Feb Book Club: Long Time Coming
Join HOCTX for our monthly pro-democracy book club!
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.
NO KINGS 3 - Detains TBD
SAVE THE DATE for NO KINGS 3 in the Capitol City and heart of Texas <3
All details including time, location, march route TBD!
Donate to help us cover event costs here.
Are you an org? Reach out to get involved: president@handsoffcentraltx.org
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!
Tesla Shareholders Meeting Dance Party Protest - Tesla Takedown Austin
Join an inflatable dance party protest outside of the Tesla Annual Shareholders meeting at 1 Tesla Rd from noon - 3 PM on Thursday, November 6! Our message: NO to a possible $1 Trillion pay package for Elon :(
Give Elon The Boot Rally - Tesla Takedown Austin
Join Tesla Takedown Austin to tell Tesla NO to Elon Musk's $1 Trillion dollar pay package with two events this week! First, a rally at the TX State Capitol at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, November 5.
Then, join an inflatable dance party protest outside of the Tesla Annual Shareholders meeting at 1 Tesla Rd from noon - 3 PM on Thursday, November 6!
HOCTX Halloween Party
Join HOCTX for a Halloween Party!
Expect: Costume Contests, Candy, Cool People
Bring: Your Friends & Resistance Buddies, $20 for the optional door donation raising $$ for our nonprofit, BYO favorite beverage (boozy or not)
RSVP for location! We're keeping it safe - if you plan to drink plz designate a driver.
Donate to HOCTX to help make our events happen (thank you).
Oct Book Club: Cultish
Join us in-person or online on Oct 26 for a interview with the author! (Interview will be live-streamed)
Submit questions for the author ahead of time by DMing @read4democracy on Instagram or emailing President@HandsOffCentralTX.org (deadline Oct 20)
In October we’re reading: Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
A very digestible read, it equips us with tools to recognize “the set of linguistic tricks cult leaders use to coerce and manipulate members.”
This couldn’t be more relevant or more valuable knowledge in today’s America!
In Austin? Join the HOCTX book club meet-up on Sunday, October 26 from 1 - 3 PM at the Austin Public Library Ruiz Branch
…for an live-streamed interview with the author + group book club discussion + resistance actions
Not in Austin? Livestream the 20 min discussion from this events page and join us in recommended action from home!
READ FOR DEMOCRACY is our pro-democracy book club! We read a new book every month, then take coordinated action to defend democracy ✊
What’s Next ATX: Turning NO KINGS Energy Into Action
30K+ filled Congress Avenue and Auditorium Shores for No Kings Austin, proving that Central Texas is ready to build something bigger than a rally — a movement.
Now it’s time to ask: What’s next?
Join Hands Off Central TX Thursday, Oct 23 at 7pm CT, for a special virtual organizing call - What’s Next ATX - where we’ll:
Share highlights and lessons from No Kings
Hear directly from local organizers about next fights and campaigns
Connect you with opportunities to volunteer with the HOCTX crew
Launch our next steps to keep building people power across Central Texas
This will be an energizing, one-hour call over Zoom — open to anyone who attended No Kings 2 or wants to get involved in pro-democracy organizing locally.
→ RSVP now to get the Zoom link!
Let’s keep the momentum going. Because there are no kings — only us.
No Kings #2
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.
🕔 Schedule (RSVP for notifications). >>>> PS we just dropped LIMITED EDITION MERCH! <<<<
2:00 PM → ASSEMBLE at the TX State Capitol to hear from leaders in the movement
2:30 PM → MARCH together to Auditorium Shores
3 – 5:30 PM → UNITE with 50+ orgs to plug in with the nonprofits and groups organizing to make Texas a better place
If you can’t march, meet us at Auditorium Shores at 3 PM!
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
Speakers & performers include Lloyd Doggett, Greg Stoker, Beto O'Rourke, Chito Vela, Yasmine Smith, Pooja Sethi, Melody Tremallo, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Dan Weber, Valerie De Bill, Jim Rigby, Julie Ann Nitsch, Stefanie Fix, Robert Ōzn, Guy Forsyth, Shakes N Chills, Sophia Mirto, and more!
The following orgs will be there to meet you: Hands Off Central TX, HOCTX Mutual Aid, League of Women Voters Austin, Indivisible Rosedale Huddle, Indivisible Austin 1431, Indivisible Austin, Indivisible Visibility Crew, CWA-D6, TSEU-CWA (Texas State Employee Union), AFSCME-1624, Austin DSA, Freedom Road Socialist Org, ACCent, Texas AAUP, ATX-116, SEAT, Grandparents For Public Schools, Texas Students for DEI, Students For A Democratic Society, Austin Sanctuary Network, Grassroots Leadership, Austin Region Justice For Our Neighbors, El Bus Sin Fronteras, Tesla Takedown Austin, Austin For Palestine Coalition, Comrade Coffee Collective, Texas Civil Rights Project, Nonviolence Austin, Common Cause, LULAC, MOVE Texas, Money Out Of Politics, Stonewall Action, Extinction Rebellion ATX, PODER, Sunrise ATX, Save Our Springs, Sierra Club Austin, TARA (Texas Alliance for Retired Americans), Gray Panthers, Raging Grannies Austin, Stop The Camps, QWELL Community Foundation, Creative Action, Vecina Women on the Border, Austin Justice Coalition, NO ALPRs Coalition, Texas AFT (American Federation of Teachers), YALL, ACC-AFT (AFT local 6249 at ACC), Austin Street Forum, The Bridge Collective, ATX United 4 Public Schools, Austin Community Law Center, Ground Game Texas, Open Austin, Third Act, Watermelon Run Club, Atheist Helping the Homeless - Austin, Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees, Ladies Lets Talk, Texas Freedom Network
These orgs are endorsing AUSTIN NO KINGS 2: LIUNA Local 1095, Austin Travis County CLC, United Workers of Integral Care/CWA
In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. 🚫👑 We won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.
We fight not just against dictatorship, but for the future we deserve: 🌱 a democracy that works for everyday people ⚖️ a government rooted in justice 💙 and communities where freedom, dignity, and opportunity are real for all
Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” isn’t just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built on. Born in the streets. Carried by millions on posters and in chants. Echoing from city blocks to rural town squares.
👉 It unites us to fight dictatorship together.
Indivisible’s NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption.
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!
We strongly condemn unnecessary, unrequested deployment of additional law enforcement personal to Austin by the governor, against the wishes of the Austin Mayor and City Council. The Texas National Guard should be in Alaska this weekend, helping save American lives. Not attending a civics event in Austin when our neighbors are in such need.
CAPITOL RULES (these do not apply to Auditorium Shores!)
No sticks over 12 inches (including flag poles). Stilts are OK. No fire. Poi light spinning is fine! Flags are encouraged! Alcohol is not permitted.
Soliciting donations and selling products is not allowed on Capitol grounds. We respect the DPS rules so we can continue to have impactful mass mobilization efforts on OUR Capitol grounds! If you would like to fund the resistance, please consider donating to the cost of this massive effort. Every dollar counts… and all donations are tax-deductible!
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 TX State Preservation Board and the City of Austin 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.
ADA & ASL: Rally at Texas State Capitol: Arrive early (start 2 PM). Venue has ADA accessible sidewalks and parking (and bathrooms unless the building has been closed). At the Capitol south steps, find spaces marked "ASL & ADA" sign for ASL interpreters and ADA seating. 2:30 pm the crowd will march to Auditorium Shores. Parking with accessible spots is available on the northwest corner of 1st and Riverside near the porta potties. If you parked here, follow the trail from lot toward the River to get to the main stage. You are welcome everywhere! Also, you’re invited to come straight to Auditorium Shores for better parking options. Volunteers can help you find the ADA & ASL spots near the main stage at the Shores.
IMMIGRATION & LAW ENFORCEMENT: Everyone is welcome at all of our events, but we want everyone to be aware of heightened immigration risk on federal property including TX Capitol grounds. The first half hour of this officially permitted event is on Capitol grounds, which is policed by DPS. It is DPS policy to work with ICE. (You are welcome to meet us at Auditorium Shores!) The rest of the event will be under APD jurisdiction, including the march and Auditorium Shores. It is not APD policy to coordinate with ICE, but they also do not interfere in ICE arrests.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: We are expecting a large turnout. Please carpool! CAPMETRO will be running extra buses for the hours surrounding our event. Lines 1, 10, 103, 20, and 3 drop off near the Capitol: plan your trip. We expect parking at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (free for the first 2 hours) to fill quickly.
You can also park near Auditorium Shores (the end of the march) or on Red River or in the neighborhoods west of the TX Capitol using the Park ATX app with discount codes: FREE15ATX1, FREE15ATX2
BATHROOMS: Unless they close the TX Capitol building on us (like they did last time), ADA compliant bathrooms will be available at the start of the march inside the Capitol building (you must pass through DPS security). Bathrooms will be available at Auditorium Shores at the end of the march because we are crowdfunding porta potties again!
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 Disclaimer: Language interpretation for languages other than English will not be guaranteed at this event.
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 DPS and 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.
Veteran? Freedom’s Shield is the veterans arm of HOCTX. Plug in on-site to defend democracy, the constitution, and our first amendment rights. Email your interest and questions to veterans@handsoffcentraltx.org
If your organization would like to partner with us to defend democracy, please email president@handsoffcentraltx.org
For journalist or influencer media inquiries please email president@handsoffcentraltx.org
Social Media 101 Training
Whether you're a neighbor who wants to get out the vote, a candidate, an activist or organizer - we want you to know how to effectively use social media to save democracy.
This 1.5 hour training will be an hour of education from HOCTX President Sophia Mirto, our resident professional communications director with experience running social media for nonprofits, startups, and elected officials.
She will walk us through:
How to maximize the effectiveness of posts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
How to film videos and add readable captions without video editing skills
How to choose what to post on your feed vs your stories - How to get your Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok posts in front of more eyes
She will be taking questions for the last half hour.
With algorithms that suppress our work and a bot farms in Russia literally flooding the internet with anti-democracy rhetoric... social media literacy for Americans is more important than ever!
Phone Banking for NO KINGS 2
Join us making calls to inviting people to attend and help power NO KINGS 2 in Austin!
Once you RSVP, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link to join the session and information on how to prepare to make calls.
Don't worry if you've never done this before; we'll provide a full training for anyone who needs it!
Salvador Espinoza is our event wrangler, and he will train you to phone bank and walk you through the process.
It’s easy, friendly, and will help turnout and help us cover event costs. Both very important - thanks for your help getting the word out ✊
Mass Surveillance Teach-In with Grassroots Leadership
Hear perspectives from community organizers, tech and legal experts, and impacted community members on the dangers of ALPRs and how we can come together to protect our community from mass surveillance.
Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are devices attached to cop cars or light poles and collect tons of data about all of us without our consent. This data is controlled by private AI companies and puts all of us at risk for surveillance.
Learn more about ALPRs on the NO ALPRS website or our page /ALPR. Mke sure to RSVP for the zoom link, and see you then!
ATX Book Club
You can find a copy of the live event here.
READ FOR DEMOCRACY is our anti-fascist book club! We read a new book every month, then take coordinated action to defend democracy ✊
In September we’re reading: The Trouble with Reality: A Rumination on Moral Panic in Our Time by Brooke Gladstone
AKA how we got here in the first place! This is a very short book so you should be able to catch up in time for the livestream & your local book club meet-up.
In Austin? Join the HOCTX book club meet-up:
Join us on Sunday, September 28 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
Purchase Online: Thriftbooks, Better World Books… or check out from your local library, including digitally with the Libby app
After you're done reading it, we recommend giving it to a friend or donating it to Inside Books Project, a local Austin nonprofit that sends books to incarcerated Texans.
Host your own book club in conjunction with our monthly live stream: Watch our 20 minute live-stream for a short discussion (we always invite the author but we can’t promise they’ll attend!) + suggested DEFEND DEMOCRACY action items, then discuss the book with your own crew at your home, coffee shop, or local library!
Learn more about hosting you book club on this page.
If you would like to donate to support our ability to organize resistance events like this monthly book club, we would love your support! Thank you - donate here.