January / February 2024 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

Do you share our belief that community engagement is the key to strengthening Texas communities? In our strategic plan launched this week, we hone in on critical levers to empower Texans to take action and create change. But we cannot do it alone: we work hand in hand with partners across the state to build pathways to community engagement and ensure we can all make a difference. Check out our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan now and share your ideas on how we can collaborate to turn these goals into action!

For 40 years, every Texas governor has recognized the profound impact volunteers have on shaping and strengthening the fabric of our local communities. This month, Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced the latest Governor’s Volunteer Award recipients to join this enduring legacy. This year’s awardees exemplify the Texan spirit of service and illuminate innovative approaches to creating social change. We hope you are inspired by their extraordinary stories of service!

You are invited to Build Relationships, Innovate, Discover, and Get Engaged at the Nonprofit BRIDGE Conference on February 26-27 in College Station. This conference showcases impactful relationships between nonprofits and academic institutions collaborating on applied projects in their communities. Our CEO Chris Bugbee will be spotlighting OneStar's Nonprofit Career Development Certificate launched in partnership with Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at Texas A&M University.

As Congress finalizes the FY24 federal budget, there are proposals on the table to cut AmeriCorps by 50%, eliminating more than 61,000 service positions. This reduction would be devastating for communities that rely on vital services provided by AmeriCorps members and stifle pathways to meaningful careers. OneStar mobilized for the National Service Virtual Day of Action on February 8 to urge policymakers to stand for service. In addition to reaching out to our Texas representatives, we also invited more than 24,000 AmeriCorps Texas alums and 300 current AmeriCorps program staff to take action, making Texas the second-most active state for emails sent to Congress. Thank you to Voices for National Service, States for Service, and Service Year Alliance for creating pathways for us to take action and save AmeriCorps.

2024 is a notable year for OneStar as we reflect on several significant milestones in our journey of advancing community engagement in Texas. Our President & CEO Chris Bugbee recently shared his thoughts on counting the years of making it count in a recent blog post, and follow us on social media to join in this year’s celebrations!

Learn about the many vital roles that OneStar fills in advancing service & volunteerism and strengthening the statewide nonprofit sector in our 2023 Annual Report. We are proud of the past year's remarkable achievements that have built a strong foundation for the road ahead. Thank you to our dedicated partners that have supported and served alongside us in this journey!

In Case You Missed It: Events & Opportunities from the Sector

Thu, Mar 7
Houston
Join United Way of Greater Houston as we dive into the Built For Texas: Creating a More Resourced Future for our Nonprofit Sector research report, released last year by Texas Nonprofit Strong. You will learn how to use this new edition of the research report to reinforce the case for your mission and advocate more effectively for our sector.

Presented by United Way of Greater Houston and Texas Nonprofit Strong

Sun, Mar 10-Sat, Mar 16
During AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of the millions of Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, and encourage others to follow in their footsteps of service. This year's theme is AmeriCorps is Not a Moment, It’s a Movement. Celebrate our programs and offer thanks to members and volunteers for uniting in service to make an impact on their community, foster a sense of constructive action, civic participation, and belonging.  

Presented by AmeriCorps

Mon, Mar 25
Virtual
 Join this free, nonprofit board governance training for current nonprofit board members, potential board members, and nonprofit staff. Our goal is to ensure that all board members in Waco are trained in board governance.

Presented by Cooper Foundation & Waco Foundation

Thu, Apr 4
Austin
This beloved signature event is a networking opportunity designed to connect individuals interested in nonprofit board service with a variety of Central Texas-based organizations that have open board positions and a commitment to building diverse, inclusive boards. 50+ nonprofits representing a variety of missions will have tables at Board Summit. Board position seekers are encouraged to visit the tables to learn more about the organizations and the open board positions each nonprofit is seeking to fill.

Presented by Mission Capital

Fri, May 17
Fort Worth
With advocacy as the theme, the TCU Nonprofit Communicators Conference offers a convenient one-day training and support for nonprofit communication professionals through interactive workshops at an affordable cost. The annual event is open to any nonprofit communicators looking for the best way to tell their stories.

Presented by Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University

Mon, May 20-Wed, May 22
Los Angeles, CA
This year’s conference will focus on Transforming Philanthropic Culture and Practice as we explore together what we can do to better support thriving nonprofits and communities. The conference will feature breakout and workshop sessions that explore how we can navigate changing dynamics in our organizations, build more equity-centered practice into our work and transform our organizational cultures.

Presented by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations & Southern California Grantmakers

Tue, Jun 4-Fri, Jun 7
Houston
TNOYS’ Annual Conference convenes thousands of diverse professionals and individuals who share a common goal: to build a brighter youth services field in which all young people can thrive. With over 40 workshops, keynotes, and panels available, the conference has something for everyone who serves youth, young adults, and families! Professionals and youth and young adults are invited to join together as attendees, putting the power of youth-adult partnership into action.

Presented by Texas Network of Youth Services

Tue, Jun 11-Fri, Jun 14
Houston
The Points of Light Conference brings together social impact leaders from across the sector. With more than 70 educational workshops, inspirational leadership discussions, and opportunities to connect with peers, this conference offers something for every champion of social good. Save the date! Registration opens on March 1. 

Presented by Point of Light