Discover Activism in Austin, TX dedicated to supporting and empowering your community. Our directory features organizations committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges of the community through advocacy, programs, and services.
Based at the University of Texas at Austin, the UT Queer & Trans Student Alliance represents a thriving community dedicated to supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ students. As a recognized agency of The University of Texas at Austin Student Government, QTSA has established itself as a cornerstone organization for Queer, Trans, and Questioning individuals seeking community, support, and collective action in Austin, TX.
At its heart, QTSA exists to foster genuine leadership and connection within LGBTQ+ communities on campus. The organization understands that true liberation requires more than the removal of barriers—it demands the active construction of spaces where queer and trans individuals can thrive, belong, and grow together. This philosophy guides everything QTSA does, from their direct community involvement to their collaborative work with student government and local Austin organizations.
The alliance brings together students who share a commitment to advancing the needs and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals. Through regular community events, social gatherings, and collaborative projects, QTSA creates opportunities for members to build meaningful relationships, develop leadership capabilities, and work toward shared goals. These connections form the foundation of a supportive network that extends throughout both the university and the wider Austin community.
QTSA's dual commitment to both advocacy and community care distinguishes them as a unique resource for UT Austin students. Whether students are seeking connection with peers, looking to develop leadership skills, or wanting to contribute to systemic change, the UT Queer & Trans Student Alliance provides a welcoming, active community grounded in shared values of liberation, inclusion, and mutual support.
At the University of Texas at Austin, the Association of LGBTQ Journalists operates as a welcoming student organization dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ journalists and their allies. This Austin-based community recognizes the importance of diverse voices in media and works intentionally to support young professionals who are building careers in journalism and communications.
The organization's core mission centers on fostering authentic connections among members while promoting fair and equitable coverage of LGBTQ+ issues within the media landscape. Members find more than just professional development—they discover a supportive community of peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing LGBTQ+ journalists entering the field. Through regular socials, collaborative workshops, and peer mentorship, the organization builds lasting friendships and professional networks that extend far beyond the University of Texas at Austin campus.
What sets this student organization apart is its explicit commitment to inclusion and accessibility. Membership is open to all majors and identities, reflecting the belief that diverse perspectives strengthen journalism and media. The organization actively works to amplify LGBTQ+ representation in newsrooms and communications industries, recognizing that inclusive hiring and fair coverage are essential to quality journalism.
Serving the Austin community and beyond, the Association of LGBTQ Journalists provides a crucial support network for students navigating careers in media. Members benefit from connections with established professionals, access to industry insights, and a community that celebrates their identities while advancing their professional goals. By creating intentional spaces for education, connection, and advocacy, this UT Austin organization contributes meaningfully to a more inclusive future in journalism.
Rooted in the University of Texas Austin community, the Policy Alliance for Communities of Color represents a vital student organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and concerns of communities of color through policy engagement. Based in Austin, Texas, this group embodies a commitment to understanding and addressing the unique policy challenges faced by marginalized communities. The organization brings together passionate students who recognize the importance of having diverse perspectives represented in policy conversations and decision-making processes. Through collaborative work and community partnerships, members of the Policy Alliance for Communities of Color build meaningful relationships with local stakeholders and advocates who are working toward social equity and justice. The organization creates a supportive space where students can explore their interests in policy while contributing to tangible efforts that benefit the communities they serve. By fostering dialogue between the university and surrounding Austin neighborhoods, the Policy Alliance for Communities of Color bridges academic knowledge with community needs and lived experiences. This student-led initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that policy development remains responsive to and informed by the perspectives of those most directly affected by policy decisions.
At the heart of the University of Texas Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs, the Pride Policy Alliance represents a commitment to inclusive community-building and social justice advocacy. This student-led organization emerged from the recognition that LGBTQIA+ voices and perspectives are essential to shaping equitable public policy at the local, state, and national levels.
The Pride Policy Alliance serves as a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies at the LBJ School who are passionate about advancing equality through policy work. The organization understands that meaningful change requires both visibility and action—creating intentional community among students with shared values while simultaneously advocating for concrete policy solutions that protect and advance LGBTQIA+ rights and wellbeing.
What distinguishes the Pride Policy Alliance is its dual commitment to internal community support and external advocacy. Members find belonging within a supportive peer community while also engaging in substantive policy discussions and advocacy campaigns that reach beyond campus. The organization recognizes that students bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to policy work, and these differences strengthen the collective effort to advance equality in Austin and beyond.
As part of the UT Austin Gender and Sexuality Center Affiliate Program, the Pride Policy Alliance connects members with broader university resources and support systems. The organization operates within the context of the LBJ School's legacy of preparing thoughtful leaders dedicated to public service and social change. Through collaborative programming, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, the Pride Policy Alliance empowers students to become change-makers who lead with authenticity, courage, and commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality in their careers and communities throughout Austin and nationwide.
At the heart of the University of Texas Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs, the Feminist Policy Alliance creates an inclusive community for students focused on policy issues that affect women. This student organization recognizes that gender equity is fundamental to effective governance and social progress, and it brings together like-minded individuals who are committed to advancing feminist perspectives in policy work. The Feminist Policy Alliance welcomes all students interested in these issues, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints strengthen the organization's collective mission.
Based in Austin, a city known for its progressive values and innovative spirit, the Feminist Policy Alliance is uniquely positioned to engage with policymakers, community leaders, and advocates working on women's issues. The organization brings education and advocacy directly to the LBJ School community, the broader University of Texas campus, and the Austin area, creating opportunities for students to learn from practitioners and contribute to ongoing policy conversations. Members gain practical experience in policy analysis, advocacy strategy, and community engagement while building relationships with peers who share their commitment to gender justice.
The Feminist Policy Alliance represents the next generation of policy leaders who understand that addressing women's issues requires multidisciplinary approaches and sustained commitment. By creating space for dialogue, education, and action, the organization empowers students to become advocates and change-makers in their future careers. Whether members pursue roles in government, nonprofits, academia, or the private sector, the Feminist Policy Alliance equips them with the knowledge, networks, and confidence to champion policies that advance equality and opportunity for all women.
At the heart of the University of Texas Austin, the Feminist Action Project stands as a student-led organization committed to building community among those dedicated to feminist principles and social justice. As a recognized student organization within the UT Austin student community, the project creates welcoming spaces where students from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, and grow together around shared values of equity and inclusion. The organization recognizes that meaningful change begins with community building and collective action, bringing together students in Austin, TX who believe in the power of feminist activism. The Feminist Action Project operates with the understanding that student voices matter and that campus-based organizing can create ripple effects throughout the broader community. Members find support, friendship, and purpose through their involvement, developing relationships while working toward causes they care about deeply. The organization is accessible through HornsLink, making it easy for interested students to discover, join, and participate in community activities. By fostering dialogue, encouraging critical thinking, and supporting one another, the Feminist Action Project embodies the collaborative spirit that defines student activism at the University of Texas Austin. The project represents a commitment to creating a more equitable future, one conversation and one action at a time, grounded in the vibrant student culture of Austin.
Founded in 2007 by UT Austin students and employees of leading firms, the Queer Business Student Association emerged from a vision to create a welcoming community for LGBTQ+ professionals in business. This Austin, TX-based student organization has a rich history of advocacy and community building, having navigated challenges and transformations to remain a vital presence within the university's business school. After a period of hiatus from 2015 to 2017, the association was revitalized with renewed purpose and commitment to advancing queer visibility in corporate environments.
The organization's evolution reflects its responsiveness to community needs and feedback. In 2018, the association underwent a significant rebrand with a refreshed leadership team and clarified mission focused on workplace equality and corporate representation. Most notably, in November 2019, the association renamed itself to the Queer Business Student Association to better reflect contemporary language and demonstrate greater inclusivity toward all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
At its core, the Queer Business Student Association in Austin represents a commitment to building inclusive professional spaces where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated. The organization serves as a supportive network for students navigating their business education and early careers, offering community, mentorship, and advocacy. By bringing together queer students, allies, and professionals, the association continues its founding mission of promoting workplace equality while fostering meaningful connections among members who share a commitment to creating positive change in the business world.
The Pre-Law National Black Law Students Association at the University of Texas in Austin represents a vital community for African American students committed to legal careers. As the UT Austin chapter of the National Black Law Students Association, this student-led organization creates inclusive spaces where future lawyers can connect, grow, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead in the legal profession.
What makes UT P-LNBLSA distinctive is its dual commitment to individual student success and systemic change within the legal field. The organization understands that African American law students face unique challenges in predominantly white institutions and legal workplaces. By fostering a supportive community of peers who share similar backgrounds and aspirations, the Austin chapter provides both practical support and emotional encouragement.
Members of UT P-LNBLSA gain access to a comprehensive support system that extends far beyond a single campus. The organization facilitates connections with practicing attorneys, law firms, and legal organizations that value diversity and inclusion. Through guest speakers, courtroom visits, and mentorship opportunities, students learn directly from professionals who have navigated similar paths and understand the importance of representation in the legal system.
The scholarship and resource offerings of UT P-LNBLSA reflect the organization's commitment to removing barriers to legal education. By providing financial assistance and curated information about internships, fellowships, and professional development, the Austin-based chapter demonstrates that supporting students of color in law is an investment in a more equitable legal profession. UT P-LNBLSA members become part of a legacy of advocacy and excellence that extends across the nation.
The UT Austin chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists represents a thriving community of student journalists and communicators dedicated to advancing Hispanic and Latinx voices in news media. Based at The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX, this student-led organization has created a welcoming space for UT students of all majors and backgrounds who share a passion for journalism and storytelling.
Since its establishment in fall 2016, TX NAHJ has built meaningful connections among members through shared values of professional excellence and community empowerment. The chapter operates as part of a larger national network of approximately 3,000 NAHJ members, connecting Austin-based students with journalists and communicators across the country. This dual connection—both to the local UT community and the national journalism landscape—provides members with unique opportunities for growth and collaboration.
What sets TX NAHJ apart is its emphasis on mutual support and inclusive membership. The organization actively recruits members through accessible channels like Instagram and group messaging, removing barriers to participation. Officers bring diverse experiences from respected Austin-area newsrooms including The Daily Texan, KXAN, KUT, and the Austin Monitor, creating authentic mentorship relationships grounded in real-world journalism practice.
TX NAHJ's mission centers on empowering Hispanic and Latinx students while amplifying underrepresented voices in news and communication. By providing community, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, the chapter ensures that all members—regardless of background—have access to the tools and knowledge needed to become leaders in journalism. The organization reflects UT Austin's commitment to diversity and inclusion while advancing the broader mission of equitable representation in media.
The National Association of Black Journalists chapter at the University of Texas at Austin represents a local extension of the nation's largest organization of journalists of color. Founded nationally in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ has grown into a powerful force advocating for black journalists worldwide, and the Austin student chapter carries forward this legacy of excellence and community empowerment.
At its heart, the UT Austin NABJ chapter is a community organization dedicated to creating a sense of belonging for minority journalists on campus. The chapter welcomes students looking for fellowship with peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in pursuing journalism careers. Members find more than professional development—they discover a supportive network of individuals committed to advancing diversity and inclusion throughout the media industry.
The Austin chapter is driven by a comprehensive mission that extends beyond individual career advancement. The organization strengthens ties among black journalists, works to expand opportunities for aspiring professionals, and advocates on behalf of journalists of color in newsrooms and media organizations. The chapter honors excellence and outstanding achievements while maintaining a commitment to fair, balanced coverage that serves the broader community.
What distinguishes the UT Austin NABJ chapter is its dual focus on immediate student needs and long-term industry transformation. Members benefit from informational and training services while participating in a movement toward greater equity in media. The chapter's work with high schools and colleges reflects a commitment to pipeline development, ensuring that future generations of black journalists have mentors, role models, and pathways to success. In Austin, TX, this student organization represents both a professional home and a catalyst for meaningful change in journalism.