Deeds Not Words

Deeds Not Words now has 19 chapters at high schools and colleges throughout Texas. Through those chapters, we have trained young women to make change on their college campuses (advocating for menstrual equity, for example), at the city council level in El Paso (advocating for a resolution on positive, science based sex education) and in Austin (advocating for a paid sick leave ordinance), and on the state level where our advocates have been an instrumental part of passing 25 bills into law (focused on sexual assault reforms and mental health supports in our schools). We have also trained young women in each of our chapters about the importance of civic engagement through voter registration and participation at the ballot box.

Leadership Development: We provide education and training for young people to develop leadership skills and to become effective advocates for change. Our programs include workshops, capstone projects, internships, residencies, webinars, and mentorship opportunities. Deeds Not Words believes that the toughest challenges we face as a state and country cannot be tackled without integrating the voice, leadership, and collaboration of our changemakersand in doing so we transform power by building an organized base of young leaders that are equipped to create the change they know they deserve. Artist in residence: The art world faces persistent gender disparities and underrepresentation. Our program bridges the gap between alented artists and organizations, offering opportunities for artists to develop their careers and advocate for change. This holistic approach empowers artists and organizations, fostering an inclusive, interconnected arts and advocacy ecosystem.Our program primarily targets young BIPOC artists, especially those with backgrounds in graphic design. The focus is on individuals passionate about contributing to social change through the arts. Edith Valle, our Art Director, leads the program and has already graduated four artists. Our collaborative program aims to empower artists through mentorship, workshops, and exhibition opportunities. We emphasize gender equity, inclusivity, and advocacy training. Zines: The Galvanizer, is an art and policy project curated by our Changemakers. Deeds is shifting how policy is consumed and understood by young people by incorporating art to tell stories, raise awareness and inspire action. Since its launch in Spring 2019, each Galvanizer zine has focused on a different issue area, while emphasizing the intersections of reproductive rights with other issues of importance to gender equity. Beyond the Galvanizer, our chapter members across the state have come together to build out their own zines focusing on important issues facing their communities including: criminal justice reform, racial justice, mental health, abortion/reproductive rights, menstrual hygiene, and civic engagement. Over 300 zines have been distributed and are still being used today to bring in new membership and provide vital information about the impacts tudents are facing at their University