Organizing

Organizing IS civic engagement.

Organizing is at the heart of our work at Houston in Action. We are grounded by three central Black, Latinx, and AAPI cohorts. Our cohorts co-develop and conceive of plans, make mutual funding decisions, and inform the design of technical assistance & training programs to build power together. By fundamentally restructuring power, centering leaders with lived experience, and growing a network of collective power, we can create systems for long-term change. 

We are tackling a system of marginalization and exclusion that prevents civic engagement through exclusionary decision-making, racialized oppression, and exclusionary funding. This is seeded from white supremacist roots and broken systems.

Supporting and increasing the capacity, leadership and goals of Black-led, Latinx-led, and AAPI-led organizing and organizations across Harris County and the greater Houston metropolitan region is central to leading in ways that interrupt and end systemic and structural racism.

Our solution is:

Long-term focus on relationship building

Relationships are key to building long-term power

Horizontal, peer-driven grantmaking 

Our groups engage in a participatory funding process where they decide the guidelines for granting, as well as the amount of funding dispersed. This leads to a truly equitable funding process, where groups who need it the most can fairly engage and receive funds alongside established entities.

Individual capacity building and support

Too often the barrier of capacity is viewed as one of competency. Through our intake process and regular meetings, we are able to meet member organizations where they are at and provide training and capacity building support to expand their capabilities. 

Values Driven

Our organizing cohorts create a set of values to work together under. This acts as a grounding force, allowing space for love and care. 

Leadership Building

Through providing support and coaching for emerging leaders, we can expand what our member groups are able to take on.

Get Involved

  • Contact Juan at juan@houstoninaction.org.

  • Contact Ana at ana@houstoninaction.org.

  • Contact Navid at navid@houstoninaction.org.

  • Contact Ana at ana@houstoninaction.org.