Downtown Austin Alliance’s Post

The Texas Tribune is convening a diverse group of Texans and experts in multiple fields for “We the Texans: A symposium on the state of democracy.” Join The Texas Tribune on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in Houston or online for a day-long event examining the state of #democracy in Texas, what can be done to reinvigorate #trust and encourage #civic engagement, and how we can work together to solve local, regional, and statewide challenges. The symposium will start with a conversation about democracy at a national level and then turn to Texas-specific topics, including: • #voter turnout — and how to increase it • The local media landscape — and how it’s helping or hurting • How young Texans are making a difference — and changing the conversation • Governing Texas communities and the challenges that come with it — especially at the local level RSVP today: https://trib.it/HJX

To the nine leaders of our UK political parties. You will have received my letter calling for a focus on children in this election campaign. You will note the distinction between talking about child care (framed for economic growth – parents working more) and instead shaping child centred policies and strategy to see our children living inspired and fulfilling lives…that sets the UK up for success, and supports transformational child development in many countries through our diplomatic missions and international development partnerships. In my article for the The RSA (The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce), wonderful people from all over the world contributed to define areas of focus and provide a set of questions to support government leaders to quickly move from idea to action to results. It’s rare that everyone says yes when you ask for help with some work. Everyone has said a firm yes with Child Centred Nation. Now it’s time for our public servants to as well. To the colleagues, RSA Fellows, think-tanks and government members who have been in touch, thank you. I’m looking forward to upcoming engagements in Europe and Africa, more panel discussion events, as well as activations with nurseries, schools and local communities in a variety of countries. The sooner children are sending their ideas and artwork to politicians the better. Whatever your politics, whatever your system of government, the time to align your country to the Child Centred Nation movement is now. We stand ready to support and help. Note: Child Centred Nation is a movement, open to all, supported by some incredible people and organisations. It is not a company, nor does supporting it align you with any party or organisation. Supporting it aligns you with giving a greater voice to the children of your country/countries and the world. Want to be a Child Centred Champion? Share this with your Member of Parliament, the election candidates in your area, in local government and councils, and with the organisations you are part of and aligned to. #children #policy #goverment #socialinnovation #impact

In a polarized world, where the public square has become increasingly hostile, how do we continue to make progress on the things we are called to build? Join us as Baroness Philippa Stroud identifies the steps needed to renew culture, starting with healthy institutions. Drawing on her work with the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Stroud will discuss how policymakers can foster changes in society that ensure that citizens can take hold of the opportunities in front of them and develop the personal resilience to serve over decades. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/dUUBjE6D

A really well done study. One major takeaway for any of us involved in evaluating grants or distributing grant money is the disproportionately high number of large budget organizations receiving the bulk of grants funding. This seems to be a recurring theme in other studies and we need to do better in getting to smaller and BIPOC organizations that are in need. #artsfunding #grants

Are you asking, "when was the burden and calling for leading America 2.0 to prepare the ground for an America capable of leading the 22nd century birthed?' Well, success is not an overnight phenomenon. It requires consistent effort, persistence, and a never-give-up attitude. America 2.0 - the 22nd Century Model Country is our vision for a prosperous and forward-looking America. Foremost, a strong nation starts with a strong foundation, and that foundation is the family unit. When the economy thrives, families thrive, and vice versa." Thus, investing in the strength of our families is investing in the future of our nation. The traditional family unit is the backbone of a prosperous society. We cannot underestimate the importance of strong families for the overall well-being of our nation. As President, I will champion policies that empower families and strengthen our nation. Be a part of the change we desperately need. Support Dr. Rollan Roberts II and cast your vote. #iowacaucus #voterollanrobertsii #supportrollanroberts #rollanrobertsforpresident #caucusnight #iowa4rollanroberts #caucus4rollanroberts #familyvalues #empowerment https://lnkd.in/d_aKy2H5

I was excited to read over the Americans for the Arts Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Report but disheartened to see that while they included Puerto Rico in their findings, they did not include any research or advisory council from the other U.S. Territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These islands make up over a third of a million people, and while that may be small comparatively, their population's arts and culture impact deserves to be recognized and included. Leaving them out of the AEP6 report means leaving out crucial information on people already under-represented in their own country, including Pacific Islander, Indigenous Islander, Black-Indigenous, Hispanic, and Afro-Latino/a/x organizations and audiences. The AEP6 report reads that their Equity Task Force worked to “ensure the inclusion of BIPOC and ALAANA arts and culture organizations and communities in the study. The Task Force has enabled Americans for the Arts to begin to address its history of underrepresenting BIPOC and ALAANA arts and culture organizations as part of the AEP studies.” But it looks like the work needs to continue to be fully inclusive and avoid erasure! https://lnkd.in/gbnTB9rm

Here's what 2023 Hogans Fellow Alfredo Gonzalez Alfonzo says about the pressing challenges facing the profession: "In our polarized political environment, where compromise is rare and bipartisanship infrequent, we need public affairs professionals who can navigate that complexity and provide solutions to client challenges. We can convene conversations around policy that have a significant effect on overall society." Thinking about his future, Alfredo says: "In the next five years, I hope to continue to raise the issues of the Hispanic/Latino community and use my experience to shape the conversation and build alliances in favor of common-sense policy." Hear more from Alfredo and the rest of the Hogans Fellows here: https://lnkd.in/eMAN2wye

Today, on Juneteenth, we reflect on the importance of freedom and equality. This day marks a pivotal moment in our nation's history, reminding us of the ongoing journey toward justice and inclusion.   Juneteenth is not just a historical event but a call to action to recognize and address the systemic inequalities that still exist. Let's take this opportunity to educate ourselves, engage in meaningful conversations, and actively contribute to a more inclusive society.   To learn more about the significance of Juneteenth and its history, I encourage you to visit: https://lnkd.in/efAEsgps

Interested to see this important study!

One type of slavery is gone. Abusive practices just take a different form at @CAQH. CAQH Core, for example, subjugates small medical practices by "creating" Jim Crow rules that make it impossible for small practices to file complaints against BIG POWERFUL insurance companies that violate Federal law (CAQH CORE standards are adopted as federal regulations under HIPAA Administrative Simplification requirements; CAQH Core is designated as a "Standard Setting Organization"). When Sarah Ahmad the Board of Directors at CAQH make the rules fair to small practices, she can talk about "freedom" "equality." Everyone knows that CAQH stands AGAINST Equality. Acts speak louder than words Sarah Ahmad. CAQH Core has failed the American people. It's designation as a "Standard Setting Organization" should be revoked.