Good Morning Ya’ll, Can you believe that 2020 is almost over? We know that this year has been really difficult for many people. The board members of HoTPCA hope that you are doing well and staying safe. We know that our annual potluck meeting is our biggest event of the year that brings us all together for delicious food and amazing company. Due to the pandemic we won’t be able to all meet in person like usual however WE ARE GOING VIRTUAL!
The HoTPCA Annual Meeting on 11/22 is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow RPCVs, renew or start your HoTPCA membership, hear organization updates, and get excited about next year's opportunities.
During this virtual Zoom meeting, you will be invited to bid on silent auction items, order your International Calendar 2021, and pay your annual membership dues – all from the comfort of your own home!
You'll also help elect our 2021 HoTPCA Board by casting your virtual vote, and – of course – enjoy the opportunity to connect with your fellow HoTPCA members and the Central Texas RPCV community.
Register today to get the event link to join us on Sunday, November 22! The link is right below in the events sections!
Upcoming HoTPCA Events:
Thursday 11/12: August Virtual Happy Hour, 5:30-7:30pm
For more info about upcoming events, click here or email hotpca@gmail.com.
Houston RPCV Group Story Share Presentations
The Houston Area Returned Peace Corps group will be hosting monthly share your story presentations, where RPCVs can present on their county and Peace Corps service. Below are the upcoming event information.
Saturday, November 14th, 7-8 pm
The Adventures of India 20A (1965-67), Richard Smith
Saturday, January 9th, 7-8 pm Service Begins at COS, Ed Pettit (RPCV, Botswana)
Are all y'all concerned you won't be able to get your beautiful Peace Corps calendar because of COVID? We can now buy them online. Use our discount code PC4HOTPCA at checkout, when using our code a portion of the sale will go to HoTPCA. You can buy the calendars here: RPCV Calendars
HoTPCA community grants 💸 Due to the closure of Peace Corps sites, there are currently a limited number of Peace Corps projects abroad (https://www.peacecorpsconnect.org/campaigns).While we continue to monitor the statuses of projects abroad, we have decided to make donations to local community projects within the Central Texas region. Thank you to all of our members for submitting ideas of places to donate to.
The board has approved to fund two local projects. Casa Marianella and Lifeworks. Both organizations will receive a donation of $500.
Casa Marianella is the only homeless shelter in Austin dedicated solely to immigrants. 65% of our shelter residents, including children, are asylum seekers, many coming to us from immigration detention.For more information about this community project check out their website. https://www.casamarianella.org/
LifeWorks provides a pathway to self-sufficiency for more than 4,000 youth and families, many of whom are facing life’s most difficult challenges, including homelessness, trauma, and abuse. For more information about this community project check out their website https://www.lifeworksaustin.org/
How to actively contribute to funding HoTPCA grants ✅
Even with COVID, we are still activity identifying projects (local and international) that require funding. While our treasury has contributed over $1,500 dollars to various causes since March, we have not been able to collect the same amount from dues, donations, or Amazon Smile contributions. Please help us support those that need by :
Pay your dues: $15 dollars a year goes a long way when our entire membership contributes!
Send us a message if you want to give to a specific cause that we are supporting*(changes quarterly).
Volunteer Opportunities🤝
Central Texas Food Bank is looking for volunteers. There are individual slots available M-F morning shift is 8:30-12, and afternoon 1-4:30. opportunities are in both the warehouse and the kitchen. Go to their website for more information and to sign up.
Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteer for Friday deliveries of two weeks of groceries. Their volunteer trainings are online via zoom on Tuesdays and Wednesday morning 11-11:30AM
