Austin Collective Action Week to Connect Youth With Civic Engagement, Jobs, and Wellness 

Residents across Austin will have a full week of opportunities to build skills, explore careers, and connect with local organizations during Austin Collective Action Week, a seven-day series of free youth-focused events running Feb. 16–22. 

Organized by a coalition of Austin-based community groups, the weeklong initiative is designed to help young people move “from preparation to paychecks” by combining civic engagement, job readiness, cultural exploration, entrepreneurship, and self-care. 

The week kicks off Monday, Feb. 16, with Games and Civics at Columbus Park, 500 S. Central Ave., hosted by the NAACP Chicago Westside Branch. From 1 to 4 p.m., participants can play games, register to vote, meet local candidates, and learn how civic leadership connects to real-world opportunities. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, youth will take the court at Lay-Ups & Leaders, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at T&C Fitness Club, 5910 W. Chicago Ave. The event blends competition with lessons in teamwork, job readiness, and leadership.

Career exploration continues Wednesday, Feb. 18, with Opportunity & Culture at the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, 5500 W. Madison St. From 3 to 6 p.m., attendees can engage with a local Black history museum experience while learning about education and career pathways.

Thursday, Feb. 19, brings Family Night at BUILD Inc. 5100 W. Harrison St, where families can explore programs related to education, aviation, sports, arts, and other hobbies aimed at inspiring young people.

Creative expression takes center stage Friday, Feb. 20, during a Youth Open Mic at Bethel New Life, 1140 N. Lamon Ave. From 6 to 9 p.m., young entrepreneurs, artists, and vendors will showcase their work alongside live performances.

The workforce focus peaks Saturday, Feb. 21, 5100 W. Harrison St., with a Youth Job Fair at Michele Clark, where participants can meet employers, apply on site, and take concrete steps toward employment.

The week concludes Sunday, Feb. 22, with Self-Care Sunday at Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. The event emphasizes mental, physical, and emotional wellness, encouraging participants to care for themselves as they prepare for what comes next.

Organizers say Austin Collective Action Week reflects a broader understanding that workforce success does not begin with a job application alone.

“Not every opportunity starts with a job application—but every job requires preparation, exposure, and support,” the flyer notes.

All events are free, and advance registration is encouraged.

For more information, residents can contact Langston Harris at lharris@projectexploration.org.