Step beyond workforce gaps to explore how networks, trust, and local systems expand access to opportunity.

Workforce development isn’t just about placement—it’s about belonging, access, and navigating a shifting economy. In this session, we’ll explore how opportunity emerges when systems are designed to reflect the realities of the people they serve. Rather than focus on short-term fixes, we’ll hear from regional leaders who are weaving together education, business, and community to build more adaptive and connected opportunity ecosystems. Participants will consider how relationships, not just programs, create durable pathways to economic mobility.

Parking Information

The session will be held at 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.

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.

What They Found

Democrats think 47 percent of Republicans support violence against Democrats. But only 13 percent really do. Even more striking: only 3.5% of Democrats and 2.4% of Republicans support throwing rocks at opposing protestors, yet 40% from both parties think the other side would support this - a ten-fold exaggeration. Social media makes this worse by amplifying extreme voices. Meanwhile, 85% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats believe in unconditional free speech, but each side thinks only about half the other party believes this. This creates dangerous cycles where people respond to imaginary threats.

An intro workshop for those facing transition, considering a pivot, or curious about what life could be.

What if your next chapter could be your most aligned, resilient, and whole?

Design Your Life is a reflective and interactive mini-workshop for senior fellows who are anticipating or navigating change—professionally or personally—and are ready to begin aligning their time, energy, and purpose.

Especially for those who are:

• Entering or navigating retirement

• Experiencing a life transition

• Hungry for more meaning and fulfillment

Participants will leave with:

• The basics of a roadmap for the season ahead.

• Renewed confidence in the face of change.

• A renewed sense of story, resilience, and possibility.

Note: Those interested in continuing the journey will be invited to participate in an ongoing community of practice scheduled for early 2026.

Space is limited — register soon to confirm your spot.

Discover funding approaches that strengthen trust, deepen community connections, and create momentum for Houston’s future.

This opening session of the Bridge Houston series brings nonprofit, philanthropic and board leaders together to reimagine how we resource our region’s’s future. We’ll examine fresh approaches to funding that go beyond filling shortfalls, focusing instead on cultivating trust, fostering openness, and strengthening connections across sectors. Participants will engage in dialogue with peers from diverse fields to explore how Houston can align its financial strategies with its community’s assets and aspirations. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with new perspectives, actionable ideas, and relationships that can help transform how funding flows to the places and people that need it most.

Our conversation will balance practical insight with cross-sector discussion, offering a space to think creatively while staying grounded in Houston’s realities. Whether you’re a funder, nonprofit leader, civic partner, or business executive, this is an opportunity to contribute to a vision of a stronger, more connected funding ecosystem for our city.

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.

This is a free, public book launch hosted by American Leadership Forum Houston Gulf Coast. Come as you are. Whether you work in an office, a school, a clinic, a shop, or at home, you are welcome here. We’ll talk about real change that starts with how we treat one another.

Common Ground Spotlight

5 Healthcare Policies Texas Democrats and Republicans Agree On

By Alex Buscemi • September 9, 2025

Texas faces real healthcare strain—from hospital closures to families delaying care. Builders highlights five practical policies that Texans across party lines already support.

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Price transparency: up-front estimates for non-emergencies (HB 1314) so families can plan and compare.

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More mental-health access: allow licensed out-of-state counselors (incl. telehealth) to serve Texans.

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Cap out-of-pocket costs: limit what people pay for life-saving meds like insulin and inhalers.

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Pharmacist test & treat: enable pharmacies to handle common illnesses (strep, flu, UTI), especially for rural access.

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Medicaid expansion support: broad citizen backing—vital for keeping rural hospitals open.

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.