Last weekend, dozens of young leaders from Amarillo to El Paso gathered in Austin for Camp Texas Rising 2024.
Camp Texas Rising is an annual organizing bootcamp with the spirit of summer camp. Attendees learn about progressive issue organizing, community building, electoral politics, leadership development, and more — and create lifelong friendships along the way.
Although campers may have left their tents and sleeping bags at home, they brought plenty of passion, excitement, and organizing spirit!
“Sometimes it feels like you’re very insular and you’re the only one fighting that fight, but to be here and see people from all across the state doing the same thing is really comforting and empowering.”
— Aryeh Lebowitz, Camp TXR Camper
What did Campers do at Camp TXR this year?
This year, we hosted a variety of keynote speakers, events, and activities designed to teach Campers the ins-and-outs of progressive organizing and how they can make a difference in their communities. Texas Rising Director Ofelia Alonso gave a presentation on best practices for voter registration — a process that can feel intimidating for young activists. Others gave workshops on topics like supporting DEI on college campuses, mental health, navigating challenging conversations, and more.
Saturday night after training, Campers got the chance to let loose at the Camp TXR Reception and Gala — enjoying a performance by the immensely talented drag queens and activists Basura and Brigitte Bandit. This unforgettable show was definitely a highlight for Campers!
“Yesterday, at the gala, where we had the drag queens perform.”
“The drag show last night was amazing.”
“I know she said the drag show, but the drag show was really fun.”
“The drag show!”
—TXR Campers on their favorite memory of Camp TXR 2024
Camp this year came during a time when there’s been no shortage of attacks on our rights and freedoms. Instead of representing us, our state’s elected leaders continue to chip away at our voting rights, tighten abortion restrictions, attack LGBTQIA+ people, threaten public education, and target our migrant communities.
Camp TXR not only equipped participants with the tools and knowledge needed to be effective progressive organizers and fight back, but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose. The memories and connections Campers made will undoubtedly empower them to continue building power in their communities and at the ballot box, and enable them to advocate with confidence and determination for the progressive change Texans need and deserve.
“Don’t be scared to put yourself out there because that’s the only way that you’ll find like-minded people, and that’s the only way you’ll be able to create the community you want.” — Anied Zapata, on how to engage with your community
Why is youth organizing so important?
Young people are our future! Texans under age 30 make up 43% of the state’s population. Extremist politicians know that they’ll lose their grip on the state when young people fully own their power and get active at the voting booth, in their communities, and at the Capitol.
The next generation of elected leaders, activists, and progressive champions is born out of today’s struggles. Our community is shaped by the courage and energy of our youth, and it’s important that we foster their growth so we can continue the fight for a better tomorrow.
“Youth organizing is so important because we are the future, and we need to invest in what we hope to see in the world.” — Ashton Nunez, Camp TXR Camper
Investing in our youth means providing them with the education, resources, and support they need to thrive. It means creating environments like Camp Texas Rising where they can explore their potential, learn, and grow into the leaders our state desperately needs.
Support our work!
Camp Texas Rising is an incredibly rewarding opportunity for young people to learn more ways to connect and engage with their community, but we can’t do it without your help. Consider donating to support our Texas Rising program so that we can continue training young Texas leaders. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!
