Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change

Community Outreach: Women.Design.Build Potluck & Garage Sale June 3, 7-10 PM

2010-05-27T12:40:00.001-07:00

Women.Design.Build Potluck & Garage Sale, June 3 2010, 7 - 10 pm Austin, TX - On Thursday June 3, 2010, Women.Design.Build will host an evening of discussion, inquiry and curiosity about learning the trades of design and construction.

Are you curious about learning home improvement, woodworking, or green design methods? Do you have a general interest in design and building but are not quite sure how to get started?

The mission of Women.Design.Build is to provide the women of Austin the opportunity to engage in design and construction activities via workshops and community projects. Before we can move any further, we need to know what the community's design.build interests are. To explore your interests, learn more about our efforts, enjoy homemade eats, and peruse the garage sale items, come to the Austin Green Art Warehouse on the evening of June 3, 2010.

Located on the Austin State Supported Living Center campus, the Austin Green Art warehouse is rich with materials varying from a collection of animal vertebrae to an array of antique machinery. These items will be sold at the event in our effort to continue to build-out the warehouse. The potluck is optional, but feel free to bring your favorite dish.

The community's insight is critical to our development: we ask participants to come inquisitive, enthusiastic, and hungry. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit www.womendesignbuild.org

* * *

In August of 2009, founders, Christina Mirando and Nicole Joslin met at a community volunteer meeting. The two have been developing Women.Design.Build ever since.

Christina received her B.A. from Hampshire College with a concentration in film and sculpture. She resides in Austin, TX where she works for a local handywoman company.

Nicole received her Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and works as an Architecture Intern for Boka Powell.

Event Details:

Time & Date: Thursday, June 3, 2010, 7 - 10pm
Location: Austin Green Art Warehouse, 2203 West 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703
RSVP: womendesignbuild.eventbrite.com

Indigenous Youth Cultural Arts Leadership Program: Summer Camps 2010

2010-05-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change in collaboration with LifeWorks is hosting the Indigenous Youth Cultural Arts Leadership Program. This program is a two-week long summer camp for young girls and boys, focusing on Indigenous life ways, arts, and culture. These summer camps contribute to Austin's cultural diversity by educating future cultural arts practitioners. In addition, camp instructors are local Indigenous artists and other artists of color who contribute to the creative industries of Austin and who understand and live the value of art and culture.

The camps serve children between the ages of 7 to 16, and are fully supervised with expert counselors and instructors. There are no application fees for participants. Drop off and pick up points will be located in East Austin.

Girls' Camp: June 14 - 25, 2010
June 24, 2010 Field trip to the University of Texas
June 25, 2010 Camp performance at Alma de Mujer

Boys' Camp: July 6 - 16, 2010
July 15, 2010 Camp performance at Alma de Mujer
July 16, 2010 Field trip to Volente Beach

The application process opens June 1st; interested folks can email us at almaprograms@gmail.com.

UPDATE: "Chickasaw Women Past & Present" Event has moved

2010-05-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

Chukma Chickasaws and Friends of Chickasaws:

Well we have gotten rained out of the wonderful site due to heavy rains there this morning already. The program will go on and will be at the

Grace Community Bible Church
10511 Salt Mill Hollow
Austin, Texas 78750

A map is attached and a more detailed map to the site can be found at:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=10511+Salt+Mill+Hollow+78750&hl=en&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=10511+Salt+Mill+Hollow,+Austin,+Williamson,+Texas+78750&ll=30.455777,-97.82218&spn=0.027486,0.066047&z=15

There will not be a need to bring chairs. But we will start the Potluck supper at 5pm followed by the presentation of Chickasaw Women Past and Present.

If you have any questions, please call me at 512-258-7919.

If you can not make this event, remember that you are all invited to the Chickasaw Council Meeting at 1pm at 1009 East 11th Street in Austin. It is just off of IS-35.

Hope to see you at both events.

Yakoke,

Gene (Nashoba) Thompson

Chickasaw Storyteller "Chickasaw Women- Past & Present" Speech and Potluck May 15

2010-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Chukma Chickasaws and the Friends of Chickasaws:

We will have an rare opportunity on the evening of May 15th to hear Chickasaw Hall of Fame Member Pauline Brown and her Daughter LaDonna - a well known Chickasaw historian and artisan talk about the strong role of Chickasaw Women in our Culture. The event will begin with a pot luck supper, followed by the presentation of the Browns and an opportunity to discuss Chickasaw Women of the Past and Present. The program will be held out doors under a canopy of large trees. Bring your folding chairs and a dish to share. Please RSVP to cccctx@gmail.com by Thurs, May 13th if you will be able to join us.

Additionally, the Browns will be joining us for our next local meeting to be held the next day (May 16th) at the UT Building at 1009 E. 11th Street in Austin. For detailed instructions on how to get there go to http://www.cccctx.org .

Please come join us.

Workshop and Performance Schedule for Momma! I Love You

2010-05-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

Workshops for Momma!

Tai Chi 12pm-130pm

How to make essential oils from herbs 12pm -1pm

Free Wellness Screenings 1pm-4pm

Photography lesson 1pm-2pm & 2pm-3pm

Belly Dancing 2pm – 3pm

Songwriting 101 2pm-3pm

Plant walk and craft 3pm-4pm

Five Benefits of Pursuing the Interests You Always Wanted to Try but Never Had Time To 3pm-4pm

Paintings by Alonso Rey 4pm-5pm

Mass Yoga participation by East Side Yoga 5pm-6pm

Performances

Las Rafikis 12:30pm-1pm

Margo Valiante 1pm-2pm

Dawni McCray 2:30pm-3:30pm

Suzanna Choffel 4pm-5pm

We can't wait to see you there! Music, food, dancing and workshops... what an awesome way to spend time with your momma this Mother's Day.

Besitos,

Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change

May 1st Work Day

2010-05-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

A few folks decided to spend their May Day here with us at Alma de Mujer and show their love to the land by working on the outdoor stage, tending to the garden, and making structural improvements on the bridge.

It was a beautiful May Day out on the land, and it was wonderful to have volunteers young and old spend the day out on the land with us. Spring has been such a blessing here, with the Medicine Wheel Garden in full luscious bloom. Most exciting to see was the outdoor stage, which had fallen into disrepair, being fixed up by our volunteers in preparation for our Momma! I Love You Festival for mother's day on Sunday May 9. We have been looking forward to this event for weeks, and cannot wait to share our photos and stories!

Some of the volunteers during the day were students with the UT School of Architecture, who came out to offer their knowledge and energy in physically putting in a natural stone and mud ramp on either sides of the bridge entrance, and wire hand railings along the bridge for better support. These students were not afraid to break out a sweat for this project, and Alma thanks them for their time and strength.

There to guide the student architects were two local architects and teachers, founder and director of Women.Design.Build Nicole Joslin, and director of Design Build Alliance Scott Ross. Their expertise was invaluable to the project, while their organizations- focusing on community grassroots building and empowerment- are groups Alma is proud to work along side with.

It was an amazing work day here at Alma, and as always we love and thank our friends and family for taking the time to help us beautify the land for continued use by our animal and human community.

Volunteer Work Day! Sunday 10AM - 2PM

2010-04-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Outdoor Workday at Alma

Come join us for an Outdoor Work Day to beautify the land in thanks of Spring!

Sunda, May 2, 2010 10AM - 2PM

Bring your water, sunscreen, and work gloves!

Questions? Contact Maribel at almaprograms @ gmail.com

Momma! I Love You Mother's Day Event May 9

2010-04-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

Momma! I Love You Mother’s Day Experience

Mother’s are subject to what Mother’s Day offers. But, imagine a retreat on 22 acres of sacred land packed with activities, workshops, relaxation techniques, food, games and more for the entire family. Alma de Mujer, Northwest Austin’s own indigenous women’s compound is hosting this year’s Momma! I Love You, an interactive day of family-friendly performances, workshops, games, outdoor activities, foods and music presented by Bemba Entertainment.

Momma! Takes place at Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change, home of the Indigenous Women’s Network since 1996. Alma has provided IWN with office and program space and has operated as a non-profit meeting and retreat center where Indigenous people from the Austin community and progressive organizations could gather to re-energize and continue their work promoting social change.

Bemba Entertainment is committed to bringing our mothers and their families together to celebrate a relaxing day in their honor with proceeds going towards a good cause. This event will treat and pamper our mothers, as well as garner awareness for the Indigenous Women’s Network, Alma de Mujer Conference and Retreat Center, and the event’s benefiary, Latinitas, whose non-profit programs empower young Latinas using media and technology.

Mom's will be exposed to dozens of workshops in yoga, drumming, nature photography, empowerment, healing, publishing, capoeira, music-making and more.

Suzanna Choffel and the Djembabes will perform.
There will be on-site massage picnicking, food venders, silent auction, sports and 22 acres of hiking.

This is the greatest gift to your Momma, other than yourself.

This is an event not just for Mothers, but for Women all around the World.

Admission is $20 per vehicle

Purchase your tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/109794

Community Outreach- 1st Annual Sacred Springs Powwow & Indian Market

2010-04-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

1st Annual Sacred Springs Powwow & Indian Market

WHEN: Saturday, May 1, 2010 – 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM
WHERE: Aquarena Center, 921 Aquarena Springs Dr., San Marcos, Texas
WHO: Featuring Keetoowah Cherokee champion dancer David Hoskins as Head Man Dancer.
COST: FREE to the Public
HOST HOTEL: San Marcos River Inn, 1433 IH-35 North, San Marcos, TX, (512) 353-7770
CONTACT: For more information contact Maria Rocha, (512) 393-3310
ATM: Automatic Teller Machine services will be available onsite at the event.
PARKING & SHUTTLE: Visitor parking located across the street from Aquarena Center entrance in Texas State Lot #9 and Shuttle will be available from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. More details, click here.

Download Map & Directions to POWWOW (PDF)
Volunteer Application
Download Press Release (PDF)

San Marcos’ sacred springs reawaken when over one hundred Native American powwow dancers and participants arrive for the much anticipated 1st Annual Sacred Springs Powwow & Indian Market, held on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM at Aquarena Center, 921 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos, Texas. The event is sponsored by a local Native American nonprofit organization, Indigenous Cultures Institute, with support from Hays County, the City of San Marcos, San Marcos Arts Commission, Texas State University, and CenturyLink.

“The Sacred Springs area is one of the oldest inhabited sites in North America and Native people believe it’s one of three creation sites where we originated,” says Dr. Mario Garza, board chair of the institute. “Over the next several years, this event – held in honor of our ancestors – will bring together hundreds of Native people not only from the United States, but from all of the Americas.” Garza refers to the institute’s plans for a heritage festival to be added to the powwow slated for 2011.

Activities will begin at 10:00 AM with a blessing at the Sacred Springs. The powwow will feature Keetoowah Cherokee champion dancer David Hoskins as Head Man Dancer, Comanche renowned traditional singer Lance Tahchawwickah as Head Southern singer, and Texas-famed Eagle Point as the Northern Drum.

A major Indian Market will be held in conjunction with the powwow, offering the largest gathering of Native American arts, crafts, and food vendors ever assembled in San Marcos. Food booths will offer the ever popular Native fry bread tacos, healthy buffalo burgers, roasted corn, turkey legs, chicken shish kabobs, and a variety of sweets like kettle corn, funnel cake, and snow cones. Arts and crafts will include a large selection ranging from Southwest jewelry, pottery, moccasins, Native dolls, stone oil lamps, breast plates and other relic replicas, to fine art paintings, weavings, and sculptures.

At 5:00 PM, Dallas Aztec dance company Cuicani In Xochitl will make a special guest appearance in honor of this first powwow. Famous for their dynamic and physically demanding dance movements and their spectacular regalia, this dance group guarantees a dazzling finale to the indigenous festivities.

Indigenous Cultures Institute organized the local Native community to provide education and information about Native Americans, particularly from this area, southern Texas, and northern Mexico. Their first major event in San Marcos, “Songs of the Seven Directions,” was held at the Aquarena Center’s Earth Day Celebration in April 2009. They have since produced several Native functions including “Eagle and Condor” dance exhibition, “Hispanic’s Indigenous Identity” lecture series, “Tracing Indigenous Ancestry” genealogy workshop, and the “Seven Directions Art Exhibit – celebrating Native American culture.”

Community Outreach- Festival Beach Community Garden Dig In, Saturday 04/17

2010-04-15T19:48:00.001-07:00

The folks at Festival Beach Community Garden are hosting a Community Garden Volunteer Dig In! this Saturday, April 17 from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. Below is a copy of the volunteer press release- DIG IT!

Attention Gardeners: Get Ready to Get Dirty!

New Eastside Community Garden at Festival Beach is opening on Saturday, April 17th

Located at Waller Street & Clermont Streets, across from the park at Festival Beach.

Want to participate? We need neighbors to join us Saturday for:

ORIENTATION FOR NEW GARDENERS: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Rent your own plot and plant your garden ($30 per year, with scholarships available).

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER “WORKDAY”: 10:00 – 1:00 pm
Help us “dig-in” and establish our new garden site.

We also invite you to:
MONTHLY PLANNING MEETINGS: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
4th Wednesdays of each month at Terrazas Library, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.

THE NEW GARDEN WILL HAVE AVAILABLE:
¤ 80 member plots (10′ x 20′) ¤ some raised beds
¤ fruit orchard, berries & grapes ¤ herbs & nopalitos
¤ covered picnic area ¤ tool shed with tools
¤ irrigation system ¤ compost & mulch storage

For more information, contact: Kaela Champlin, (512) 567-0740 or Edie Cassell, festivalbeachgarden[at]gmail.com

PRFDance Performance: Taino Areyto for Kalpulli Tlalteca, April 18, 2010, 1-2pm

2010-04-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

Saludos!

Alma de Mujer wanted to highlight a beautiful and symbolic event coming this weekend, hosted by the vibrant Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center dance troupe. We hope you can attend this special event!

Taino Areyto for Kalpulli Tlalteca, April 18, 2010, 1-2pm

The first "Puerto Rican" born on our beautiful island was a baby of a Taina mother and Spaniard father. On April 18, the Kalpulli Tlalteca of Mesoamerica will be travelling to Austin -- 14 hours -- to bring a gift of original corn harvest to the children of the Taino of Boriken. With the greatest honor and respect, we will offer an Areyto, a ceremonial dance, as a gift in return. We invite all who feel a calling, to bring their maracas and join us in this once in a lifetime event, which takes place at our Cultural Center, 701 Tillery St. Austin TX 78702. Here is the beautiful history behind it.

Around 7000 years ago, the native peoples of Mesoamerica bred the first corn they called "teozintli" from indigenous grass. Over time, corn made its pilgrimage into North America, to Florida, and from there to the Taino who called it "maisi" (maiz). The Spanish conquistadors brought the name maiz to Mexico, as corn is most commonly called today.

During this special event, the Kalpulli Tlalteca people of Mesoamerica complete a three year journey they have made to complete the circle -- and fulfill a prophesy -- in the return of the original maiz to the Taino people. With the greatest honor and respect, we the children of the Taino of Boriken will accept this gift and bring it home so that it can be planted on sacred land to "continue" the circle.

Plant Walk w/ Nicole Telkes 4/24

2010-04-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Nature Plant Walk
with Nicole Telkes from the Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine
April 24, 2010 10:30AM-12:00PM

Herbalist and Healer Nicole Telkes from the Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine will lead a plant walk at Alma de Mujer. Adults and children are welcome! Please consider giving a $5 - $25 donation.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Nature Walk
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Potluck Lunch

To register, RSVP with Maribel at almaprograms @ gmail.com

FROM THE WEB: Former Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller dies

2010-04-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

Wilma Mankiller (November 18, 1945 — April 6, 2010)

Wilma Mankiller, Native feminist and former Cherokee Nation chief, has gone to the spirit world today. Here are a few article links related to her life and passing:

Breaking News: Former Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller Dies courtesy of the Cherokee Phoenix

Feminist Intersection: Wilma Mankiller has gone to the spirit world courtesy of Bitch Magazine

Wilma Mankiller, first woman to lead Cherokee, dies at 64 courtesy of CNN

Volunteer Outdoor Work Day!

2010-04-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Outdoor Workday at Alma

Come join us for an Outdoor Work Day to beautify the land in thanks of Spring!

Saturday, April 10, 2010 10AM - 2PM

Bring your water, sunscreen, and work gloves! We will also be in need of several weed wackers and other larger garden tools, so if any volunteers can bring these items, we and the land will be grateful!

Questions? Contact Maribel at almaprograms @ gmail.com

Reiki Master Ines Godoy Marin now at Alma de Mujer

2010-04-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Reiki Master Ines Godoy Marin is now offering Reiki treatment sessions at the healing studio here at Alma de Mujer for the month of April.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese name consisting of 2 words "rei" and "ki" meaning spiritually guided life energy (commonly known as Universal Life Energy), an energy which animates us all and is found all around us. Reiki harmonizes the body, mind and spirit by channeling the energy that surrounds us to cure the physical, emotional, and mental levels of the body. There is no belief system attached to Reiki, so anyone can receive a Reiki treatment or attunement.

Reiki:
* Promotes natural self-healing
* Balances the energies in the body
* Strengthens the immune system
* Treats symptoms and causes of illness
* Relieves pain
* Clears toxins
* Adapts to the natural needs of the receiver
* Enhances personal awareness
* Relaxes and reduces stress
* Promotes creativity
* Releases blocked and suppressed feelings
* Aids meditation and positive thinking

For an appointment, call:
Reiki Master Ines Godoy Marin
512.560.6525
imarin @ austin.rr.com

Alma de Mujer now on Facebook!

2010-03-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hola Everyone,

We at Alma de Mujer have been busy reinventing our identity on the web, and we're letting you know that we now have a presence on Facebook. Please become a fan of our Facebook page: Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change and get updated about our upcoming events, workshops, and other wonderful programming we at Alma are so excited to host and participate in.

Photos from the Medicine Wheel Garden Blessing from Sunday March 21, 2010 are on Facebook, and if you have any images from this or past events you would like to share, please post them on Facebook! We are excited to have a presence in the Facebook community, and we look forward to seeing our Alma family become fans of our page.

Con Cariño,
Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change

P.S.
With Spring here, Alma de Mujer has many projects we're looking forward to getting started, and we would love to have your support. Please take the time to donate to our Paypal! Muchos Gracias y Amor!

Alma de Mujer Medicine Wheel Garden Blessing & Spring Equinox Celebration

2010-03-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

You are invited!

Sunday, March 21, 2010 4:00 p.m.
Alma de Mujer Medicine Wheel Garden Blessing & Spring Equinox Celebration

Please join us in Marsha's Garden for the Alma de Mujer Medicine Wheel Garden Blessing, where we will bless the seeds, shoots, and tender plants while rejoicing in life and creation. Come and plant seeds of love, peace and joy into our hearts and the heart of Mother Earth.

Sunday, March 21, 2010 4:00 p.m.
Please bring your drum, flute or rattle and some food to share in community.

On Vernal Equinox, the cosmic scales are balanced in perfect equilibrium: equal day, equal night. With bone cold winter behind, we celebrate the life force, rejoicing in a fresh, clear, bright spring day. Tender stems and shoots push through the fertile soil, buds explode, and the Egg of Spring hatches a living creation! Eostre, Goddess of the divine fertile female, calls to the spirit of youth in each woman, man and child.

-We'Moon Calendar 2010

Alma de Mujer Spring Break Graduate Writing Camp 2010

2010-03-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Alma de Mujer is excited to announce our Graduate student Spring Break Writing Camp for 2010. Sisters in diverse disciplines come together in solidarity and support as we work on research and writing in the serene environment of Alma!

The camp is open to women in all fields and programs who are in the advanced stages of their thesis or dissertation work.

Spring Break Writing Camp 2010
March 14 - March 18, 2010

Alma de Mujer offers a quiet and empowering space for Sisters to support each other around graduate work. Days are spent sharing, writing, cooking, and healing in a safe and loving space.

Cabin lodging per night: $40
Meals per day:$20
Total cost per day: $60 **

** Please do not let cost be a reason for not attending!
Cost can be worked out in a barter exchange on a case by case basis.

Attendees for the 2009 camp: Maribel, Marina, Yolanda, Stephanie, y Luz.

Please contact Maribel A. Garza for more information and to register for the camp:

Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change
13621 FM 2769
Austin, TX 78726
512-258-3880
almaprograms@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Alma de Mujer
Indigenous Women's Network

This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Alma de Mujer is funded in part by:

Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation

Women's Activist Gathering/Encuentro de Mujeres Activistas

2009-07-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

From July 31 - August 2, 2009, Alma de Mujer is hosting the first of three annual Women Activists Gathering. This year we invite Texas-based Native women/Indigenous women and women of color activists whose work focuses on Native sovereignty, immigration or environmental justice to join us for a weekend of critical dialogue and exchange.

To request a brochure, contact us via email: almademujertx@gmail.com or phone: 512.258.3880.

To pay for registration, you can now use paypal:

July 25, 2009 Open House

2009-07-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Join us on July 25, 2009 to welcome our incoming director Maribel A. Garza.
Maribel will be talking about her vision and upcoming programs for Alma de Mujer.
Please join us for a tour of the land and of Alma's Medicine Wheel garden.

In addition, our summer interns will be sharing some of their amazing experiences, including their recent trip to Canada.

Where & When: Saturday, July 25, 2009 9:00AM-11:00AM

Indigenous Women's Network | Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change | 13621 FM 2769 | Austin | TX | 78726

July 2009 Newsletter

2009-07-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
Things have been quite busy at Alma de Mujer! Please take a moment to read some of the exciting summer programming.

Feel free to contact Alma de Mujer to get involved and spend some time on the land (or just stop on by!)

The following news and announcements are included in this newsletter:

Leadership Transitions at Alma De Mujer
Volunteer Day: July and August
Environmental Education Camps (July 2009)
Cultural Exchange: Women of the North and women of the South
The Women Activists Gathering
Alma's Equinox Brunch (September 21, 2009)
Workshop Series with Rose Two-Feathers
Reflections on Alma & Lifeworks' Young Girl's Leadership Camp

Transitions...

After 9 months of incredible fun, hard work, and joy Ana Lara will be leaving Austin to pursue graduate studies at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Taking her place is Maribel Garza, an exceptional activist, educator and visionary. The Alma Local Council is excited to bring Maribel on board in this position.

Volunteer at Alma

Come join us for Days of Service at Alma de Mujer!

July 11, 10am-2pm
August 8, 10am-2pm

Bring your family and friends!
Beverages and light snacks provided.

Location: 13621 FM 2769
Austin Texas 78726

Environment Education Camp
Now Accepting Applications

July 13 - July 18, 2009 or July 20 - July 25, 2009

The Environmental Learning Camp is designed to provide youth ages 13 - 17 with a solid training in Environmental Stewardship based on Native American approaches to land stewardship and values grounded in an understanding of the four directions, four elements, and the inter-dependence with all creatures. As youth from an urban setting, the camp is designed to provide participants with tools for individual and community leadership in environmental stewardship that can be applied with their families, in their neighborhoods, schools and local contexts.

There are two week-long (Monday through Saturday) summer sessions in July. Each day consists of six hours of workshops, 1-3 hours each. Over the course of the camp, youth will learn about: Land Conservation, Water Conservation, Fundamentals of Clean Air, Nutrition & Food Preparation, Small Scale Agriculture, proper handling of the Four Elements, Healthy Communication and Community Leadership.

The camp cost is $120.00 per child and includes materials, lunch and snacks. Some scholarships are available.
To register, contact almademujertx@gmail.com

Cultural Exchange: Women of the North and South
From Texas to Canada

On June 29, we embarked on a journey to begin a cultural exchange with native women of the North. We were welcomed and nurtured by our hosts at the Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group. During our stay in Canada we participated and helped facilitate an intense workshop about our histories and struggles in the south. The connections between struggles in the north and south were discussed extensively. The geographical and intergenerational connections made provided a space for growth and healing. We also had the great opportunity to work on an organic community garden our sisters of the center created. We also visited community members Linda and Charlie in their home and learned about their struggle and what brought them to live closely to the land (off the 'grid'). Our short visit coincided with the festive Canada Day celebration and the grand opening of the community garden. The importance of women maintaining healthy balanced lives while fighting for their communities became a reoccurring theme in everything we did. This trip reminds us that love and understanding are essential in creating social change. We bring home the love and generosity shared with us with every intention to continue our work at Alma de Mujer.

We wish to thank all of those people who contributed to this trip. A special thank you to the women of the Temiskaming Native Women's Support Group! Muchas Gracias

To read our individual reflections of the trip, please contact us at mtz.rosario@gmail.com

Women Activists Gathering

Register Today!!

This July 31 - August 2, 2009, Alma de Mujer will host our first of three annual Women Activists Gathering. We hope you can join us.

When: July 31, 2009 beginning at 4pm
Ending at noon on August 2, 2009

Where: Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change

Who: Indigenous/Native women and women of color activists, scholars, organizational leaders and community members whose work focuses on immigration, Native sovereignty, and environmental justice.

Purpose:

-To strengthen our collective capacities, our social and political networks.

-To promote resource sharing and community building.

-To provide a place of rest and healing for hard working women.

What: Bringing women together to have critical dialogue and to reflect on our work from across different sectors of our movements.

Alma de Mujer will be providing massage, acupuncture, yoga and reiki services free of charge for all participants.

Registration Fee: $40.00 includes all meals, lodging, materials and services. Space is limited! Register early.

For more questions or information, contact us at: almademujertx@gmail.com

September Equinox Brunch
Save the date: September 20, 2009

Come enjoy Alma's Equinox Brunch with live entertainment and locally grown, organic, vegetarian cuisine. We'll also be celebrating the Medicine Wheel Garden and Alma's Bridge!

To make reservations, email: almademujertx@gmail.com

Cost: $20/person includes full brunch buffet and music. Alma de Mujer, 13621 FM 2769, Austin, 78726

Workshop Series with

Rose Two-Feathers

July 18, 9:30 am - Medicine Bags
July 18, 1:30 pm - Stone Wrapping
July 25, 9:30 am - Dream Catchers
July 25, 1:30 pm - Feather medicine
August 1, 9.30 - 2.30 pm- Gourd Rattles

Fees: 1 class - $38
2 classes - $70
3 classes - $95
Entire Series $180.00
Gourd workshop class (alone) - $65

To register call 512.577.7595

Young Girls Leadership Camp: Reflection

Girl's ages 9 to 13 from different backgrounds came together for 10 days to learn about Native ways. The girls were divided into three groups according to age, each group focusing on different areas. The 9 year olds focal point was on crafts like dream catchers and teaching drums and learning about the land. The group of 11 and 12 year old girls learned about theater as a way to perform in public, incorporating music from around the world using various kinds of instruments to help guide their journey. The eldest group was taught Mexica dance and visual arts by two experienced teachers. On the last day of the camp all three groups came together with the skills they had learned during the past two weeks to put on a performance for their family and friends.

Michelle Dhansinghani, Alma Intern 2009

Become a Friend of Alma de Mujer

To become a friend, visit our page on the Indigenous Women's Network website.

Thanks for supporting Alma de Mujer and our communities.

Support Alma de Mujer and our Sister Organizations:

People in Defense of Earth & Her Resources (PODER)
poder-tx.org

Resistencia Bookstore/RedSalmon Arts
www.resistenciabooks.com

Kalpulli Teokalli Teoyolotl
kalpulliaustin.blogspot.com

Alma de Mujer
Indigenous Women's Network

Book Alma Today!	Alma de Mujer is available for your group or nonprofit organization meeting, retreat or workshop. We offer non-profit friendly rates, lodging and catering options. To find out more, contact Courtney Enriquez, Booking Specialist.
Contact: Courtney Enriquez, Booking Specialist: 512.258.1858

Alma's Environmental Learning Camp

2009-06-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

Alma's Environmental Learning Camp

Now Accepting Applications for Sessions 1 & 2

Session 1: July 13 - 18
Session 2: July 20 - 25

The Environmental Learning Camp is designed to provide youth ages 13 - 17 with a solid training in Environmental Stewardship based on Native American approaches to land stewardship and values grounded in an understanding of the four directions, four elements, and the inter-dependence with all creatures. The camp is designed to provide participants with tools for individual and community leadership in environmental stewardship that can be applied with their families, in their neighborhoods, schools and local contexts.

Over the course of the camp, youth will learn about: Land Conservation, Water Conservation, Fundamentals of Clean Air, Nutrition & Food Preparation, Small Scale Agriculture, proper handling of the Four Elements, Healthy Communication and Community Leadership. Youth will also take part in a community service component the last day of camp.

To register, call: 512.258.3880 to complete application. Payment for camp can be made via check/money order, cash, or paypal.

June 2009 Newsletter

2009-06-13T11:08:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

Alma de Mujer is diving into the summer sun with fun and exciting programining and we hope that you can take the dive with us! If you want to get involved and spend some time on the land, contact us or just stop on by. Please check out the following news and announcements included in this newsletter and get involved!

* A new bridge at Alma is complete!
* Volunteer at Alma this Saturday
* Young Girls Leadership Camp (June 8 - 19, 2009)
* Environmental Education Camps (July 2009)
* Alma's Equinox Brunch (June 21, 2009)
* Workshop Series with Rose Two-Feathers

Alma's Bridge

With much rain and strength, the new bridge at Alma is complete!
Come by and check it out!

On May 16-17, Alma friends came together to build a bridge over the creek. In the pouring rain, several 2-3 ton, 40ft poles were lifted and put into place. With the help of UT architect students, the bridge stands as a beautiful, solid, and stable connection between the two land areas at Alma. Thank you to all who contributed in making this a reality.

Volunteer at Alma
Day of Service:

June 6, 10am-2pm
July 11, 9am - 1pm

Alma de Mujer hosts montly Days of Service.

Please join us and bring your friends!

Beverages and light snacks provided.

Location: 13621 FM 2769
Austin Texas 78726

Environmental Education Camps
July 2009

Youth at Alma

Now Accepting Applications

The Environmental Learning Camp is designed to provide youth ages 13 - 17 with a solid training in Environmental Stewardship based on Native American approaches to land stewardship and values grounded in an understanding of the four directions, four elements, and the inter-dependence with all creatures. As youth from an urban setting, the camp is designed to provide participants with tools for individual and community leadership in environmental stewardship that can be applied with their families, in their neighborhoods, schools and local contexts.

There are two week-long (Monday through Saturday) summer sessions in July. Each day consists of six hours of workshops, 1-3 hours each. Over the course of the camp, youth will learn about: Land Conservation, Water Conservation, Fundamentals of Clean Air, Nutrition & Food Preparation, Small Scale Agriculture, proper handling of the Four Elements, Healthy Communication and Community Leadership.

The dates for the 2009 Summer Camps are:
July 13 - July 18, 2009
July 20 - July 25, 2009

The camp cost is $120.00 per child and includes materials, lunch and snacks. Some scholarships available. To register, contact almademujertx@gmail.com

Alma's Equinox Brunch
June 21, 2009 at 11AM

Come enjoy Alma's Summer Solstice Brunch/Father's Day Celebration with Mariachi singer Judy Razo and locally grown, organic, vegetarian cuisine.

To make reservations, email: almademujertx@gmail.com

Cost: $20/person includes full brunch buffet and music. Alma de Mujer, 13621 FM 2769, Austin, 78726

Workshop Series with Rose Two-Feathers

July 18, 9:30 am - Medicine Bags
July 18, 1:30 pm - Stone Wrapping
July 25, 9:30 am - Dream Catchers
July 25, 1:30 pm - Feather medicine
August 1, 9.30 - 2.30 pm- Gourd Rattles

Fees: 1 class - $38
2 classes - $70
3 classes - $95
Entire Series $180.00
Gourd workshop class (alone) - $65

To register call 512.577.7595

THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!

A huge THANK YOU to the amazing businesses that have gifted donations to Alma de Mujer including Cobrahead - which made a wonderful donation of garden tools, and HEB for donating to our Summer Camp.

Thank you to Stephen Ross and his class for all of the incredible work that they did to design, find the materials and build the new bridge at Alma de Mujer. We are so deeply moved by all of your heart and work.

Much love to all!

Become a Friend of Alma de Mujer

To become a friend, visit our page on the Indigenous Women's Network website: http://indigenouswomen.org/General/Donate.html

Thanks for supporting Alma de Mujer and our communities.

Support Alma de Mujer and our Sister Organizations:

People in Defense of Earth & Her Resources (PODER)
poder-tx.org

Resistencia Bookstore/RedSalmon Arts
www.resistenciabooks.com

Kalpulli Teokalli Teoyolotl
kalpulliaustin.blogspot.com

Book Alma Today!

Alma de Mujer is available for your group or nonprofit organization meeting, retreat or workshop. We offer non-profit friendly rates, lodging and catering options. To find out more, contact Courtney Enriquez, Booking Specialist: 512.258.1858

Alternative Ways to Approach Health & Healing

2009-05-19T09:46:00.000-07:00

CANCELLED

“Alternative Ways to Approach Health and Healing”
By Zapotec elder, midwife, and healer, Doña Enriqueta Contreras

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
6:00 – 8:00 pm
UT Austin DDCE Community Engagement Center
in the Marvin C. Griffin Building
1109 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas

Doña Enriqueta Contreras, from the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico, is a member of the third largest indigenous group in Mexico, and a descendant from a line of traditional healers whose knowledge dates back 2,500 years on the Meso-American continent. She has dedicated her life to and excels in traditional medicine, herbalism and midwifery. She accumulated her
ethno-botanical knowledge living in the Sierra Júarez Mountains north of Oaxaca City. As a young woman, she became a traditional midwife, with a successful practice spanning more than 60 years. She has become one of Mexico’s premier midwives. In the course of her career, she has never lost a baby or a mother during childbirth, an extraordinary record even by western standards.

-------------------------------
This program is sponsored by the Indigenous Studies Speakers Series hosted by the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE), UT Austin. UT co-sponsors include the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, The Mexican Center at the Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies, and The Center for Mexican American Studies. Local community organization co-sponsors include PODER (People Organized in Defense of Earth and her Resources) and Alma de Mujer, a project of the Indigenous Women's Network. For more information please contact Brenda Sendejo at bsendejo@mail.utexas.edu or Mary Margaret Návar at margienavar@yahoo.com.

May Newsletter

2009-05-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Alma de Mujer is preparing for the Summer months both on and around the land and through our programming. We are excited to celebrate our volunteers and all the community members who have contributed so much to Alma de Mujer in the past few months. And we hope that we'll see you out here soon!

Momma! I Love You
May 10, 2009 - 11am - 6pm

Bemba Productions is hosting a Mother's Day picnic and celebration featuring artists: Sarah Temple, Tameca Jones Quartet, Blues Mafia, Azul. We'll also have salsa classes, guitar lessons, on-site massage and activities for children. Bring a blanket, and your whole family to celebrate our mothers!

$15 - 18 and up
$7 - for ages 8 - 17

All proceeds benefit Alma de Mujer.

Medicine Gardens
Sustaining Communities through Medicina

Alma de Mujer is working hard to finalize our on site Medicine Wheel Garden. We're also out in the community building Medicine Gardens with our sisters and brothers in the Austin community. We've built gardens at Resistencia Bookstore, at Monkey Wrench Bookstore and at People in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER). In building the Gardens, community members learn how to build a square foot garden box, how to plant, and about the medicinal qualities of the plants they are working with.

If you'd like to build a Medicine Garden in your community, contact Alma de Mujer at programs@indigenouswomen.org

The Young Girls Leadership Camp
June 1 - 5 & 8 - 12, 2009

The Young Girls Leadership Camp provides a well-rounded arts & culture based approach to leadership development. For nine days, girls will learn about traditional Native cultural expressions, environmental stewardship, leadership, community building, and healthy personal relationships. The Young Girls Leadership Camp is co-sponsored by Lifeworks.

Girls will work with skilled artists, educators and adult mentors who will provide a range of activities at Alma aimed to bring out the best in each girl.

Dates for the 2009 Young Girls Leadership Camp are:

· June 8 - 12, 2009
· June 15 -19, 2009

Registration deadline is May 25, 2009. This camp is FREE.

To register, contact programs@indigenouswomen.org

Environmental Education Camps
July 2009

The Environmental Learning Camp is designed to provide youth ages 14 - 17 with a solid training in Environmental Stewardship based on Native American approaches to land stewardship and values grounded in an understanding of the four directions, four elements, and the inter-dependence with all creatures. As youth from an urban setting, the camp is designed to provide participants with tools for individual and community leadership in environmental stewardship that can be applied with their families, in their neighborhoods, schools and local contexts.

There are two week-long (Monday through Saturday) summer sessions in July. Each day consists of six hours of workshops, 1-3 hours each. Over the course of the camp, youth will learn about: Land Conservation, Water Conservation, Fundamentals of Clean Air, Nutrition & Food Preparation, Small Scale Agriculture, proper handling of the Four Elements, Healthy Communication and Community Leadership.

The dates for the 2009 Summer Camps are:

July 13 - July 18, 2009

July 20 - July 25, 2009

The camp cost is $120.00 per child and includes materials, lunch and snacks.

To register, contact programs@indigenouswomen.org

THANK YOU!!!

A huge THANK YOU to the amazing businesses that have gifted donations to Alma de Mujer's Medicine Wheel Garden, including: The Natural Gardener, It's About Thyme and Nature's Treasures.

These businesses have donated soil, plants and precious stones to help strengthen the Medicine Wheel Garden for all of our communities, making this an extra-special endeavor.

AND - a tremendous THANK YOU to Doris Green and Alicia Botello. Doris designed the Medicine Wheel Garden and has donated many plants from her wonderful home garden. Alicia made the mosaic stepping stones, like the one featured here.

Much love to all!

Volunteer at Alma!

Alma de Mujer hosts monthly Days of Service. Our upcoming Days of Service are:

May 9, 2pm - 4pm
June 6, 10am - 2pm

Become a Friend of Alma de Mujer

To become a friend, visit our page on the Indigenous Women's Network website: http://indigenouswomen.org/General/Donate.html

Thanks for supporting Alma de Mujer and our communities.

Support Alma de Mujer and our Sister Organizations:

People in Defense of Earth & Her Resources (PODER)
poder-tx.org

Resistencia Bookstore/RedSalmon Arts
www.resistenciabooks.com

Kalpulli Teokalli Teoyolotl
kalpulliaustin.blogspot.com

Book Alma Today!	Alma de Mujer is available for your group or nonprofit organization meeting, retreat or workshop. We offer non-profit friendly rates, lodging and catering options. To find out more, contact Courtney Enriquez, Booking Specialist.
Contact: Courtney Enriquez, Booking Specialist: 512.258.1858

February/March Newsletter

2009-02-25T21:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Alma's Newsletter.

Mark your calendars...

UPCOMING:

March 6^th( 7pm): Xicana Chronicles: International Women’s Day Reading at Resistencia Bookstore as part of Resistencia’s on-going series “Café Libro”. Readings by the participants of Xicana Chronicles followed by an open mic. Resistencia Bookstore: 1801-A South First Street, Austin 78702

March 6^th (7pm): Women’s Evening Gathering – Join us for a monthly evening gathering for women that includes meditation, yoga and healing conversations. Open to all women. Alma de Mujer, 13621 FM 2769, Austin, 78726

March 14^th (2pm - 6pm): Alma de Mujer’s monthly Day of Service – Volunteers! Join us on March 14^th for our monthly day of service. Beverages and light snacks provided. Alma de Mujer, 13621 FM 2769, Austin, 78726

March 22^nd (11am – 1pm): Equinox Brunch – Bring in the spring with excellent locally grown, organic cuisine and jazz. To make reservations, email: programs@indigenouswomen.org. Cost $20/person includes full brunch buffet and jazz. Alma de Mujer, 13621 FM 2769, Austin, 78726

March 28^th (9.30am): Alma de Mujer is cop-sponsoring PODER’s yearly Cesar Chavez March. Opening Blessing at 9.30am; March begins at 10:00 am from the Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 East 3^rd Street. The March will end at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) where there will be speakers, music, dance, and poetry from 11am – 1pm. We will be gathering signatures to make Cesar E. Chavez Day a national Holiday. We will also have a voter registration table.

And there’s more!!!

In March/April we will be announcing a state-wide activist gathering on July 29^th – August 2^nd for women activists working on issues of environmental justice, immigration and Native sovereignty. Information will be made available on the Indigenous Women’s Network website: www.indigenouswomen.org

Are you a school teacher or principal, or do you lead a community group? Alma de Mujer is hosting half-day field trips on Environmental Stewardship and Indigenous Arts & Culture. To find out more or to receive a program brochure, contact: programs@indigenouswomen.org

Alma de Mujer will be hosting Environmental Learning day camps for youth ages 14- 17 in July. To find out more information, contact programs@indigenous women.org. Registration is now available.

Our Medicine Wheel garden is well on its way. Look out for announcements on opportunities to visit the Garden in April and May, as well as garden workshops for those interested in learning more about Indigenous medicines.

Volunteers at Alma de Mujer

Thanks to all of our volunteers who came out on January 25^th for our first Day of Service. Special thanks to the Valkyrie Rugby team, and all the folks who helped move rocks, lug out junk, work on decks and generally improve the state of things at Alma. We couldn’t have done it without you!!

Alma Love

On February 14, 2009, Alma de Mujer hosted its first yearly Valentine’s Day event – Alma Love. Over 40 guests came and enjoyed a delicious dinner, singing and drag performances, poetry and dancing with DJ Ebeelo (aka Chorizo Funk). We hope that we see you there next year.

Photos by Senalka McDonald

Announcing Alma de Mujer’s membership program!!

Alma de Mujer has launched a membership program to raise funds for the organization’s operations. There are five levels of membership, each one with benefits including: invitation to a yearly members’ Harvest Open House, original artists’ posters and much, much more. Find out more by visiting our membership page. Become a member today!

Meet Alma de Mujer’s Local Council

Esther Schroeder

A Biomedical Engineer and Clinical Researcher, Esther is equally passionate about Alma de Mujer’s mission and vision as she is about the mystical qualities of life and science. She is driven by Alma’s mission to create healing spaces for women and their families. “I see everyone as a reflection of myself, and in that our mutual sacredness.” Esther is also a loving mother of three boys, and brings her tenderness, joy and sense of positivity to everything she does. Esther has lived in Austin for several years now and we are lucky to have her on our Local Council. Thank you Esther!

January/February 2009 Newsletter

2009-01-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

Alma de Mujer welcomes you to our monthly blog newsletter! We have many wonderful announcements, developments and programs coming down the pipeline. Visit us frequently to learn more about what we have going on.

NEWS

(Some of Alma's Local Council Members: Courtney Morris, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, Maria Elena Martinez, Velia Sanchez Ruiz, Lourdes Kaman, Adela Mancias)

In Fall 2008, Alma de Mujer instituted an intergenerational Local Council which is providing oversight and support to Alma’s programs and operations.Council members are (alphabetical by first name): Adela Mancias (RedSalmon Arts), Carmen Llanes (PODER), Courtney Morris, Esther Schroeder, Erika Gonzalez (PODER), Lourdes Kaman, Maria Elena Martinez, Maribel Garza, Mary Margaret Navar, Rosa Tupina Orta, Rosalind Chou, Velia Sanchez Ruiz and Wura-Natasha Ogunji.

In January 2009, Ana Lara was hired on as Alma's Program Director. In her role as Program Director, Ana will lead the development and implementation initiatives & programs, including:

expansion of Alma de Mujer's Indigenous Arts & Culture program to include a new Artist in Residence program for Texas-based Indigenous women/women of color visual artists and writers

expansion of the Alma's Sustainable Communities program to train Community Health Workers/Promotoras de Salud on Indigenous Health & Medicine and in the development of Indigenous environmental stewardship camps for youth and families

redirecting the Indigenous Women's Leadership program to focus on providing training for Austin-based Indigenous women through a local internship program, and gatherings focused on activism and social justice initiatives throughout Texas

In 2009, Alma de Mujer will also be hosting seasonal events (Equinox Brunches), workshops, Moon gatherings, youth/family camps among others!!

I am really excited at all of the potential, but am also deeply moved by all of what has come before me. This moment wouldn’t be possible without all of the love, energy and effort that has brought Alma de Mujer to this point. This is the perfect moment in time to institute long-lasting, effective growth at Alma de Mujer; we have a new President in D.C., and we have a local community that is mobilizing in new and dynamic ways. I am especially grateful to the leadership of Alma's Local Council, who through their heart and hard work, bring smiles and inspiration to me on a daily basis." ~Ana

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 15, 2009 - Announcing Alma de Mujer's Artist in Residence program!!
Alma de Mujer, a project of the Indigenous Women's Network, is proud to announce it's new Artist in Residence Program.

Applications are available starting January 15, 2009 and are due (postmark) by February 17, 2009.Texas Indigenous women/women of color artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply including writers, visual artists, performers, multi-disciplinary artists and curators/critics.All artists receive shared accommodations, a private work space, and basic food provisions at no cost. Artists are responsible for transportation toand from the residency, materials, and additional food costs.

You can download a pdf of the application here. Or, to request an application, send an email to almaresidence@gmail.com or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Alma de Mujer/ 13621 FM 2769, Austin, TX 78726

Note: Postmark deadline is February 17 2009. There is a $20 application fee.

January 25, 2009 - Alma Volunteer Day
From 10am - 2pm, Alma will be buzzing with activity. In preparation for the Artist in Residence program, we will be cleaning out the studio, painting and making small repairs. We will also be working on clearing beds and raising beds for the new Medicine Wheel Garden. Bring yourself, comfortable work clothes and the great light in your heart. Join us for a community day of service.

February 7, 2009 - Chicana Chronicles: A Monthly Writing Group

This program, in collaboration with People in Defense of Earth and Her Resources (PODER) is a monthly writing group for young Chicana/Latina women exploring history, politics, identity, land and love. Registration is closed for the winter and will open in early summer. For more information, contact Ana Lara at programs@indigenouswomen.org

February 14, 2009, 8pm - Alma Love: A Sensual Night of Performance, Dinner & Dancing
Join us for a night of sensual performances and a DJ Dance party just for you! Enjoy a dinner made using local and organic ingredients, and an atmosphere that says all love is good and possible.

Tickets: $30.00; to purchase, call 512.258.3880 or email programs@indigenouswomen.org

Look out for more information on upcoming programs in the early spring, including: a Full Moon meditation group, yoga classes, Indigenous agriculture, health and healing workshops and much, much more!

BOOKINGS

Retreat Center space is available for meetings, gatherings, retreats, workshops.Click here to find out more about bookings. To request a booking, email: bookings@indigenouswomen.org

MEET ALMA’S LOCAL COUNCIL

Velia Sanchez Ruiz

Velia came to Alma de Mujer for the first time in February 2008. It was soon after her mother’s passing and she fell n love with Alma because of the sense of healing and peacefulness. “The trees were all bare and the colors wer so beautiful and I sat at the bench in front of the Madre and it was an awesome experience. I knew then that Alma needs to wake up one more time and provide healing for others.” Velia is a retired school teacher and is well known and loved for her dance lessons in her Physical Education classes at Linder elementary, where she taught for 27 years. Velia is also a Master Gardener and a member of the Day Lily Society and of the Violet Crown – one of the oldest garden clubs in the state of Texas. In addition to staying active at Zilker Botanical Garden, Velia is helping out on Alma’s Local Council. After seeing Alma’s garden, she had a dream of a wheel, and with the help of her friends Doris Ledesma Green and Sylvia Ledesma, she came up with a design for Alma’s new Medicine Wheel Garden.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Alma de Mujer exists for Indigenous communities, communities of color and communities in harmony with our beliefs. Our programs serve communities based in Austin, throughout Texas and in the Southwest region of the United States and Northern Mexico. Alma de Mujer’s gates are open during daylight hours, seven days a week. If you’re in town or just passing through, come by and see us sometime! Call 512.258.3880 to stop by for a site visit.

SUPPORT ALMA DE MUJER

Love, energy and the money to get things moving. It’s easy to support Alma de Mujer. You can volunteer or send a love donation in the form of a check, money order, or through a bank draft. We’re also looking for donations of in-kind items. To donate furniture or other in-kind items, contact us at programs@indigenouswomen.org

Alma de Mujer Memberships

2008-10-04T14:31:00.000-07:00

Become a Member of Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change today!!

Eagle Circle

$25 (student/low-income)/$40 general

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House

Hare Circle

$75/year

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House, Limited Edition Art Poster

Deer Circle

$150/year

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House, Limited Edition Art Poster, One ticket to a Seasonal Brunch

Turtle Circle

$300+/year

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House, Limited Edition Art Poster, Two tickets to a Seasonal Brunch

Snail Circle

$1000/year

Benefits: Annual Members Harvest Open House, Limited Edition Art Poster, Two tickets to a Seasonal Brunch, Private Snail Circle Reception with an Artist in Residence

Alma de Mujer accepts check or cash payments and donations. Please inquire about in-kind donations. All donations are tax-deductible. Checks can be made out to: Alma de Mujer

Mailing Address:

13621 FM 2769

Austin, TX 78726

About the Retreat Center

2008-10-04T12:15:00.002-07:00

Alma is an affordable retreat facility available for booking to both non-profit and for-profit groups and individuals working in the fields of education, the environment, cultural and social awareness, the healing arts, women, family, children and youth groups, social justice and indigenous organizations. We have served more than 400 local, regional, national and international organizations in the 8 years of our operation.

Located 20 miles northwest of Austin, the natural and rustic setting provides a beautiful, private environment. Our main lodge has 4,000 square feet of space and our sleeping quarters can accommodate 30 people. Encampments are possible for larger groups. Catering, camping, organic gardening, and a meditation knoll are also available. We are available daily, weekly or weekends.

About Our Facilities

2008-10-04T12:14:00.001-07:00

Main Lodge Meeting & Dining Space

Our Main Lodge is a spacious 4,000 square foot, two story sky-lit cedar lodge complete with a natural stone fireplace, commercial kitchen, three bathrooms and a large outdoor porch/deck. The main floor of the lodge serves as meeting space and dining area where Alma's video and resource library, international craft corner and indigenous art collections are available for year-round viewing. This area can be arranged to conform to your special needs, with either seated or buffet dining, creating a more informal meeting space for larger groups.
Sleeping Accommodations

Treehouse Sleeping Quarters: Nestled high in the cedars and oaks, "Alma's Treehouse" is available for overnight guests. Separated into five distinctly charming cabins, sleeping 4-6 in each, the Treehouse is a large separate cedar lodge, located directly next to the Main Lodge, which can accommodate 22 overnighters. Linen, towels, bathroom accommodations, AC and heating are available in each unit.

Encampments: For larger groups, we can accommodate campers with tents. Our encampment area is located along Cypress Pond near the meditation knoll and garden.

Meals

Alma's kitchen provides creative, healthy, and quality vegetarian or meat menus. Menus are created with group and individual dietary needs in mind and prepared by experienced and loving hands. For planned meals, a minimum number of persons is required. Meals are charged on a per guest basis, separate from the room charge.

About the Land

2008-10-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Alma de Mujer Social Justice Retreat Center is located on 23 acres of central Texas woodlands. There are over 80 indigenous natural medicines found growing wild throughout the land. Most of the acreage is covered by endemic forest, which is also home to wildlife including: deer, rabbits, boar, fish and numerous bird species.

As part of its mission to model Sustainable Communities, Alma de Mujer maintains the land according to indigenous values. In addition, we also maintain an Organic Garden/Fruit Orchard, A Meditation Knoll and the Cypress Creek pond.

Organic Garden/Fruit Orchard

In keeping with the spirit of maintaining a sustainable and healthy environment, Alma has developed a one acre model organic garden. Alma's garden serves as a role model to the community in using self-sustaining, traditional agriculture methods as well as supplementing meals for guests.

Meditation Knoll

The Meditation Knoll provides a quiet area in which guests can sit and rest. "Madre el Mundo," a life-size sculpture by founding Mother Marsha Gomez is the centerpiece of the meditation knoll.
Pond

Cypress Creek, a main artery to Lake Travis, provides Alma with a beautiful lush spring-fed pond. Guests are welcome to sit by the pond, or to enjoy the swimming hole.

Bookings

2008-10-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change is located on 22 acres at Lake Travis.

Alma de Mujer is available for small and mid-size organizational and community gatherings, meetings, overnights and camps.

We have a dining room, living room, a full service kitchen and 20 beds available in dormitory style rooms as well as campgrounds and outdoor space. Meal plans are also available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

To find out more about pricing or to make a reservation, email us at: almademujerbookings@gmail.com or call: 512.258.1858

Alma's Garden Workbook

2008-10-04T11:40:00.001-07:00

Alma's Garden WorkBook is now available for purchase! To purchase a copy of this fully illustrated workbook (for ages 7 and up), send a check or money order to:

Indigenous Women's Network
Alma de Mujer
13621 FM 2769
Austin, TX 78741