Sketch An Activist Day
✍️ Bring your sketchbook to Gallery Dojo at Canopy for an afternoon of sketching activists!
Early Voting Starts!
May 26 is the runoff election for the TX party primaries which happened in Feb & March.
Early voting is May 18 - 22. The winner of these runoff elections will be on the November ballot.
We recommend the local LWV Guide for a nonpartisan look at your candidate choices…
Higher Ed Funeral Protest
Join SEAT, Austin SDS, HOCTX and many others for a funeral procession the morning of Thursday May 20. Expect a creative protest mourning the death of freedom in Higher Education. UT alumni especially invited!
“ Once sustained by open inquiry and courage, the university faded gradually amid policies and leadership decisions made by regents and administrators.
These decisions constrained free expression, silenced voices, and harmed vulnerable, innocent students.
The UT System is mourned by those who believe a university should be a place where all ideas, and all people, are encouraged to thrive.”
Song Circle @ Activists of Austin Portrait Show
During the month of May, @activists_of_austin will be hosting a series of special events at Gallery Dojo while it’s exhibiting our Activist Portrait Show!
You’re invited to an evening of joyful resistance co-organized by the Austin Raging Grannies and Sing for Connection…
“Surrounded by the “Activists of Austin” portrait show, we will gather to sing together and lift our weary hearts. The exhibit features 28 artists matched with committed activists who uphold democracy, immigrant rights, trans lives, mutual aid, and children’s futures. Come enjoy the art, meet the community, and share your voice!”
Who: All Voices Welcome and Celebrated!
When: Thursday, May 21 from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Gallery Dojo @ Canopy Austin, 916 Springdale Rd (Bldg 2, Suite 106B)
Capacity: Limited to 40 people—arrive early!
Bring: A cushion or folding chair.
Give: We will collect donations on behalf of the Austin Sanctuary Network.
About Your Hosts:
Austin Raging Grannies: Older women who raise our voices to protest cruelty against the marginalized. We put our vision of a kinder, more loving world into our songs to promote the struggle for freedom and justice. tinyurl.com/AustinRagingGrannies
Sing for Connection: An Austin community song circle for anyone who loves the feeling of a shared song. No auditions, no sheet music—we learn by ear and by heart. A space to let go of "getting it right" and simply find connection. singforconnection.com
TX Primaries Runoff Election Day
May 26 is the runoff election for the TX party primaries which happened in Feb & March.
Early voting is May 18 - 22. The winner of these runoff elections will be on the November ballot.
We recommend the local LWV Guide for a nonpartisan look at your candidate choices…
Democratic voters will be choosing between:
Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Velez for Lieutenant Governor(statewide)
Milah Flores and Casey Shepard for U.S. House District 17
Montserrat Garibay and Kathie Tovo for Texas House District 49 (Central ATX)
as well as local seats…
Susanna Ledesma-Woody and George Morales III for Travis Commissioner Pct. 4
Cynthia Millonzi and Nicholas Costilla for Hays County Clerk (Bastrop +)
Ruben Becerra and Michelle Gutierrez Cohen for Hays County Judge (Bastrop +
Chris Johnson and Thomas Just for Hays County Court-at-Law 2 (Bastrop +
Republican voters will be choosing between:
Ken Paxton and John Cornyn for TX Senate (statewide)
Chip Roy and Mayes Middleton for TX Attorney General (statewide)
Jim Wright and Bo French for TX Railroad Commissioner (statewide)
Ge'Nell Gary and Lauren Peña for U.S. House District 37
as well as local seats…
Josh Vandever and Josh Homan for Fayette County Judge
Lacey Hannes and Roberta Brinkman for Lee JP Pct. 4
David McDonald and Jeff Mayes for Williamson Commissioner Pct. 2
May Book Club
Join us for Book Club on May 31! Our special guest this month is professor Bryan Register, then we open it up for a group discussion on the themes of “Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future” by Jason F. Stanley…
Don’t miss our monthly book club discussion at the public library. A wonderful way to connect with like-minded folks, meet organizers, and talk books.
Check out this month’s book from your local library!
If you want to purchase, may we recommend BookPeople, BookWomen, Half Price Books, Bookshop.org or Thriftbooks - we’re still boycotting Amazon.
Testify at Austin City Council
WED May 6 Update: City council has responded to our public pressure with a new version of their economic incentives resolution - now WITHOUT target industries. This is a step in the right direction, but still still dont have guarantees that we won’t be giving incentives to defense tech, data centers, and more
Read the new version of item 24: Tinyurl.com/Item24change
P.S. Don’t miss the next 🧊 OUT OF ATX protest at 12:30 May 7 also at city hall… action starts at 11:30 with a “pack the gallery” aka go in and watch the council session so they know we’re WATCHING 👀
All hands on deck for public outcry against proposed economic incentives for Data Centers, ai companies, defense tech, and autonomous vehicles!
This week's Austin City Council Agenda includes “Item 24” a resolution directing the City Manager to create a new package of economic incentives for businesses, including some "target industries." (Link to full language of resolution.Link to all Item 24 docs)
The Problem: Without specific bans, we are deeply concerned that this will result in economic incentives for data centers, defense tech, and much more
Our Ask: We are calling on Council to ban specific industries and companies from getting economic incentives in the future, including…
Data Centers
Companies linked to Defense Tech (AKA military industrial)
Autonomous Vehicle Companies
Ai and ai surveillance companies
Companies that have paid zero in federal income tax (in any or all years within the last 7-10 years)
Our Goal: (biggest win) Get the resolution vote this thursday may 7 delayed (acceptable) Get a specific list of banned companies included in the economic incentives package when passed this thursday
Call to Action:
CALL & EMAIL before Thursday @ 9 am:Phone numbers & emails of council
Testify in-person or online on Thursday:
Online registration for in-person and virtual testimony closes Wednesday, May 6 @ 12 p.m. Register here.
You can also register in person at the Austin City Hall kiosk by 9:15 a.m. on May 7.
DEETS: In-person speakers can donate time to each other. No speaker can take donated time from more than 2 individuals. Translation services are available for both in-person and virtual speakers. Handouts or other documents that speakers wish to provide to Council must be emailed to city.clerk@austintexas.gov by 5 p.m. the night before the meeting. This informationwill be provided to the Mayor and Council in advance of the meeting. (don’t forget to get your parking validated by the front desk if you testify in-person or attend the council meeting!)
Vote Schedule:
> This Thursday, May 7, Austin City Council is voting on the resolution (aka the directive) that puts the city manager’s office on the job of compiling the old and new incentives.
> If the resolution passes this Thursday, in 180 days the City Manager will present the compiled incentives as an ordinance and there will be another council vote to make it law
Data Centers
Over the last 100 years, Texas has consistently faced droughts. As Austin and surrounding municipalities continue to welcome new residents, increasing the pressure on our water supply, the aquifers and lakes that provide our drinking water are facing increased pollution and industrial use. If we want Austin to exist in 50 years, we need to protect our water supply now.We do not have the water to spare for data centers.Note: Pflugerville, just north of Austin, is at risk of running out of water. Same with Corpus CristiReading: Austin Monthly article, SOS, Austin Water
Additionally, data centers are increasingly linked to health issues for communities near the facilities. “Diesel backup generators and HVAC systems emit nitrogen oxides, PM2.5, and greenhouse gases, increasing risks of asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, with projected annual fatalities potentially reaching 1,300 by 2030. Data centers generate noise levels that may exceed 90 decibels. Noise levels above 85 decibels are harmful to hearing.” - Environmental Health Project
Autonomous Vehicle Companies
WAYMO blocking EMS on the evening of the 6th street mass shooting is still top of mind for Austinites, especially after the company refused to send representatives to meet with the City recently, communicating that they feel they are above city regulation. City representatives have assured us that they cannot regulate WAYMO in the current political environment. Why would we incentivize such an industry?
WAYMO and self-driving taxis have yet to solve the issues of harassment and violence against riders, clearly illustrated in a 2024 report from SF when a woman was trapped inside a vehicle by men who blocked the path of the vehicle, demanding her phone number. (HOCTX President Sophia Mirto personally asked the WAYMO S/W region sales rep if they had solved this problem in 2024, and she was told they had not, and no further solution has been made public.)
Companies linked to Defense Tech (AKA military industrial)
In the “Dept of War” era, defense tech is not hurting for federal funding and incentives. Violence does not reflect the values of the City or residents of Austin. The long history of the defense industry exploiting communities and misrepresenting their behavior to the public - we don't want to invite more profit-from-murder companies into our city, which already has too many defense tech startups.
Companies that have paid zero in federal income tax (in any or all years within the last 7-10 years)
This is to prevent additional economic incentives for companies (like Amazon) that historically sidestep taxes and therefore their economic responsibility to our nation. This corporate behavior is indicative of companies who ground their business model in exploitation - these companies will not operate responsibly in our community or in good faith with our City.
Activists of Austin Art Show
Join us on May 2, 2026 for the first day of the art show highlighting 25+ incredible local activists, organizers, and nonprofit founders.
1 - 4 PM Join us for Canopy’s first Saturday open studio
6 - 9 PM Join us for opening night featuring a DJ, snacks, and convos with artists and activists
“Activists of Austin” is a project highlighting the incredible range of community care Austinites demonstrate through their organizing work.
The exhibit will be up for three weeks, with some community talks, drawing sessions and more during the month of May.
Featured activists include Alicia Perez-Hodge of LULAC and HABLA, Chas Moore of Austin Justice Coalition, Drag Queen and civil rights advocate Brigitte Bandit and many more
Contributing artists include Jennifer Balkan, Karen Offutt, Denise Fulton, Rafael Cabrera, and many more
The art show is led by artist Nina Jolly, who shares: "As a visual artist, with a love of portraiture and human connection, I have been looking for ways to use my visual art skills to help the fight for preserving and improving Democracy for all people. Also to build empathy for our shared humanity. I envisioned a portrait show matching local portrait artists with activists.
I hope this is uplifting for both the activists being truly seen and the artist seeing that amidst all the culture wars and inhumane policies carried out, there are warriors for the people staying strong. I hope for the public, who are disillusioned and scared by our fractures will see that beyond politicians and influencers, there are hidden heroes / heroines standing up."
Shoutout to Gallery Dojo, who donating the space for this exhibit!
April Book Club
In April we’re reading “One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad.
This month, the first half hour of book club will be a conversation between HOCTX organizer Salvador Espinoza and activist Greg Stoker of Gaza flotilla fame. Then we open the floor to group discussion!
Don’t miss our monthly book club discussion at the public library. A wonderful way to connect with like-minded folks, meet organizers, and talk books.
Check it out from your local library!
If you want to purchase, may we recommend BookPeople, BookWomen, Half Price Books, Bookshop.org or Thriftbooks - we’re still boycotting Amazon.
March Book Club
Join us the last Sunday of March for HOCTX Book Club “Read For Democracy”
…featuring a short discussion with a local organizer highlighting the intersectionality topic of the book!
NO KINGS 3 ATX
Austin NO KINGS 3 🚫👑 Join us Saturday, 3/28 from 1 - 4 PM at Auditorium Shores
We’re bringing you a larger than life first-amendment rally featuring music, activities, art, org tabling, and very cool people. View the NK3 digital rally map here
Want to march? Meet + March at Austin City Hall at 12pm. We will march to Auditorium Shores at 12:30pm sharp! If you can’t march, meet us at Auditorium Shores at 1:00pm!
Expect 80+ civil rights and mutual aid organizations with activities, swag, info, and ways to get involved in resistance outside of attending rallies.
We’ll have art to enjoy and co-create (remember our giant sign-able U.S. constitution?!)
+ We’re including a few ethical businesses this time
Speakers & performers: Brigitte Bandit, Jo Ellis, Dan Weber, Justice, Jeff Dazey, Dumancas-Brouse JazzCallForFreedom, Los Kurados, Stefanie Fix, Singing Resistance Austin, Sophia Mirto, Yasmine Smith, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Melody Tremallo, Valerie De Bill, Julie Ann Nitsch
We couldn’t do it without you! NO KINGS AUSTIN is 100% volunteer. We crowdfund for everything you see on the ground: water, porta potties, stage and sound infrastructure, fliers and freebies.
Donate to help us cover event costs here.
If you or your ethical business wants to sponsor a giant water tank at our event (highly visible spot to put your logo!) please fill this out.
Cool local businesses are participating in the NO KINGS nationwide day of action by donating 1% of proceed to HOCTX on Saturday, March 28. If your business is able to donate 1% to us (we will use it to pay for event costs) please email treasurer@handsoffcentraltx.org. We will hella shout you out digitally and day-of!
Indivisible’s NO KINGS is a national day of nonviolent protest in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption. AUSTIN NO KINGS is made possible by a broad coalition of individuals and orgs working together.
Read up: Understanding Law Enforcement PDF, Arrest vs. Detention: How to Tell Whether You've Been Arrested or Detained, ACLU Know Your Protesting Rights, Use of Force
We are a 100% nonviolent movement aiming to create an environment to empower the passionate resistance of Texans protesting to protect our community from state violence. We do not conflate the 1st amendment right of free speech with violence, and we do not endorse interpersonal or state violence. We demand that DPS, APD, and state and local governments protect the civil rights of every American.
We committed to peaceful, lawful action at every No Kings event. Participants are expected to de-escalate conflict and YOU and YOUR FRIENDS and FAMILY are invited - weapons are not (even if legally permitted).
We have a team of volunteer protest monitors, legal observers, and street medics coming to this event. If you would like to volunteer for any of these teams, please sign up here!
WHAT TO BRING: ID - HAT - SUNGLASSES - WATER BOTTLE - SNACK - WALKING SHOES - CASH - FLAGS - PROTEST SIGNS - EXTRA PHONE BATTERY - FRIENDS AND FAMILY - ELECTROLYTES
SAFETY: With recent escalations of state violence against people utilizing their first amendment rights, including here in Austin, we are taking security concerns very seriously. This is a pre-planned event permitted through the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Dept. We will have a volunteer team of protest monitors in highly visible clothing available for concerns, de-escalation, and support for our community.
Please consider the heat! Bring a hat, sunscreen, umbrella, fan. etc. Emergency water will be available on-site but please bring your own.
Bathrooms are available at City Hall WITHOUT going through security (outside of the building). Bathrooms will also be available at Auditorium Shores at the end of the march because we are crowdfunding porta potties again!
ADA if you want to march:
12 pm Meet @ City Hall: ADA bathrooms are available inside City Hall. ADA parking is available here also. 12:30 pm March to Auditorium Shores: We are marching down the S. First Street Bridge. Sidewalks create elevation changes and ramps are not very easily accessible getting off of City Hall property down to the road.
ADA after the march:
1-4pm rally @ Auditorium Shores: We have reserved ADA parking spots in the parking lot off Riverside Dr next to the rally (676W W Riverside Dr 78701). Volunteers can help you find the ADA spots near the main stage at the Shores, and the ADA porta potties. You are welcome everywhere! Please ask a table or volunteer if you have questions.
IMMIGRATION & LAW ENFORCEMENT: Everyone is welcome at all of our events, but we want folks to be aware of heightened immigration risk in Texas. The meetup at City Hall and rally at Auditorium Shores will be on City of Austin property, under APD jurisdiction. It is not APD policy to coordinate with ICE, but they also do not interfere in ICE arrests. **Please be careful when driving to and from the event, since DPS DOES work will ICE and has been increasingly pulling Austinites over on behalf of ICE.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING:We are expecting a large turnout. Please carpool! We recommend parking in the paid parking lots below the Central Public Library and City Hall or using street parking. There is parking south of the Long Center, as well as North of Town Lake.
Media disclaimer: There will be media and photos/videos of this event taken and shared on the internet by participants and journalists. Feel free to wear a mask for wellness or privacy reasons, and feel free to take your own photos and videos! Tag us: @handsoffcentraltx #nokings
Languages Other Than English: ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available for the speakers at the main stage and soap boxes. Language access for other things is labeled on the digital map (coming soon!)
Nonviolent Protest Disclaimer: HOCTX and official coalition partners are committed to nonviolent civic resistance. We are utilizing our First Amendment constitutional right to protest and our right to lobby our representative government. We do everything in our power to protect the civil rights and physical safety of everyone at our events.
HOCTX has yet to have any notable incidents of safety issues at any of our events. Let’s keep it that way! This is not an appropriate event to consider engaging in civic disobedience or property damage. There will be heavy APD presence.
By attending our events, you are implicitly agreeing that while you attend our event, you will respect the laws and constitution of the United States and State of Texas and not create or contribute to a safety issue for our attendees and neighbors. We protect our community and defend democracy - we do not put people at risk or threaten violence.
NO KINGS CONCERT "Raise the Volume!"
Join us for RAISE THE VOLUME! a live music concert and community gathering at Far Out Lounge (cashless venue) on March 22 starting at 1pm. We have an incredible lineup of musicians and drag performers - doors at noon! 18+
Expect: Music, drag, art, cool people and panels dicussing how orgs and individuals can help our community in this time of crisis…
Music Lineup:
🎶 Llano, Dreamstate, Subpar Snatch, J’cuuzi, Chiconmal, Hillcountry
Don’t miss the “KINGS & QUEENS POWER HOUR” drag show at 9pm hosted by Miss Petra Fye @misspetrafye featuring:
• Ivanna C Destruction @ivanna_c_destruction
• Sal Chicha @Itssal_chicha
• Phoenix Eterna @baddie_phoenix22
• Raggedy Ann Drogyny @raggedy.ann.drogyny.drag
• Midnights Snack @midnightssnack.drag
• Obscene Jester @Obscenejesteratx
• Aqua Marie Pardi @soulisticbeautie
• Lilah La Rouge @Lilah.Larouge
• Working Title @Titularpidge
+Owen Alimony @owenalimony
Participating Organizations: HOCTX, League Of Women Voters of the Austin Area, Rosedale Huddle, Workers Defense Project
Proceeds from this event will help us cover the costs of hosting AUSTIN NO KING 3…
International Women's Day Rally
Come celebrate International Women’s Day this Sunday at the Texas State Capitol. Join us March 8th, 2026 at 12:00 pm.
The fight for women’s suffrage is not over. Healthcare access for abortions and sexual wellness have seen constant attacks.
Trans women continue to face attacks as access to HRT and other fundamental gender affirming care has been more difficult to access. All the while the immigrant community risk attacks on their families and wellbeing.
We must fight back!
Defend women’s and women’s reproductive rights!
Defend Queer and Trans rights!
Stop deportations and keep families together!
Feb Book Club: Long Time Coming
Join HOCTX for our monthly pro-democracy book club!
Update: Our Special Guest will be Chas Moore of Austin Justice Coalition. He will be leading the discussion for the first half hour!
In February, we’re reading “Long Time Coming: Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America” by Michael Eric Dyson. Read a short NPR review of the book.
Check it out from your local library! If you want to purchase, may we recommend BookPeople, BookWomen, Half Price Books, Bookshop.org or Thriftbooks - we’re still boycotting Amazon.
Join us for a group discussion about the book (and whatever else you want to talk about!) on Sunday, Feburary 22, 2026 from 1 - 3 PM at the Ruiz Austin Public Library, Room 2.
ICE OUT OF ATX: Community Convo with APD & ATX City Council
Join HOCTX reps at the City of Austin’s public “community conversation” with APD Police Chief Lisa Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela, Councilmembers Vanessa Fuentes and Jose Velasquez on Tuesday, Feb 5 (new date) from 6 - 7:30 PM either in-person at Govalle Elementary Cafeteria or virtually.
RSVP for the virtual link (or to submit a question) at bit.ly/community-convo1
The format will be snacks, then a presentation, then a Q& A.
NO ALPRs Testimony
CALL TO ACTION: Stop ai mass surveillance at Austin parks and pools…
Austin City council is considering spending $400K per year from the Parks and Rec Dept budget on “mobile video surveillance units” from out-of-state ai surveillance company LiveView Technologies. These unites have ai capabilities and can even talk to people to tell them to “stop loitering.” (Aren’t parks… for loitering?)
They are planning to park these ai-enabled unites (which feed their video into a cloud database) in the parking lots of our Austin parks and pool for “deterrence” against car break-ins and “criminal activity.”
…mass surveillance is a dangerous door to open, and CCTV cameras would be a cheaper and safer way to deter crime.
HOW TO HELP: The contract is up for a vote on the 2/5 City Council Meeting Agenda. Please consider testifying on Thursday Feb 5 - our last chance to stop the contract! Sign up here to speak on Thursday, Feb 5.
Speaker registration for the February 5, 2026 Austin City Council Meeting will open Monday, February 2 at 10:00AM
We’re concerned about:
1) the impact of this video surveillance data getting into the hands of ICE, DHS, DPS, etc and about the data being hacked.
2) Spending taxpayer money on a out of state vendor when CCTV is a safer, cheaper “deterrence” alternative
3) The impact to families, young people, and POC who will be surveilled when trying to use public facilities
4) Mass surveillance, such as ai assisted cameras in public spaces, is violation of the 4th amendment to the US Constitution
NO ALPRs Testimony + Protest & Press Conference
CALL TO ACTION: Stop ai mass surveillance at Austin parks and pools…
Austin City council is considering spending $400K per year from the Parks and Rec Dept budget on “mobile video surveillance units” from out-of-state ai surveillance company LiveView Technologies. These unites have ai capabilities and can even talk to people to tell them to “stop loitering.” (Aren’t parks… for loitering?)
They are planning to park these ai-enabled unites (which feed their video into a cloud database) in the parking lots of our Austin parks and pool for “deterrence” against car break-ins and “criminal activity.”
…mass surveillance is a dangerous door to open, and CCTV cameras would be a cheaper and safer way to deter crime.
HOW TO HELP: The contract is up for a vote on the 2/5 City Council Meeting Agenda. Before the vote, the contract AKA “Item 3” will be discussed at the 2/3 work session meeting!
If you can testify at the Tuesday 2/3 work session against Item 3, please sign up here.
Signups for in-person or virtual testimony opens at 5 PM on Jan 30. If you miss the online sign-up window, you can sign up as late as 9:40 AM at the physical kiosk at City Hall outside of the Council Chamber (in-person testimony only).
If you can’t make it on Tuesday at all, please consider testifying on Thursday Feb 5 - our last chance to stop the contract!
We’re concerned about:
1) the impact of this video surveillance data getting into the hands of ICE, DHS, DPS, etc and about the data being hacked.
2) Spending taxpayer money on a out of state vendor when CCTV is a safer, cheaper “deterrence” alternative
3) The impact to families, young people, and POC who will be surveilled when trying to use public facilities
4) Mass surveillance, such as ai assisted cameras in public spaces, is violation of the 4th amendment to the US Constitution
If you can’t make it on Tuesday during work hours, please join us for a press conference & rally on Tuesday, Feb 3 at 5 PM at Austin City Hall. RSVP here.
Speakers include representatives from Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry, Workers Defense Action Fund, Austin Justice Coalition, League of Women Voters, Hands Off Central TX
PS: The coalition has signed 13 organizations (as of Monday noon) onto an open letter condemning the LiveView Technologies contract. It will be presented to Austin City Council on Tuesday during the work session. View the letter and sign-on organizations here.
Austin Vigil
🕯️ AUSTIN COMMUNITY VIGIL 🕯️ 🗓️ NEW DATE: Sunday, February 1st, 5-7 PM 📍 Wildflower Church, 1314 E Oltorf St
(Not organized by HOCTX)
“In the first days of 2026, at least four people died in ICE custody across the US including Parady La (46, PA), Geraldo Lunas Campos (55, TX), Luis Gustavo Núñez Cáceres (42, TX), and Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz (68, CA) according to federal reports. At least 30 people died in ICE custody in 2025, the highest number in more than two decades.
On January 7, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, was fatally shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis, sparking nationwide grief and calls for accountability.
Join us Sunday, January 25 (5–7 PM) at @wildfloweruuchurch in Austin for a community vigil in remembrance, reflection, interfaith support, and collective care. We’ll honor these lives, stand in solidarity with all who continue to face harm, and gather for connection, community, and action.”
Jan Book Club - New Date
Join HOCTX for our monthly pro-democracy book club!
In January, we’re reading “The Authoritarians” by Bob Altemeyer.
Get a digital copy of the book for free or check it out from your local library!
If you want to purchase, may we recommend BookPeople, BookWomen, Half Price Books, Bookshop.org or Thriftbooks - we’re still boycotting Amazon.
Join us for a group discussion about the book (and whatever else you want to talk about!) on Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 1 - 3 PM at the Menchaca Austin Public Library, Room 1.
(This was postponed from Jan 26 due to weather)
HOCTX All-Hands Meeting
Join our first NO KINGS 3 planning meeting!
HOCTX all hands meeting (weekly)
Wednesday, January 28 · 7:30 – 8:30pm
Google Meet joining info - Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ddr-vmtd-sih
POSTPONED Jan Book Club: The Authoritarians
POSTPONED TO FIRST SUNDAY IN FEB
Join HOCTX for our monthly pro-democracy book club!
In January, we’re reading “The Authoritarians” by Bob Altemeyer.
Get a digital copy of the book for free or check it out from your local library!
If you want to purchase, may we recommend BookPeople, BookWomen, Half Price Books, Bookshop.org or Thriftbooks - we’re still boycotting Amazon.
Join us for a group discussion about the book (and whatever else you want to talk about!) on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 1 - 3 PM at the Menchaca Austin Public Library, Room 1.
ICE OUT OF ATX: Walkout to City Hall
Join us on Tuesday, January 20 from 2 - 4 PM to say ICE OUT OF AUSTIN. We’ll be joined by Austin Justice Coalition and local partners to deliver our petition to City of Austin officials. Sign the petition here: tinyurl.com/safeatx
We have over 9,000 signatures on our ICE OUT OF ATX petition in less than a week! Thank YOU ✊🔥
Join us for an afternoon rally calling on Austin City Council and Austin Police Department to stop handing our neighbors over to ICE by serving administrative warrants.
Expect live music, a few community speakers, and direct action to deliver our appeal to City of Austin officials.
Tuesday Schedule: 2 - 2:30 Live Music, 2:30 - 3:30 speakers & materials from local orgs, 3:30 petition delivery to City of Austin decision makers.
Local Austin Musicians: Vanessa Lively, Mark Williams, Akins Adderley, Stefanie Fix, Estani Frizzell, Hope Irish, Amethyst Jonquille, Jessica Graves
Speakers will include: Chas Moore, Austin Justice Coalition; Rae Martinez, Transgender Education Network of Texas; Kate Lincholn Goldfinch, Lincholn Goldfinch Law
Austin Sanctuary Network and Grassroots Leadership have been invited to bring speakers directly impacted by ICE actions in Central TX, more info will be available day-of
Parking: Use downtown street parking, or park in the garage under City Hall or the Downtown Library. Park ATX app codes: FREE15ATX1 and FREE15ATX2 for 30 total minutes of free parking
Why 2PM on a Tuesday? This is a national day of action for Women's March. If you can't join us for this event because of work or child care, please get on our newsletter list for other upcoming HOCTX events!
ICE out of Pflugerville: Indivisible 1431
Join HOCTX coalition partner Indivisible 1431 for their weekly ICE out of Pflugerville street-side visibility protest.
Show your solidarity with communities around the country who are experiencing terror and violence from federal deportation officials.
Let's lift our collective voices together this weekend!
Pflugerville has been sustaining community protests against the deportation machine because there is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility at 20200 Algreg Street, Pflugerville, TX, used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an administrative and processing center.
Book Club: Read For Democracy
READ FOR DEMOCRACY is our pro-democracy book club! We read a new book every month, then take coordinated action to defend democracy ✊
In NOVEMBER we’re reading: They Called Us Enemy, a 2019 graphic novel written by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott, and illustrated by Harmony Becker
This is a very short book so you should be able to read it in time for the Nov 30 book club meet-up.
In Austin? Join the HOCTX book club meet-up:
Join us on Sunday, November 30 from 1 - 3 PM at the Austin Public Library Menchaca Branch Room 1 (5500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745)
…for a livestream book recap + group book club discussion + resistance actions
PS we always invite the author to the book club for a live interview! They can’t always make it.
Yoga & Comedy Fundraiser for HOCTX Mutual Aid
Join us for a very special Yoga & Comedy Show on Nov 28 benefitting HOCTX Mutual Aid!
You'll learn a little, laugh a lot, and feel at peace.
Comedian Stephen Campbell's one man show about maintaining your mental health after tragic life events, coupled with yoga therapist, Sam Pullen, leading the audience through breath work, chair yoga, and meditation provides a night of laughter and feeling lighter.
Audiences have called the show "ridiculous and healing," "wholesome, hilarious and unique," and "the most Austin-y thing I've ever been to" Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!
Yoga & Comedy Fundraiser for HOCTX Mutual Aid
Join us for very special Yoga & Comedy shows on Nov 21 & 28 benefitting HOCTX Mutual Aid!
You'll learn a little, laugh a lot, and feel at peace.
Comedian Stephen Campbell's one man show about maintaining your mental health after tragic life events, coupled with yoga therapist, Sam Pullen, leading the audience through breath work, chair yoga, and meditation provides a night of laughter and feeling lighter.
Audiences have called the show "ridiculous and healing," "wholesome, hilarious and unique," and "the most Austin-y thing I've ever been to" Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!
“Democracy In Focus” Resistance Art Show (Day 4/4)
Don't miss our “Democracy In Focus” resistance art show during Austin Studio Tour, the iconic annual Austin art festival.
Our show features the photographers and videographers who have been capturing the energy and humanity of the protests happening in the beating heart of Texas since inauguration. Experience resistance through the lens of the visual artists of HOCTX, and take home a piece of the fight.
Meet the artists + enjoy all the shows happening in the new “Austin Art" building!
Gallery Showtimes: November 8, 9, 15, 16 from 12pm – 6pm each day
Fundraiser: Art sales benefit HOCTX’s resistance work and the artists themselves through profit-sharing.
Meet our photographers and videographers:
Zach Perkins is a veteran, a photographer and a staunch anti-fascist. Using the skills he learned as a combat cameraman, Zach now employs those skills against the government that trained him. No kings in America and no boring photos from Zach Perkins.
Dane Hurt is an activist and videographer who was radicalized at the Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011 when he was going to art school in NYC. Since then, he has tried to use his lens as a force for good to amplify anti-fascist voices in his community. He hopes to become a feature film writer/director.
Jacob Weber is an event photographer with more than a decade of experience in the field. To him, there is no more important, no more urgent series of events to document than this country’s descent into fascism, and the actions of everyday people who rise to resist it.
Raising awareness is an important tool in community building and a camera is a great way to amplify stories that need to be heard. It’s time we all use the skills we’ve gained to build a future that’s worthwhile.
Betsy Woldman is an Austin-based documentary photographer who has spent over a decade documenting Texas protests and local politics. An award-winning visual storyteller with over 20 honors in photography and innovation, she uses her camera to capture collective action and the fight for social change.
After 16 years as a photographer and videographer for the City of Austin, she now works full-time on projects that explore social justice, cultural identity, and community life.
“Democracy In Focus” Resistance Art Show (Day 3/4)
Don't miss our “Democracy In Focus” resistance art show during Austin Studio Tour, the iconic annual Austin art festival.
Our show features the photographers and videographers who have been capturing the energy and humanity of the protests happening in the beating heart of Texas since inauguration. Experience resistance through the lens of the visual artists of HOCTX, and take home a piece of the fight.
Meet the artists + enjoy all the shows happening in the new “Austin Art" building!
Gallery Showtimes: November 8, 9, 15, 16 from 12pm – 6pm each day
Fundraiser: Art sales benefit HOCTX’s resistance work and the artists themselves through profit-sharing.
Meet our photographers and videographers:
Zach Perkins is a veteran, a photographer and a staunch anti-fascist. Using the skills he learned as a combat cameraman, Zach now employs those skills against the government that trained him. No kings in America and no boring photos from Zach Perkins.
Dane Hurt is an activist and videographer who was radicalized at the Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011 when he was going to art school in NYC. Since then, he has tried to use his lens as a force for good to amplify anti-fascist voices in his community. He hopes to become a feature film writer/director.
Jacob Weber is an event photographer with more than a decade of experience in the field. To him, there is no more important, no more urgent series of events to document than this country’s descent into fascism, and the actions of everyday people who rise to resist it.
Raising awareness is an important tool in community building and a camera is a great way to amplify stories that need to be heard. It’s time we all use the skills we’ve gained to build a future that’s worthwhile.
Betsy Woldman is an Austin-based documentary photographer who has spent over a decade documenting Texas protests and local politics. An award-winning visual storyteller with over 20 honors in photography and innovation, she uses her camera to capture collective action and the fight for social change.
After 16 years as a photographer and videographer for the City of Austin, she now works full-time on projects that explore social justice, cultural identity, and community life.
“Democracy In Focus” Resistance Art Show (Day 2/4)
Don't miss our “Democracy In Focus” resistance art show during Austin Studio Tour, the iconic annual Austin art festival.
Our show features the photographers and videographers who have been capturing the energy and humanity of the protests happening in the beating heart of Texas since inauguration. Experience resistance through the lens of the visual artists of HOCTX, and take home a piece of the fight.
Meet the artists + enjoy all the shows happening in the new “Austin Art" building!
Gallery Showtimes: November 8, 9, 15, 16 from 12pm – 6pm each day
Fundraiser: Art sales benefit HOCTX’s resistance work and the artists themselves through profit-sharing.
Meet our photographers and videographers:
Zach Perkins is a veteran, a photographer and a staunch anti-fascist. Using the skills he learned as a combat cameraman, Zach now employs those skills against the government that trained him. No kings in America and no boring photos from Zach Perkins.
Dane Hurt is an activist and videographer who was radicalized at the Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011 when he was going to art school in NYC. Since then, he has tried to use his lens as a force for good to amplify anti-fascist voices in his community. He hopes to become a feature film writer/director.
Jacob Weber is an event photographer with more than a decade of experience in the field. To him, there is no more important, no more urgent series of events to document than this country’s descent into fascism, and the actions of everyday people who rise to resist it.
Raising awareness is an important tool in community building and a camera is a great way to amplify stories that need to be heard. It’s time we all use the skills we’ve gained to build a future that’s worthwhile.
Betsy Woldman is an Austin-based documentary photographer who has spent over a decade documenting Texas protests and local politics. An award-winning visual storyteller with over 20 honors in photography and innovation, she uses her camera to capture collective action and the fight for social change.
After 16 years as a photographer and videographer for the City of Austin, she now works full-time on projects that explore social justice, cultural identity, and community life.
“Democracy In Focus” Resistance Art Show - Opening Day + Evening Party
Don't miss our “Democracy In Focus” resistance art show during Austin Studio Tour, the iconic annual Austin art festival. We’re stop #69.
Our show features the photographers and videographers who have been capturing the energy and humanity of the protests happening in the beating heart of Texas since inauguration. Experience resistance through the lens of the visual artists of HOCTX, and take home a piece of the fight.
Meet the artists + enjoy all the shows happening in the new “Austin Art" building!
The art show kicks off at noon on November 8 and runs for 2 weekends… but our opening night party starts at 6 PM! We’re getting all the artists together for the first time to hear from them and a few of our organizers, and revel in community and solidarity. Don’t miss!
Gallery Showtimes: November 8, 9, 15, 16 from 12pm – 6pm each day
Fundraiser: Art sales benefit HOCTX’s resistance work. You can also donate directly!
Meet our photographers and videographers:
Zach Perkins is a veteran, a photographer and a staunch anti-fascist. Using the skills he learned as a combat cameraman, Zach now employs those skills against the government that trained him. No kings in America and no boring photos from Zach Perkins.
Dane Hurt is an activist and videographer who was radicalized at the Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011 when he was going to art school in NYC. Since then, he has tried to use his lens as a force for good to amplify anti-fascist voices in his community. He hopes to become a feature film writer/director.
Jacob Weber is an event photographer with more than a decade of experience in the field. To him, there is no more important, no more urgent series of events to document than this country’s descent into fascism, and the actions of everyday people who rise to resist it.
Raising awareness is an important tool in community building and a camera is a great way to amplify stories that need to be heard. It’s time we all use the skills we’ve gained to build a future that’s worthwhile.
Betsy Woldman is an Austin-based documentary photographer who has spent over a decade documenting Texas protests and local politics. An award-winning visual storyteller with over 20 honors in photography and innovation, she uses her camera to capture collective action and the fight for social change.
After 16 years as a photographer and videographer for the City of Austin, she now works full-time on projects that explore social justice, cultural identity, and community life.
Special Appreciation for the people who made our show possible:
The artists and organizers from HOCTX who imagined, organized, and executed.
Shoutout to Fendy Witch Designs for designing our mutual aid shirt, available for sale at the art show until we run out. These have been very popular, so don’t sleep if you want one…
Big appreciation for Skyline Gallery for hosting our exhibit and local printing company Holland Photo Imaging for generously discounting printing costs and giving us a quick turnaround!