Art drives social change and builds resilience through creative expression.

At a time of division and violence, ICAN Peacework provides pathways for youth to develop leadership through nonviolence, emotional wellness, and community-centered justice. Their work builds resilience and healing through storytelling, conflict resolution, and restorative circles—equipping future generations with the tools to shape more compassionate, inclusive communities.

Local ecosystems like coastal marshes, pine savannahs, and prairie meadows provide critical services—from flood resilience to climate mitigation. Houston Wilderness supports large‑scale planting, green infrastructure, and planning frameworks—empowering underserved communities and building climate‑smart infrastructure regionall

Grants offered through HAA provide essential funding that fuels Houston’s creative economy. These resources ensure equitable access to the arts and help preserve and uplift diverse cultural traditions. They also contribute to stronger community connections, economic development, and public access to meaningful cultural experiences.

In an era of media saturation and growing political distrust, Braver Angels invites you to a Fishbowl-style conversation exploring how we make sense of the truth. This dynamic and respectful dialogue offers an opportunity for people from across the political spectrum to wrestle with questions like:

• Why is trust in the media breaking down?

• What roles do traditional and alternative media play in shaping opinion?

• How can citizens find truth and resist manipulation?

Participants will rotate into an inner “fishbowl” circle to share insights, while others actively listen and learn.

This is a space for curiosity, not combat.

Houston's diverse and dynamic landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. Impact Hub Houston addresses these by fostering a collaborative environment where social entrepreneurs can thrive. By providing resources, mentorship, and a global network, they enable changemakers to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also equitable and sustainable.

Almeda Plaza Civic Club reflects the heart of grassroots civic participation. By fostering local agency, organizing residents, and interfacing directly with city systems, the club embodies Change Lab’s commitment to community voice, civic literacy, and cross-sector collaboration. Their work at the hyperlocal level strengthens the civic fabric and builds the trust, accountability, and public participation needed for broader systems change. As a consistent, decades-long presence in Houston’s civic life, they are a natural partner in advancing place-based, people-powered change.

Fuckup Nights is a global movement born in Mexico that now spans over 300 cities worldwide — including Houston. At each gathering, local leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, and artists take the stage to candidly share their biggest professional failure.

Instead of avoiding the topic, these sessions normalize learning from mistakes, spark honest conversations, and foster a culture of vulnerability, innovation, and community support.

The Connect Highstar apartment complex brings together families of varied income levels, along with commercial and retail space.

New Leaders Council (NLC) – Houston is part of a national movement to build a pipeline of inclusive, equity-driven leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Focused on training emerging leaders from underrepresented backgrounds, NLC Houston brings together changemakers across industries—nonprofit, business, government, and grassroots organizing—for a dynamic fellowship experience rooted in values, strategy, and service.

The Rothko Chapel is an iconic, interfaith sanctuary in the heart of Houston that serves as both a place of spiritual reflection and a platform for transformative action. Founded in 1971, it was envisioned as a sacred space where people from all walks of life could come together across lines of religion, race, nationality, and ideology. Today, it stands at the intersection of art, spirituality, and human rights—hosting programs, dialogues, and performances that invite deep reflection and inspire social change.

One Houston is a coalition of community members, schools, faith institutions, and nonprofit partners working to build civic power for social justice across the Greater Houston area. Through grassroots organizing and leadership development, One Houston empowers everyday people to take action on issues that directly affect their lives—from education equity and housing to voter access and public safety.