We often hear Houston referred to as a blue bubble in a red state, but it can be hard to find out about the organizations actively working to make Houston a more welcoming and inclusive city. Here, in no particular order, are seven doing vital advocacy work around topics of identity, language, citizenship, and education among other areas.

I’m including a broad range of organizations because I find that so much of the work is connected. If you know of others for future posts please share them in the comments, and click the images for upcoming events!

1. ANTENA HOUSTON

Our focus is on developing the capacity of movements and communities to create multilingual spaces where all languages are included equally. To do this, we work with individuals, organizations and communities providing interpretation, translation and capacity-building workshops. Learn more here and on Facebook.

Social Justice Interpreter Training (Spanish & English) on June 17-18

2. SOUTH ASIAN YOUTH IN HOUSTON UNITE – SAYHU

SAYHU is a week-long summer institute serving South Asian youth, ages 18-26, in Houston. The institute provides a learning environment specifically for young South Asian Houstonians interested in social justice, advocacy, leadership, and local community-building. Learn more here and on Facebook.

SAYHU – Information Session & Community Gathering on June 21

3. UNITED WE DREAM HOUSTON

UWD is a DREAMer led organization. We connect undocumented people to available resources to excel in our communities. We are part of a national campaign whose focus is to connect undocumented youth to available resources to excel in their communities. We provided free assistance for DACA applicants. As part of our resource connection strategy, we collaborate with organizations and institutions to support the undocumented community in the Greater Houston area. Learn more here.

Community Gatherings every Thursday

4. ONE HOUSTON – ORGANIZING NETWORK FOR EDUCATION

We foster collaboration among students, parents, educators, and other community members to build a base of power that will affect educational change through political and social action. Learn more here and on Facebook.

Issue Action Team Meetings

5. IMAGINOIR/BLMHTX ORGANIZING COLLECTIVE

We employ an Ella Baker model of community organizing, a model which brings people together for sustained and coordinated strategic action for social justice. As such, in addition to direct actions and political engagement with local civic leaders, we are committed to building community through programming, trainings, community meetings, and conferences that combine critical dialogue and the arts in ways that creatively highlight and confront issues of racism and social injustice. Learn more here.

A Celebration in Haverstock on June 3 (rescheduled)

6. HOUSTON GLBT POLITICAL CAUCUS

The HGLBTPC is the South’s Oldest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Civil Rights Organization. Founded in 1975, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus is dedicated to eliminating prejudice, violence, and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people through education, activism, and political advocacy. Learn more here and on Facebook.

General Membership Meetings on the first Wednesday of each month

7. SKETCH CITY

We are a community group that focuses on civic tech, open data, and public-sector innovation. We host weekly hack nights and the annual City of Houston Hackathon. Learn more here.

Homelessness Open Hack Night on May 30
Immigration Open Hack Night on June 6

This is in no way intended to be a comprehensive list; it’s merely a sample of the exceptional work being done locally that also happens to have an online presence. Whether with your time or your money, I hope you’ll support one or more of these organizations! At least give them a follow on Facebook to keep up with their future events and updates.