January / February 2026 | News to help you engage, connect & accelerate your impact

At OneStar, we believe that when Texans come together to serve, incredible things happen. Our updated Texas State Service & Strategic Plan lays out how we’ll support communities and nonprofits across Texas in the year ahead. First launched in 2024 and refreshed for 2026, this plan is the result of thoughtful collaboration with our staff, board, and community partners and aligns with the requirements of the Texas State Service Plan.

As the governor-appointed state service commission, OneStar leads Texas’ volunteer and philanthropic movement, including administering federal AmeriCorps funding to local organizations. This strategic plan is a roadmap for how we invest in people, programs, and partnerships that make communities stronger, more connected, and more resilient.

Service isn’t just about helping—it builds empathy, fosters unity, and strengthens the bonds that keep communities thriving. Every act of volunteering, advocacy, and giving contributes to a statewide culture of care and understanding, creating opportunities for Texans to look out for one another and tackle challenges together. This plan guides our work so that every Texan and every nonprofit can tap into the power of service to make a lasting difference.

We are excited to share a new flyer showcasing the impact of AmeriCorps across Texas. Designed for advocacy, it highlights the full statewide scope of service—from OneStar programs to AmeriCorps Seniors and AmeriCorps VISTA—demonstrating the powerful return on investment of national service. This publication captures the scale of what we do while showing the real, lasting difference in communities across the state. From meeting urgent needs to transforming lives, AmeriCorps members bring people together to strengthen communities, create opportunities, and empower Texans to thrive. Download this resource today to share the power of service with your policymakers and community leaders!

Across Texas, service and volunteerism are powerful forces that strengthen communities, build trust, and bring people together. Reimagining Service 2035 is a bold national effort to create a shared roadmap for the future of volunteering that makes service easier, more meaningful, and more accessible for everyone. With a goal to double the number of people who volunteer by 2035, this initiative focuses on strengthening nonprofits, improving systems that connect people to service, and deepening community connections across the country.

As part of this effort, Points of Light is administering two surveys—one for individuals and one for organizations that engage volunteers or community members. You are encouraged to complete either or both surveys to ensure our experiences, challenges, and ideas help shape the national strategy. Using the custom, Texas-specific surveys linked below allows insights from our state to be captured and reflected accurately in the national roadmap. Surveys are currently slated to close on Monday, February 9.

Partnerships between state agencies and community organizations are key to meeting the needs of every Texan. The 2025 Interagency Coordinating Group Legislative Report highlights how collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise are breaking down barriers, improving services, and creating lasting impact across our state. OneStar is proud to lead these efforts—connecting agencies, nonprofits, and local leaders to share best practices, leverage resources, and drive solutions that strengthen communities. Discover the full report and see how these partnerships are transforming service across Texas.

Our 2025 Annual Report is coming soon, and this year’s theme—A Voice for Texas Communities—celebrates how we amplify the impact of nonprofits, volunteers, and service across the state. Inside, you’ll see how OneStar has championed advocacy, supported communities in crisis, and strengthened the nonprofit sector. The report highlights real stories, big wins, and measurable outcomes that show how we turn collaboration into action. Stay tuned to explore how together we are shaping stronger, more resilient Texas communities!

ATX AmeriCorps Alums Holiday Happy Hour
Dec 2, Austin

OneStar Holiday Gathering
Dec 12, Virtual

Legacy Community Health AmeriCorps Member Appreciation Lunch
Jan 13, Houston

Funder Roundtable
Jan 15, Midland

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

Wed Jan 28-Tue, Apr 7
Enrollment Deadline: Wed, Jan 28
Virtual
This certificate program offers a flexible, online learning experience designed to strengthen leadership skills at every level of a nonprofit organization. Through guided instruction, peer learning, and applied coursework, participants gain practical tools in strategic management, board governance, performance measurement, fundraising, and situational leadership to navigate change and lead with confidence. This program equips nonprofit and public service professionals to translate theory into action and drive meaningful, measurable impact in their organizations and communities.

Presented by Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at the Bush School

Fri, Jan 30
Austin
This in-person gathering brings job seekers and hiring organizations together in a relationship-driven environment designed for real conversation and meaningful connection. Participants can explore nonprofit career and leadership pathways, learn about open roles through brief mission spotlights, and build connections that extend beyond the room through integrated job board access. It’s an opportunity for job seekers, nonprofit employers, and talent partners to strengthen pipelines and advance equitable access to service and leadership across the sector.

Presented by Mission Capital

Mon, Feb 2-Tue Feb 3
College Station
Leaders from nonprofit, academic, and community sectors across Texas will come together to strengthen relationships, spark innovation, and advance solutions that create real community impact. This gathering will spotlight collaborations between nonprofits and university scholars who are working side-by-side on applied, community-based projects. Participants will have the opportunity to build cross-sector connections, explore data and research resources that inform decision-making, and exchange ideas that elevate the nonprofit sector statewide. Attendees will leave equipped with new skills, expanded networks, and fresh perspectives to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Presented by Center for Nonprofits & Philanthropy at the Bush School

Tue, Feb 10
Brownsville
Participants will gain comprehensive insights into the entire grant process. Attendees will understand the essential components of a successful grant proposal, including crafting compelling narratives and developing strong objectives. The session will also cover effective strategies for identifying and researching potential grant opportunities from corporations, foundations, and federal sources.

Presented by The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Fri, Feb 20
Hurst
Board members and nonprofit leaders are invited to strengthen governance practices and elevate organizational impact through a focused day of learning and skill building. This symposium offers practical workshops on strategic leadership, financial oversight, board composition and roles, and resource development. Participants will gain actionable tools to support strong, effective boards and position their organizations for long-term success. Attendees will leave better equipped to lead with confidence and unlock their nonprofit’s full potential.

Presented by North Texas Nonprofit Institute

Wed, Mar 18-Fri, Mar 20
Sacramento, CA
Join hundreds of volunteer engagement professionals from across the country for three days of connection, learning, and inspiration. This conference brings together practitioners, thought leaders, and partners who are shaping the future of volunteerism. With six session blocks and more than 30 presenters, the event offers a powerful mix of emerging trends, leadership development, community engagement strategies, and the evolving role of technology—including AI—in volunteerism.

Presented by Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE)

Thu, Mar 26
Houston
This one-day conference brings together nonprofit board members and staff to strengthen governance and work more effectively in partnership. Designed for both new and seasoned leaders, the program features expert-led sessions with practical, high-quality content participants can take back to their organizations. This year’s theme, Staying the Course while Shaping the Future, invites leaders to pause, reflect, and realign with the missions that guide their work amid shifting funding, advancing technology, and evolving community needs. Attendees will build meaningful connections, gain insights from experienced nonprofit experts, and explore how to lead with clarity and conviction in uncertain times.

Presented by Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University

Tue, Apr 14-Thu, Apr 16
Addison
This in-person gathering brings together national service program staff, state and territorial service commission teams, AmeriCorps agency colleagues, and volunteer engagement partners for three days of learning, connection, and inspiration. Participants will share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and build skills that support effective national service and volunteer engagement across communities.

Presented by America’s Service Commissions