Our Second Offering Recipient for April, May, and June 2025 is Great Promise for American Indians

Each month, Wildflower Church collects a second offering during our worship services to benefit a nonprofit organization whose values align with ours. For the months of April, May, and June 2025, we have selected Great Promise for American Indians as our 2nd Offering recipient. Through donations, attending community events, and volunteering our time in support of the nonprofits who are recipients of our 2nd Offering, we live into our shared UU values (love, justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, and generosity) and our church’s mission: Growing spiritually together spreading love, justice, and joy.

The mission of Great Promise for American Indians is to preserve the traditions, heritage, and culture of Native American and Indigenous people, while supporting the health and education of their youth and families. Great Promise does this by providing year round cultural education opportunities to the community through the Moving Moccasins Powwow dance performers, hosting free family friendly culture days and presentations at schools, museums, libraries and weekly workshops at our cultural center.

In 2025, they are proudly hosting the 32nd Annual Austin Powwow and Native American Heritage Festival — the largest one-day event of its kind in the U.S., bringing together more than 15,000 attendees, hundreds of dancers, and over 100 Native artists and food vendors.

Great Promise comes into 2025 with a significant reduction to their funding due to federal cuts to cultural arts programs. To make their family-friendly, and nationally recognized events and programs possible, they rely on community generosity and sponsorships to help cover essential expenses.

Please give as generously as you are able to. Any donation helps! Donations can be made at in-person at Wildflower Church on Sundays, or online (see the Second Offering link on Wildflower Church’s website’s giving page — click the Donate Online button.)

Current Volunteer Opportunities to Serve with GPAI Include:

  • Volunteers at the Austin Powwow for the gates, hospitality area, set up and clean up.
  • Food and beverage donations for volunteers, dancers, and performers
  • Coffee and refreshments for hospitality areas
  • Coverage for security and police officers required for the event
  • DJ services for live music and cultural presentations
  • Raffle items, supplies, and equipment

Love in Action!

Our Relationships Continue: Events and Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways to be involved with some our Past and Present 2nd Offering Recipient Organizations. What a great opportunity to deepen existing relationships and build new ones (and learn something new!)

Here are some upcoming activities to attend or serve:

  • Saturday, April 19, 9:30 am – 8 pm, Attend or Volunteer at the NAIC Powwow at Travis ECHS
    The Native American Indigenous Collective will hold a Powwow on the campus of our neighbors, Travis Early College High School. This powwow is completely run by students and held off campus because of the lack of University support subsequent to the passage of anti-DEI legislation last Texas legislative session. Volunteer at the Powwow for various logistics throughout the day by completing this form. Donations of water, drinks (non-alcoholic), snacks, or breakfast items at TECHS anytime after 7:30 am on April 19th. (Be sure to look for some familiar faces from Great Promise for American Indians.) Find the Volunteer sign up form here.
  • Sunday, May 4, 1:30 pm to 4 pm, Attend or Volunteer at the BRAVE Communities Connection Event in North Austin
    A Fireside Chat with Rep. Gene Wu, Followed by a K-Pop Dance Experience! This unforgettable gathering brings together Texas House Representative & Democratic Chair Gene Wu (District 137) for a powerful fireside chat on identity, solidarity, and the fight for equity across racial and generational lines. We’ll dive into topics ranging from affirmative action, meritocracy, and the lasting impact of solidarity work – critical conversations that shape our communities and futures. Then, it’s time to let loose and move! 🎶💃🏻🕺🏽 Get ready for a high-energy K-Pop dance session, the perfect way to celebrate AAPI Heritage & Mental Health Awareness Month – helping students de-stress during finals, embracing the global impact of Korean pop culture, and giving us all a chance to shake off the socio-political divisiveness and move in solidarity. Find more event information and registration here. Want to volunteer with BRAVE? Fill out their volunteer interest form.
  • Saturday, May 17, 10 am to 2 pm, Attend Austin Youth River Watch’s Open House in Del Valle
    FREE family event! Come take a hike, participate in outdoor yoga and other activities, while learning about and supporting River Watch! RSVP here.