Powerlessness is a paralyzing feeling. With the assassination of Charlie Kirk – as with the assassination of Melissa Hortman before him – many Americans feel powerless before the threat of violence. So too do many Americans feel powerless to defend their civil liberties. You do not have to agree with these fears to know that in this moment, all of us fear something.

There are many free adult education programs all over Houston to help you continue your education, learn more about your finances, or get the job you are seeking for.

Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy
On September 17, 2019, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner officially launched the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL.) The MOAL will focus on enhancing adult literacy advocacy and awareness and its impact on our economy, communities, families and individuals. The MOAL will also promote awareness of, and advocate and build capacity for, Adult Literacy and Adult Education causes and providers in the City of Houston.

Houston Public Library
Staff will connect with customers via phone or online and can advise on college application/admission, financial aid, career planning, college transition, adult learners, and much more.  They will respond within 48 hours to make an appointment.

Harris County Department of Education
Harris Country department of Education offers free Adult Basic Literacy, math skills, GED, and ESL courses at over 65 sites.

Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM)
This center offers ABE and ESL courses for free. They also offer a variety of special classes for registered students that include: conversation courses, computer skills, workplace skills, and more.

MAM Literacy Advance (Wilcrest)
MAM provides free Literacy Advance classes are free. All their classes are for basic learning.

Highlights

Why it matters: Youth report widespread climate distress; higher severe‑weather exposure aligns with stronger distress and desire for action. Use this to normalize feelings, add supports, and create constructive action pathways.

Use in programs: Pair discussions about emotions with coping tools and a short local action step; invite cross‑viewpoint dialogue to reduce polarization.

This kit gathers the current calls to action from We Hold These Truths. Start small, invite others, and help uphold freedom, equality, fair elections, and the rule of law.

Pick one action now, then share with a friend or host a short conversation this month.

Liberating Structures is a repertoire of 33 simple methods that help any group include everyone, surface insights, and move to action. This profile curates practical activities by time needed, plus key links, video, and a wayfinder for educators and organizers.

RePublic positions itself as a new local news platform where residents can publish local updates, surface community needs, and engage with civic tools such as representative lookups and action listings. The platform emphasizes transparency, accountability, and participation at the city and town level across the United States.

• • Hyper-local focus — enter your state and town to view nearby items.

• • Inform, organize, act tooling aimed at civic engagement and local accountability.

• • Citizen-funded model; positioned as ad-free local media.