Veganistas Potluck Dinner

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Veganistas Potluck Dinner

The Veganistas of Austin UU invite you to a Vegan Potluck Dinner on Saturday, August 10th at 6:30 p.m. in Howson Hall.
 
Sponsored by the Veganistas of Austin First UU and cosponsored by the Austin Vegan and Vegetarian Association.
 
All dishes will need to be vegan, meaning no animal products at all. i.e. no meat, fish, milk, cheese, animal broth, gelatin, or honey. This makes it so everyone in our group, vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores can eat anything at the potluck. It is helpful to bring a list of ingredients or even copies of your recipe! As a courtesy, be prepared to give information about allergens. 
 
For more information, to sign up for the potluck, or to ask questions about veganism please get in touch with Suzie Riddle at szriddle@gmail.com 
 

August Monthly Special Offering

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Drive a Senior ATX

Building Relationships One Ride at a Time

Drive a Senior ATX enables older adults to live independently, avoid social isolation and age in place by providing free, volunteer-based transportation and other support services to senior adults in Austin since 1985, including

  • Daily rides to medical appointments and errands,
  • Weekly rides to HEB for groceries,
  • Monthly rides for social outings and events,
  • As needed handyman services, tech assistance, and social visits.

Our mission is transportation, but our impact is relationships. Our volunteer-based rides come with care, empathy, and inclusion. Our clients are treated like family and build meaningful relationships with our staff and volunteers.

First UU is a founding congregation of Drive a Senior, originally called North Central Caregivers. Our congregation formerly contributed annually to its work and has provided many volunteers since its inception in 1985.

 

UU the Vote

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The Green Sanctuary Committee has joined a Get Out the Vote postcard-writing project for the November elections. This project will send postcards to environmentalists who are less likely than average to vote and who live in a contested legislative district. Getting the right public officials elected is important for climate justice, indeed, for all social justice work. Come to our table in Howson Hall after the service to get more information and postcards to write.

A Taste of Soul

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A Taste of Soul

These two meetings, called A Taste of Soul, will provide a sample experience of a Chalice Circle meeting. They will be held on Sundays, August 4th and 11th at 12:30 p.m. after services. Each meeting will run for about 60-75 minutes and lunch will be provided.

To ensure we have enough food and materials, please be sure to register for the Sunday, August 4th meeting or you can sign up for the Sunday, August 11th meeting when registration opens on Wednesday, July 24th.

A Letter from Bob and Victoria Hendricks

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Hello Fellow UU’s
 
Bob and I are honored and excited to be stepping in as leaders of the Green Sanctuary Committee.  Richard and Beki are a hard act to follow. Thank you two for fifteen years of leadership for the church and the environment. As we get our feet under us, we are eager to learn from everyone, veteran of the committee or just interested in joining now about directions you would like us to head together.
        
For right now we offer an important action you can take on in the cool of your home, any hour of day or night. Citizens’ Climate Lobby, with support from the Sierra Club, has taken on sending 40,000 (yes you read that right) nonpartisan get out the vote postcards to voters in Texas districts with at least one contested seat who are identified environmentalists and who have not voted in recent elections. Instructions based on recent get out the vote research and suggested messages as well as addresses are included with each stack of postcards. We have postcards divided into groups of 100 and are giving out as many as three groups at a time. You can sign up for postcards. For a warm up, groups of five cards with names and instructions will be available to write at the social justice table during social hour most Sundays, starting this Sunday. We can provide stamps for any cards you write.  If this sounds good to you please contact me, Victoria, at seastarvsh@aol.com or by text at 512-567-5985 for details, or see me on Sunday in Howson Hall.
               
We hope to make the very most of the national Climate Justice Revival scheduled in September. At the very least we will have a Sunday service focused on the climate crisis and activities afterward in Howson Hall. We hope to offer more following the excellent model of July for Reproductive Justice, which is just superb.
 

Towards maintaining a livable world
 
Bob and Victoria Hendricks 

Green Sanctuary Update 7/9/2024

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Dear Climate Justice Champion,

Green Sanctuary Ministry (GSM) is blessed to announce New leadership, new Co-Chairs are (GSM) Members Bob and Victoria Hendricks.

 Beki & Richard Halpin and Rev. Chris say “Welcome, Victoria & Bob, Thank you for the generosity of your Time, Talent and Treasure to this critical planet saving/ life saving work.”

Bob and Victoria are seasoned Planet Champions. They are leaders in  reclaiming our livable climate with the Sierra Club, Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) and other partners. Their expertise, passion and inclusiveness invite all of us to participate in creating a livable, thrivable, future.

Join us in welcoming Bob & Victoria, if your available, let them know you will attend the next Climate Crises/Solutions meeting Tuesday, August 6th at 6:30 p.m. for potluck and 7 p.m. for meeting. in Howson Hall or by Zoom.  green@austinuu.org 

Here is a list of current- 7/1/’24, Green Sanctuary Ministry (GSM) projects, supported activities and resources. The new GSM leadership will have their own priorities, I’m sure climate restoration will be at the top. 

We’ve done a lot of work together, Dear Planet Champion. Work we are doing & Resources are here for you. 

 

Make a difference actions:  

A hands-on fun meeting to act on Fossil fuels, plastics and other critical Climate issues. The first Tuesday of the month GSM hosts the Sierra Club with Bob & Victoria Hendricks, Climate Crises/Solutions Meeting. in Howson Hall. 6:30 PM potluck, 7 Mtg. begins. Good Company * things get done.


Inside Book Project (IBP) sent 35,000 free reading & learning materials to Texas Inmates last year. 100% volunteer/collective run, no paid staff. GSM applies, and is funded, each year by our church “Monthly Service Offering”. 

Sanity & Life saving, our Congregants donate thousands of books & hundreds of volunteer hours.  We need a volunteer to take church book donations to IBP, @ Vesper Church 3106 E.14 1/2 St. and Airport Blvd. about every other week.  Respond to: green@austinuu.org

Please hold book donations until after Thursday, August 1st. https://insidebooksproject.org/

 

FOOD: Big Carbon Footprint:

Church Members are eager to do more with Vegan food and love of animals. If interested, email: szRiddle@gmail.com

 

Stop Planet Heating:

 Austin Fossil Fuels, Coal & Gas.  Burning fossil fuels is the single biggest climate killer/Earth life extinction danger. The cause of this heat dome!

Current Action: Our work supporting the fossil fuel free Community Generation and Climate Protection Plan & Replacing the Fayette coal burning Power Plant will save lives.   

Also>Take action here> Message: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-council-to-reject-austin-energy-gas-plant-proposal

You can make a difference! Come to First Tuesday Meeting. or reach out to: Bob & Victoria @: roberthhendricks@aol.com

 Promote: Clean renewable planet/money saving sustainable alternatives:

WIND POWER, BIO ENERGY, SOLAR POWER, GEOTHERMAL POWER, And new Plant and recycled power sources are coming …Also: Conservation, Conservation & Conservation. 

Regifting is our annual ‘loaves & fishes’ type  Christmas Gifting miracle. Usually the 2nd or 3rd December Sunday. Congregants bring in new & gently worn treasures to be shared free with anyone looking for Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or other sacred holiday gifting items.

 

Proposed High Level Nuclear Waste Texas dumping:

 We need to watchdog the pernicious attempts to overcome (appeal) the court decision to not allow high-level nuclear waste to be shipped by train and dumped (<click on this open link) in West Texas near the Ogallala Aquifer & Permian Basin. follow up>: Beki & Richard: texeagle@aol.com

 

 Forever Chemicals,  PFAS  We must control in our own drinking water and educate our community: 

Link> https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-forever-chemicals-pfas

 

NO PLASTICS:

 “About 58% of microplastic in oceans and waterways comes from paint on deteriorating plastic. Natural oil, mineral, or in the long term graphene-based paints could fix this problem. Join “No Plastics Team” at First Tuesday meeting.

 *2022 report from Swiss consulting firm “Environmental Action.”

 

Free Coloring Books:

Endangered Species Coloring Books for learning fun. (for easy church and school distribution: link> )

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2013-08/documents/cbook.pdf

 

Church Financial Incentives for energy improvements :

 UUA Green Sanctuary Connections, Climate, Funding y more:

 

UUA Climate Revival rolling out Summer/Fall 2024:

Link>  https://www.uuclimatejustice.org/sponsorship. 

 

Inflation Reduction Act = Federal funds to help pay for improving energy use in home, business and Houses of Worship.

Bob Hendricks is a state & local IRA special matter expert. Here is his informative IRA slide show. Link>:   https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1xi1x_RWjTd9U0Op_Kc2iuEdmF49woaG7x1AgV8PShtg/edit?usp=sharing  Ask Bob how you can get involved.

 

Rachel Myslivy is the UUA contact for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) resources primer  <link, Financial  $$$$$ Incentives for Energy Investments at Houses of Worship. 

Also contact Rachel for Peer Learning IRA funding opportunities-(many UU churches are sharing information on their plans for solar & other energy/money saving projects) & *Green Sanctuary Ministry UUA Base: 

RMyslivy@uua.org

*Note: We are one of at least ten certified Green Sanctuary Ministry (GSM)Texas projects.  These ten Texas Green Sanctuary Ministries are they Potential Climate Restoration collaborators ? 

GSM has collaborated with our church groups like: The FORUM Committee (Jim Hightower & others), The Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Group and The  Earth Keepers- info@austinuu.org> getting the word out to work on our campus landscape. Our church Social Action Council is an example bringing our values alive. Church committees working together get so much done.                          

Green space living = Aging more slowly:

Highlight & Open Link>: Cells of people living in greener areas age more slowly, research finds theguardian.com

It has been a privilege to collaborate with you, Planet Champion.

 

LOVE, 

Beki & Richard Halpin
Former Co-Chairs, Green Sanctuary Ministry
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

 
 

TXUUJM July News

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Sign up now for Border trips, UU the Vote, and more!

This August, join the Texas UU Justice Ministry and our interfaith partner Texas Impact, in a timely and important border witness trip, one scheduled especially for Houston-area UUs (August 11-14, 2024) and another open to all Texas UUs (August 18-21, 2024). The trips include time in Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen, and Matamoros (Mexico) witnessing at immigration court, observation at border wall and of Border Patrol, meeting with migrants and local humanitarian groups, community building among fellow UUs and partners, planning for how to share and act on your “courts and ports” witness effectively back home, and more.  Passport required.

UU THE VOTE: TXUUJM is also your source for Texas UU the Vote efforts this election year! Follow our Facebook and Instagram, and Sign up for TXUUJM emails to get the latest news and actions. [Please note: TXUUJM is closed for study leave and rest in July.]

Monthly Service Offering for July

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The Monthly Service Offering for July is the Online Abortion Resource Squad (OARS). This trained volunteer group moderates the r/abortion community forum within the Reddit social media website. They oversee what is essentially a peer-based counseling service, where users offer non-stigmatized, accurate information on making decisions regarding accidental pregnancies and safe abortion care.  90,000 individuals visit r/abortion every month. This public forum is a critical resource for the people most impacted by restrictive laws and barriers to access.  These volunteers run the site 24×7, every day of the year, providing high quality information, navigation, and emotional support to folks at all stages of the abortion journey. For more information on OARS and how they operate, please visit oarsquad.org.

Reclaiming the Bible Workshop

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While Unitarian Universalism comes out of Christianity, many of us have–at best–mixed experiences with the Christian bible. Whether you are bible-curious or concerned about what’s in there, this workshop is for you.

Join UU seminary student AJ Juraska on Sunday, July 14th from 1-3pm in Room 17 to learn tools for understanding the bible from an academic/historical perspective, rather than a “literal” one. You’ll walk away not only knowing more ways to investigate this commonly referenced text, but also feeling more confident in how to approach the Christian bible on your own terms.

Stop Killing Our Climate

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Climate Crises/Solutions meeting. with Bob and Victoria, Sunday, July 2nd in Howson Hall at 6:30 pm for  pot luck & 7 pm for the meeting. MAKE A DIFFERENCE & HAVE FUN
 
As we look at transitioning Green Sanctuary Leadership we must examine what we have been working on and how to go forward. 
    Burning fossil fuels produce CO2 and other gases that trap the heat over us like a green house.  Harvard/UT study. 
 
Here are our primary working projects: Stop Killing our Climate/all life:
 
1. Replace Austin Energy’s new fossil fuel burning gas plant proposal with the The Community Plan created by energy savvy volunteer Austin Community Members and voted unanimous approval by the  city Electric Utility Commission.
Our role: We are part of a city wide team that is promoting The Community Plan to our community and City Council.
 
 
2. Close, cleanup and replace the coal burning Fayettee Power Plant with battery storage and clean renewable energy generation. 
Our role: We are part of a long standing community team that continues to keep this issue in the City Council and community group’s focus.  See more about closing down Austin Coal Plant.
 
3. Climate Actions:
 
A. Increase Climate awareness and promote practical actions: Continue to host/promote Bob & Victoria’s WHAT YOU CAN DO monthly Climate Crises/ Solutions Mtgs and follow up actions. 

B.  Encourage and support our church participation in preparing for the National UUA Climate Revival-August/September. Church Members/staff are attending UUA free trainings on getting ready to rollout the Climate Revival activities.
 
C.  Support Bob Hendrick’s continued Leadership and organizing around the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) share availability of those financial resources with our congregants and community to lower their carbon footprint/electric bill.
 
4.  Watch dog the attempts to overcome (appeal) the court decision to not allow high level nuclear waste be shipped by train and dumped in West Texas near the Ogallala Aquifer. 
 
 
 
More good climate news from: talkingclimatenewsletter@outlook.com
“The climate and biodiversity crises are bigger than any one of us. The only way we can create a better world fast enough is to work together – and stay informed. The good news is there are many ways that you can help. I challenge you to bring people along with you on this journey.

  1. Stay Curious – if a headline seems too good or too bad to be true, look further.
  2. Counter the Narrative – be willing to wade into the difficult conversations because, as Katharine says so frequently, talking about these crises is one of the most important things you can do.
  3. Ask Hard Questions of your community leaders and the businesses that you support – how are they showing up for climate and for nature and for people?
We have years, not decades, to solve these crises; but I’m confident that, together, we can find a way.” 
 
We will keep you posted as New Leadership for Green Sanctuary Ministry emerges. Contact Rev. Chris if your interested.
 
Beki & Richard Green Sanctuary Ministry green@austinuu.org         
“Together We Nourish Souls, Transform Lives & Do Justice to build the Beloved Community”  

Denominational Connections

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Denominational Connections

 

The UUA General Assembly was held from June 20 – 23. GA is the annual gathering where UUs gather to worship, celebrate, and make decisions.  This year GA was completely virtual.  

At this year’s General Assembly delegates debated revising Article II of the UUA bylaws, which outlines our UU values and sources.  The revision passed with a strong 80.2% positive vote.  Delegates also adopted a business resolution “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Diverse People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values.”  Three Actions of Immediate Witnesses were approved, addressing climate change, support for Palestinians, and responses to epidemics.  

More information is available on the Article II revision and the three Actions of Immediate Witness.

For 2025, General Assembly will be held in Baltimore, MD, and virtually. Contact David Overton at denom@austinuu.org if you would like more information about General Assembly.  

Green Sanctuary update Friday, June 14, 2024

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Hi Earth Ship Partners,

If you know Seniors who are vulnerable to these Historic Heat levels there are lots of resources presented in last week’s newsletter.   Go there and check them out. Lots of ways to help Seniors.

and


“Women leading on climate, senior citizens at risk, and more climate voices to follow


Last week, my newsletter focused on the risks of extreme heat around the world, and how to stay safe: but I could write about this every week. The US National Weather Service just introduced a new Heat Risk forecast map showing where people will face dangerous levels of heat. The entire southern US, from California to Florida, is baking in yet another early-season heatwave, with Phoenix, AZ setting a new daily high of 112F (44C) last Thursday.

I also mentioned last week how heat disproportionately affects elderly people—and this new article goes into depth on exactly why that is.” more @ talkingclimatenewsletter@outlook.com

and

Hello! Wouldn’t it be cool if the world’s wealthiest companies — you know, the ones worth trillions of dollars — paid the bill for the shiny new technologies needed to achieve 24/7 clean power? Sigh. What a nice, idealistic dream. hello@canarymedia.com

 

Important Announcements:

Talks are underway with Austin Energy (AE) to replace AE’s proposed fossil fuel new gas plant with a renewables-based community plan. We will keep you posted. Come to or zoom into the next Climate Crises/solutions meeting @church.

July 2, 6:30-8PM, Next Climate Crises/Solutions mtg at Howson Hall. 6:30 potluck, 7 PM MTG. begins. Ping Bob for zoom link, roberthhendricks@aol.com, or join us in person.

The Unitarian Universalist Church (UUA) is about to take up the Climate Crisis with real actions at a grassroots level, here at our church, churches across the USA, and at the National office. The plan is already put together. Trainings are beginning now. Go to : https://www.uuclimatejustice.org/sponsorship and FAQ’s here.  Let Chris know you want to help out chris.jimmerson@austinuu.org

As previously mentioned, after 15 years as Green Sanctuary Ministry (GSM) Co-Chairs, Beki and I are retiring. If you are interested in Chairing Green Sanctuary Ministry and or managing the upcoming Climate Revival (much of the work is scripted to make it easy) Please let Chris know you’re interested.
It is a blessing to work with all of you on this Environmental Justice initiative to save our Home Planet.

Big THANKS to all Inside Books donors. The Spanish/English dictionaries were lifesavers!

Beki & Richard Halpin, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, Green Sanctuary Ministry
green@austinuu.org.

Staying Cool in the Summer Heat

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Hello all Earth Ship travelers,

It’s a wonderfully 78 degrees cool at our casa this Wednesday morning, June 5th and forecasted to be back up in the 90’s or 100’s the rest of this week. This week will be a fine time to reach out to our friends, family and church Members who may be heat vulnerable. You never know who may be heat suffering in silence in their apartment or home. 
 
Here is a link to a hub for Elder Care services in case you find someone who needs assistance in these hot days: Aging Services Hub for Older Adults in Austin | AustinTexas.gov after the two words “in Austin” there is a down pointed arrow you can click on then “open link” to reach this service HUB. DON’T WAIT. If you find someone who needs elder help check them out. Also, Family Eldercare has fans and lots of health related resources you may find useful.
 
For extra Heat info for you from Texas Climate Scientist Mom, contact talkingclimatenewsletter@outlook.com
 
“My friend Patricia Solis is a geographer who studies resilience and helps people prepare for climate-induced disasters. Not long after she arrived at Arizona State University (ASU), she was working with community members to map heat-related deaths in the city and noticed a peculiar hot spot. “Why would death rates be clustered there?” she wondered. “It must be a data error.”
 
She says, “In this era of climate change we need everyone to be prepared and be able to adapt their own homes. This work will prevent barriers for some of the most vulnerable people to keep themselves cool.” To paraphrase anthropologist Margaret Mead’s famous quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change their community.”
 
Speaking of heating up our climate by burning fossil fuels:  Remember we have two proposals for Austin’s Generation and Climate Protection Plan   This is our cities energy plan for the next 5 years. Austin Energy (AE) has a proposal for Council that includes a gas power plant. Our Community (1st time in the last decade) was excluded from AE’s design process. Our Community rallied with knowledgeable willing Austin Climate Community leaders who have produced a fossil fuel free 5 year plan. This was reviewed & voted on and  recommended by the City Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to Council as the preferred 5 year plan for Austin.
 
Council asked the two groups to work together for a final plan. AE has hired a consultant who has designed community workshops on the Austin Generation and Climate protection Plan but only a small group of community folks will be invited & allowed to speak. You can help: Send a note to the Mayor and Council like:  
 
‘Dear Mayor and Council Members, Please make sure Austinites will have at least 3 minutes each to speak to this critical issue of our Austin Generation and Climate protection Plan. I’ve heard the community is not allowed to speak only AE preselected folks’. Check out Austin City Council Contact Information.
 
Visit AustinTexas.gov for city heat care info for people and dogs. Open link by clicking down arrow after ‘gov’ then scroll down  Austin City Council.
 
Together we can and must save our Earth Ship!
 
Beki & Richard Halpin, 
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, Green Sanctuary Ministry 

“Together, we nourish souls, transform lives, and do  justice to build the Beloved   Community”
 
 
 

Climate Protection

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Hi Earth Champion,
 
The UUA General Assembly will happen (zoom) in June. If you attend will you check out any info they make available for us to know more about this climate and how we want to participate?
 
The critical global Climate crises is about to be taken up by our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in a “National Revival” rooted in our UU Churches across the US National Climate Revival.
 
We have this Summer to get our heads and hearts around this great opportunity. Summer events: Sermon, music, art, contest, RE curriculum and more are being planned for this Summer. Big kickoff planned for September. See what workshops may be happening now.
 
 
Update
We still have a chance to urge our City Council to:
  1.  Decide that our new Climate Protection and Generation Plan will be the fossil free community plan vs. AE’s plan that includes a new gas plant. Come August we will need to begin actions for September votes.
  2. Closing, cleaning up and replacing the deadly generation at the Fayette Power Plant (FPP). Actions on this will pick up again in late Summer/ early Fall. View this Harvard study on how coal power.
 
Climate Mom, Catharine Hayhoe, talkingclimatenewsletter@outlook.com share her good & bad climate news for free. check out, Dr. Joellen Russell: Oceanographer & Science Mom. Joellen grew up in a fishing village north of the Arctic Circle by the Chukchi Sea. As a child, she grew curious about what happened to the sea ice at the end of each winter: so she decided to study it!

 

Meeting Dates:

  1. IRA FastTrack Monthly Meeting Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 7pm – 8pm (CDT)
    This meeting will be on Zoom.

  2. Climate Crises/Solutions meeting is next is Tuesday, July 2nd. The potluck will begin at 6:30 pm and meeting will start at 7 pm in Howson Hall. 
 
Beki & Richard Halpin, Green Sanctuary Ministry 
512-658-2599 or 512-917-6018
 

UNWOUND SOUND presents: ELECTRONIC THROWDOWN

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Unwound Sound presents a multimedia evening by cutting-edge composers Anuj Bhutani (Los Angeles) and Albert Yeh (San Francisco). The program features Bhutani’s performance of his electronic song cycle manu whilst Yeh evokes cinematic sonics from his innovative Motors/Pulses album. The composers will also join forces on a collaborative work with Unwound Sound artistic director, Brent Baldwin.

A freewill offering will be gratefully accepted, the proceeds of which will support the Texas Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry. TUUJM works to bend Texas toward justice  and equity for all.

About Our Guests:

ANUJ BHUTANI is an emerging composer/performer who crafts genre-fluid music with narrative depth. Since 2020, he has won an ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award, Chamber Music America’s Classical Commissioning Grant, 1st Prize in Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble’s Emerging Composer Competition, and Verdigris Ensemble’s ION Composer Competition. Bhutani has been selected for the American Composer’s Orchestra’s Earshot, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and residencies at Avaloch Farm Music Institute and Atlantic Center for the Arts (twice). His music has been commissioned and performed by Ashley Bathgate, Metropolis Ensemble, and more. 
Anuj earned his master’s degree from University of Southern California and his bachelor’s from University of North Texas. His primary teachers have included Andrew Norman, Ted Hearne, Camae Ayewa (aka Moor Mother), Joseph Klein, Andrew May, Sungji Hong, Drew Schnurr, and Bruce Broughton. 

ALBERT YEH is a performer and composer from San Francisco who makes experimental electronic music. His sonic palette combines diverse influences ranging from the Western musical canon, electronic/electroacoustic genres, and progressive rock. Albert’s solo work is currently focused on examining the intersection between musical procedures and processes, as well as the meeting points between emotional states and qualities. Albert is involved in various musical projects, including the experimental metal bands Lotus Thief, Forlesen, and Wreche, and the chamber music group Insight Chamber Players.

About the Presenter:
UNWOUND SOUND is a forward-reaching arts presenting organization and performing ensemble created by award-winning composer/director/multi-instrumentalist Brent Baldwin. U/S draws upon Baldwin’s extensive collaborative work across all artistic disciplines and genres, promoting a diverse roster of audacious artists while supporting progressive non-profit organizations in Central Texas. In February 2024, U/S performed its sold-out Indie Orchestra series in partnership with KUTX, Austin PBS, and the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.