this past Saturday at our 11th Annual Kids Ball, a Halloween-themed, family-friendly event hosted in partnership with The Saddle Sores at Central Market (North Lamar). Your support at the welcome table and enthusiastic participation in the costume contest was felt! We appreciate you so much. ??? #Gratitude #CommunityImpact #KidsBall #CreativeAction #Teamwork

??It’s #LightsOnAfterschool! ?? Today, we join Afterschool Alliance in celebrating the critical role after-school programs play in shaping the future of our youth and communities. For many families, afterschool care isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it’s an essential part of ensuring children are safe, engaged, and growing while their caregivers are at work. At Creative Action, we believe that afterschool programs can provide skills that go beyond the classroom, and support the growth of future leaders who are confident, creative, and compassionate. However, not every family in our community has access to high-quality childcare and afterschool programs. ??Why does this matter? ?? Working families rely on afterschool care to balance job responsibilities and family needs. ?? Students gain critical life skills through enrichment programs that nurture creativity, confidence, and community. ?? Communities grow stronger when all families have access to affordable, high-quality afterschool opportunities. ??How can YOU help? ?? Give to After-School: Visit us at https://lnkd.in/g2Mwzwh7 to help us reach more students by contributing to financial aid and scholarships. ?? Vote “YES” on Prop A: Visit https://lnkd.in/gQDPdZSP to learn how Travis County’s Prop A can increase funding for after-school and childcare. ?? Advocate for Access: Visit https://lnkd.in/g2KaZR_X to urge support for afterschool and summer learning in FY25. Together, we can keep the lights on for afterschool and ensure every family has the support they need.?? #AfterschoolMatters #LightsOnAfterschool #AfterschoolAlliance #CreativeAction #ChildcareForAll

? Important News! ? Our Executive Director, Patrick Torres, was recently featured on KVUE to discuss the critical importance of Travis County's Proposition A and how it directly impacts Austin families and our community as a whole. ?? With early voting starting today, we have an opportunity to ensure that every child has access to quality after-school care, regardless of family income. ?? At Creative Action, we continuously witness our after-school students grow in confidence, creativity, and compassion—and we want the same for ALL students. Starting today, we can take a significant step toward making that happen. Let’s work together to ensure all Austin families have access to affordable, quality childcare. Vote YES on Prop A! ??? ?? Watch the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/g9Vu64Mi. #VoteYesOnPropA #CreativeAction #TravisCounty #AfterschoolMatters #ArtsEducation #AustinFamilies #ChildCare #KVUE #UnitedWayForGreaterAustin #EarlyVoting

??#ArtOnTheBus applications close TOMORROW! ??? ??? Would you like to see your students’ artwork displayed throughout the city? We have partnered with CapMetro for the 5th Annual Art on the Bus Contest, providing 4 different elementary school campuses with the incredible opportunity to have their artwork displayed on our city’s electric buses! This project is dedicated to educating young people about the environmental benefits of public transportation, specifically zero-emissions buses, and encouraging them to become lifelong riders. Applications are due by tomorrow, Friday, October 11. Visit https://lnkd.in/gGmipG-F for more information.

I am always blown away when I get to see the brave actors in our Creative Action Brave Schools programs in action. The Courage to Stand has visited THOUSANDS of classrooms over the years and it's still touring and provoking countless young people to think about how they can stand up to be COURAGEOUS BYSTANDERS. Young people literally take the stage to enact moments where they can intervene and help keep the target in a bullying situation feeling safe, supported, and able to freely learn. From spectator to "spect-actor" as Boal would say. So proud of this work and the amazing people who make it happen!