Advocacy, Volunteering, and Giving
Beyond the Ballot Box: More Ways to Shape Your Community
There are many ways to impact your community beyond the ballot box—volunteer for an organization with a purpose you believe in, attend public meetings and forums or join or give to an advocacy group.
Find Your Legislator
See who represents you at all levels of government and get contact information
Engage With Your Elected Officials
Una guía para comprender cómo funciona el proceso del presupuesto federal y cómo usted puede participar en él
A guide to understanding how the federal budget process works and how you can have a voice in it
Learn how to call your elected officials with a sample script
![Who Represents Me?]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755872930/hcdetexasorg/e9z460mpb204doglf3mt/Advocacy-Engage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755872930/hcdetexasorg/e9z460mpb204doglf3mt/Advocacy-Engage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755872930/hcdetexasorg/e9z460mpb204doglf3mt/Advocacy-Engage.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755872930/hcdetexasorg/e9z460mpb204doglf3mt/Advocacy-Engage.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755872930/hcdetexasorg/e9z460mpb204doglf3mt/Advocacy-Engage.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1755872930/hcdetexasorg/e9z460mpb204doglf3mt/Advocacy-Engage.png","width":2200}])
Get contact information for the people who represent you in all levels of government
Support Arts & Culture
![Orange Show Center for Visionary Art]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755872938/hcdetexasorg/wrulktbsbuhunmegjtvf/Advocacy-Arts-and-Culture.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755872938/hcdetexasorg/wrulktbsbuhunmegjtvf/Advocacy-Arts-and-Culture.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755872938/hcdetexasorg/wrulktbsbuhunmegjtvf/Advocacy-Arts-and-Culture.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755872938/hcdetexasorg/wrulktbsbuhunmegjtvf/Advocacy-Arts-and-Culture.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755872938/hcdetexasorg/wrulktbsbuhunmegjtvf/Advocacy-Arts-and-Culture.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1755872938/hcdetexasorg/wrulktbsbuhunmegjtvf/Advocacy-Arts-and-Culture.png","width":2200}])
Dedicated to making art accessible to everyone, this group organizes the annual Art Car Parade
Organization dedicated to advancement of photography and visual arts in Houston
Volunteer at one of Houston’s largest annual events
Help with community theater productions
Volunteer at local art events and exhibitions
Volunteer for a Local Nonprofit
Help to provide support services for the homeless
Volunteer to assist with animal care and adoptions
![Houston Food Bank]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755872940/hcdetexasorg/qrfmnk30jzeenyci4vhx/Advocacy-nonprofit.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755872940/hcdetexasorg/qrfmnk30jzeenyci4vhx/Advocacy-nonprofit.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755872940/hcdetexasorg/qrfmnk30jzeenyci4vhx/Advocacy-nonprofit.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755872940/hcdetexasorg/qrfmnk30jzeenyci4vhx/Advocacy-nonprofit.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755872940/hcdetexasorg/qrfmnk30jzeenyci4vhx/Advocacy-nonprofit.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1755872940/hcdetexasorg/qrfmnk30jzeenyci4vhx/Advocacy-nonprofit.png","width":2200}])
Help distribute food to those in need
Speak at a Board Meeting
Apply to sit on a committee to help advise the mayor on array of topics
Speak up about buses, bus rapid transit, and light rail in Houston
Help Our Environment
![Houston Parks and Recreation Department]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755872936/hcdetexasorg/t8yukjc4pr9lmllzeb5j/Advocacy-Env.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755872936/hcdetexasorg/t8yukjc4pr9lmllzeb5j/Advocacy-Env.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755872936/hcdetexasorg/t8yukjc4pr9lmllzeb5j/Advocacy-Env.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755872936/hcdetexasorg/t8yukjc4pr9lmllzeb5j/Advocacy-Env.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755872936/hcdetexasorg/t8yukjc4pr9lmllzeb5j/Advocacy-Env.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1755872936/hcdetexasorg/t8yukjc4pr9lmllzeb5j/Advocacy-Env.png","width":2200}])
Participate in park clean-up events and tree-planting activities
Help clean and maintain the Buffalo Bayou.
Lend a Hand at a Community Organization
![Houston Habitat for Humanity]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755872939/hcdetexasorg/vsvu56jfiaemboyqpeqs/Advocacy-community.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755872939/hcdetexasorg/vsvu56jfiaemboyqpeqs/Advocacy-community.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755872939/hcdetexasorg/vsvu56jfiaemboyqpeqs/Advocacy-community.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755872939/hcdetexasorg/vsvu56jfiaemboyqpeqs/Advocacy-community.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755872939/hcdetexasorg/vsvu56jfiaemboyqpeqs/Advocacy-community.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1755872939/hcdetexasorg/vsvu56jfiaemboyqpeqs/Advocacy-community.png","width":2200}])
Assist in building homes for families in need
Mentor young people in the community
Engage in various community service projects
Discover a New Community Organization
See how you can get involved, access resources, and support local initiativies in your neighborhood
Latest News
![Harris County youth explore advocacy through art]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755872875/hcdetexasorg/mwhg1b8dmokyoliozpb6/20260630_art.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755872875/hcdetexasorg/mwhg1b8dmokyoliozpb6/20260630_art.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755872875/hcdetexasorg/mwhg1b8dmokyoliozpb6/20260630_art.jpg","width":552}])
Students visit local art studios and murals to learn about civic engagement, social issues
![HCDE's civic engagement coordinator participates in League of Women Voters speaking event]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755872855/hcdetexasorg/tmpfucoq1ho9o6c9f0kg/20250411_IMG_1469.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755872855/hcdetexasorg/tmpfucoq1ho9o6c9f0kg/20250411_IMG_1469.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755872855/hcdetexasorg/tmpfucoq1ho9o6c9f0kg/20250411_IMG_1469.jpg","width":552}])
Avery Spranger attends Montgomery County workshop to inspire cross-generational participation in civic life
![HCDE's Civic Engagement team connects Fortis students with lawmakers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755872850/hcdetexasorg/txwbqtiumshtkmbvptzy/20250401-civiceng.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755872850/hcdetexasorg/txwbqtiumshtkmbvptzy/20250401-civiceng.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755872850/hcdetexasorg/txwbqtiumshtkmbvptzy/20250401-civiceng.jpg","width":552}])
Visit to Austin inspires students to explore public service careers
Have More Questions?
If you would like to know more about our community forums or other ways you can get involved in the Harris County region, contact:
Arnaldo Sandoval Guerrero
Civic Engagement Coordinator
Phone: 713-694-6300
Email: asandovalguerrero@hcde-texas.org