“Stand Up for Schools” is Austin Voices’ annual fundraiser and awards luncheon, recognizing parent, student, teachers and community partners who have demonstrated outstanding support for public education.

This year’s event on Monday, March 8th was a hybrid virtual/in-person event, with 30+ parent leaders joining our panel and speakers at Dobie Middle School. The event honored parents, students, teachers and community partners who have worked to support their schools and communities in 2021-22. Keynote Speaker was Noel Candeleria, Secretary-Treasurer of the National Education Association. Noel is formerly the President of the Texas State Teachers Association and a strong ally of Austin Voices’ work. A panel followed the speakers, with Jeff Travillion (Travis County Commissioner), Kathi Tovo (Austin City Council), Ken Zarifis (President of Education Austin) and Anabel Garza (retired principal of Reagan/Northeast Early College High School) sharing about the power and promise of community schools.

A highlight were the speeches by several parents who serve as Community Block Leaders and Promotoras through Austin Voices. Their work as advocates in their schools and neighborhoods has been transformative during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Video of the event will be posted shortly.