Our mission is to cultivate BRAVE spaces to Build Relationships Awareness Voices and Engagement, to co-create connections for a more just and equitable community. Our programs and events seek to engage community members around questions of inclusiveness and public policy, to empower participats to become agents of change, on a local and global level. Your generous support will help us to continue to offer educational and community-building services. We encourage intercultural and intergenerational relationships in our communities by offering:  

• BRAVE Communities Conversations. These monthly community conversations connect concerned citizens with vital resources. We invite community champions and professionals to share their expertise on social and racial equity issues (e.g., immigration, criminal justice, etc.). Community members listen, learn, discuss, and share their stories in small-group facilitated circles.

• BRAVE-Maker and Ambassador programs. Attracting diverse groups of 14-18 years old female-identifying and nonbinary individuals. Participants develop leadership skills and gain hands-on experience over the course of a summer (Makers) or an academic-year (Ambassadors) of workshops, group projects and events. The graduates then continue to affect change in their communities, having an increased understanding of and commitment to social justice and racial equity.

• #MakeATXBRAVE Community Nourishment & Well-Being. Responding to the crises caused by COVID, BRAVE Communities has been coordinating with community partners to provide weekly contactless distribution of resources (ie: healthy food options and PPE supplies) to support Black and Brown communities that are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and food insecurity. We are also empowering the BRAVE Ambassadors to learn, research, and share information through social media about food and health injustices on a local, state, national, and global level. On a monthly average, our digital engagement reaches over 2,440 accounts on our Instagram posts and our Facebook posts reach 5,850 viewers. We currently provide 500+ meals per month.

• BRAVE Fest. At this annual Austin-wide community event, we celebrate local artists, businesses, nonprofits, and community groups that are positively impacting and changing our city. Attendees enjoy a day of music, dance, and spoken word and celebrate community!

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