Grassroots Advocacy for Powerful Change
Our advocacy amplifies the voices of those most impacted by our mission. With every new initiative, we rally around equity and opportunity toward our shared vision for a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Commissioners Jeff Travillion and Brigid Shea, and child care supporters gather at the Travis County Commissioners Court to celebrate the passing of the November 5 ballot initiative.
Expanding affordable child care
In November 2024, Travis County Proposition A passed, providing nearly 10,000 local children and youth access to high-quality child care and afterschool programs. This win also improves compensation for child care workers, the backbone of our local workforce.
The milestone stands on nearly two decades of United Way grassroots efforts strengthening the early childhood education sector with the Affordable Childcare NOW! Coalition, Success By 6, Pre-K Partnerships, and our community.
4 Advocacy Wins
1
Leading the Affordable Childcare Now! Coalition to secure an additional $75 million to increase Travis County high-quality childcare for nearly 10,000 children and teachers.
2
100% property tax exemption for qualifying child care providers, being the first jurisdiction in the state to do so.
3
Securing critical updates to 2-1-1 navigation system with a $3.2 million budget increase to support call center operations, improving the experience of hundreds of thousands of callers seeking help with food, utilities, health, and more.
4
Expanding Medicaid coverage to 12 months for postpartum new moms after the birth of a child.
Our civic promise
At United Way for Greater Austin, we work hand-in-hand with our coalitions and communities to influence public policy across various government levels. Amplifying the voices of those most impacted by our mission is crucial for nurturing a community environment where everyone can reach their full potential.
We use bold advocacy to create powerful change in Central Texas, meeting the immediate needs of today while building a brighter future for tomorrow.
Your voice matters
Your voice can help build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
At United Way for Greater Austin, advocacy helps us meet the immediate needs of today while building a brighter future for tomorrow.
There are many different ways to advocate for change. You can write letters, sign petitions, post on social media, or call your elected officials. All of them help shape a vibrant, thriving community right here in Greater Austin.
Change for the next generation starts with bold advocacy now.
The first five years of a child’s life are foundational, literally building the architecture of their brain. You can advocate to ensure every child is ready to succeed in school and beyond as a volunteer.
Early Matters Greater Austin
Formed by United Way and E3 Alliance in 2018, Early Matters Greater Austin (EMGA) unites the business community around the goal that local children enter Kindergarten prepared for school success.
- Locally, EMGA leads the National Best Place for Working Parents® campaign, which recognizes research-backed, family-friendly policies that benefit both working parents and businesses’ bottom line.
- In coordination with Early Matters Texas, EMGA advocates and innovates so that parents can go to work every day assured that their children are safe and receiving high-quality education – thus supporting our current workforce and preparing future workforce.