Community Groups in the Greater Austin Area
The heart of any city can be felt by the commitment of its citizens to improving life within their neighborhoods. Austin proudly recognizes an abundance of associations willingly working to promote their communities.
- Community Service Organizations
- Womens Groups
- Youth Groups
- Child and Infant Groups
- Gay and Lesbian
- Clubs and Associations
- Recreational and Hobby
- Educational and Scientific
Community Service Organizations
- ACC Center for Community-Based and Nonprofit Organizations A place to find resources, share ideas, strengthen connections, and be strategically creative.
- American Civil Liberties Union of Texas Offers a large collection of local and national American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and related information.
- Austin Area Urban League Assists African-Americans and disadvantaged citizens to achieve social and economic equality. Provides employment and training, education, youth development, housing and credit counseling and emergency home repair.
- Austin Experience See Austin through the eyes of a regular Joe. Features events and organizations around Austin.
- Austin Families Association of America We are a non-profit geneaology organization of over 300 members focused on discovering and documenting our Austin roots.
- Austin Junior Chamber of Commerce A non-profit community service organization focusing on leadership training of our members through the management of community service projects.
- Community Action Network Our mission is to engage the community in a planning process that optimizes public, private, and individual assets and actions to achieve sustainable solutions to health, human and social issues.
- The Downtown Austin Alliance A partnership of people and businesses who strengthen the commercial and cultural environments of Downtown Austin and who provide services and advocacy for people who live, work and play in Downtown Austin.
- Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. ERCOT is one of ten Regional Reliability Councils in the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Organization. ERCOT represents a bulk electric system located totally within the State of Texas and serves about 85% of Texas's electrical load.
- Heritage Society of Austin Established in 1953 to restore and preserve the city's unique architectural, historical, and cultural treasures. Our mission includes educational programming, community activities and events, preservation awards, and advocacy.
- Junior League of Austin An organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
- Lawyer Referral Service A non-profit established in 1966 to provide assistance to the public in finding legal and community resources in Central Texas.
- League of Women Voters Austin Area The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
- Liveable City Liveable City is an inclusive network of individuals working together to create a community consensus to promote policies that address the long term social, environmental and economic needs of the people of Austin.
- Sangati An informal group of musicians and poets dedicated to social justice and to eliminating prejudice based on gender, ethnicity, culture and sexual orientation.
- Symphony of Soul A non-profit organization devoted to lifting the spirits of others by providing high quality musical presentations, free of charge, to those who are confined to institutions or who are isolated from mainstream society.
- Texas Hospital Association Provides leadership in advocacy, information and education to enable hospitals and integrated health care systems to deliver superior, cost-effective health care which enhances individuals and their communities.
- The Veterans Voice of Austin Veterans/Military Benefits, Legislation Updates, POW/MIA Information.
Womens Groups
- Association for Women in Communications The Austin chapter boasts more than 200 members in fields such as marketing, corporate communications, graphic design, public relations, journalism, fundraising, web development, advertising and event planning.
- Association for Women in Technology - Austin Chapter Formed by a group of Austin women for the purpose of providing a venue for women in the field of technology to network, to develop professionally, and to assist other women in their careers in or with technology companies.
- Austin Commission for Women ACW welcomes you, the diverse citizens of Austin and beyond, to its unique collection of resources and tools for and about women.
- Austin Junior Forum Austin Junior Forum (AJF) is a non-profit women's organization committed to supporting the Austin community and enhancing the lives of those in need, with a focus on on children and women's organizations. Our main fundraising activity is Christ
- Austin Newcomers Club A not-for-profit group consisting mostly of women new to the Austin area who enjoy meeting one another and participating in activities with others new to Austin.
- Her Domain of Austin The purpose of the group in general is to provide support and networking for women who are involved with the internet or multimedia in any way, shape or form.
- Hispanic Women's Network of Texas - Austin Chapter Advocates for the advancement of Hispanic Women. HWNT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization recognized as the premier Hispanic women's organization in Texas.
- League of Women Voters Austin Area The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
- League of Women Voters of Texas The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
- MOMS Club Austin - South We are a local club supporting stay at home moms.
- Story Circle Network Nonprofit organization for women with monthly reading and writing circles for members plus workshops and special events. Focus is on women's memoirs. Several locations in Austin.
- Texas Outdoors Woman Network - Austin Chapter We encourage women to learn and experience outdoor activities in natural surroundings through a non-threatening, safe, and supportive environment.
- Tomorrow's Women in Science and Technology To promote science and math education and career planning for girls and women.
- Women and Their Work A statewide non-profit founded to promote greater recognition of women's contribution to cultural life; to provide financial and technical support for artists; and to present innovative performances and exhibitions.
- Women Printmakers of Austin An organization dedicated to promoting excellence and diversity for women in the field of Fine Art Printmaking. Our objectives are to encourage and support women as printmakers and increase public awareness of the process and history of printmaking.
- Women's Chamber of Commerce of Texas Promotes economic development for women, focusing on three pricipal areas- education, networking and advocacy.
- Women's Advocacy Project A statewide, nonprofit, legal organization founded in 1982 with a mission to provide free legal advice, expand legal education, and promote access to justice for Texas women in need. Women’s Symphony League of Austin – http://www.austinsymphony.org/get_involved/wsl/ Women’s Symphony League of Austin, founded in 1953, provides service and financial support to the Austin Symphony Orchestra and its children’s educational programs. With a diverse membership of over 650, this group gives over 10,000 hours of service annually, and raised over $475,000 for ASO last year alone.
- Young Womens Alliance Young Women's Alliance (YWA) is an organization of professional women striving to develop leadership skills by participating and being active members in our community.
Gay and Lesbian
- Adventuring Outdoors Austin's gay and lesbian volunteer organization for the outdoor enthusiast.
- AIDS Services of Austin Educational outreach and services to stop the spread of HIV. Quality care for those living with HIV and their loved ones. This site is designed for use by AIDS service providers, clients and the general public.
- Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Austin's premier organization promoting the interests of gay and lesbian owned, operated, and friendly businesses.
- Austin Hornets Softball The Austin Hornets are a "C" Rec Team playing on Tuesday Nights, in an Austin City League, at the Kreig Complex
- Capital City Men's Chorus To inspire and entertain through collective pride and through singing diverse choral music.
- Fast Track Running Club A running club for gay men in Austin.
- Gender and Sexuality Center at UT Austin The mission of the Gender and Sexuality Center is to provide safe spaces for all members of the UT Austin community to explore and organize around issues of gender and sexuality. It has a lending library and info about campus & community events/grps
- Out Youth Austin To provide services to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth ages 12 to 19. We offer peer support groups, counseling, educational programs, social activities and community outreach. Mostly, we are a safe place to fearlessly be yourself!
- Waterloo Counseling Center To provide affordable mental health services in a positive, sensitive environment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and HIV affected individuals and their families.
- Whosoever A nondenominational, charismatic, Christian church with a family atmosphere reaching out to everyone: gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered and straight. Our goal is to share the Good News of Jesus with everyone to whom we come into contact.
Youth Groups
- Austin High School Baseball High school baseball teams - varsity, junior varsity and freshman. A place to post baseball season information, schedules, pictures, stats, etc.
- Austin Public Library Programs for Youth Offers a variety of programs including story times, films, arts and crafts, and puppet shows. Some locations also have VICTORY Program Homework Centers, which offer free tutoring.
- Austin United Capital Soccer Club AUCSC is the area's largest volunteer-driven youth soccer association.
- Bowie Future Farmers of America FFA provides leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education for children ages 8 to 18.
- Boy Scouts of America - Capitol Area Council
- City of Austin Youth Services Directory This directory includes agency names, phone numbers, and a description of the services they offer.
- The First Tee of Greater Austin The First Tee of Greater Austin strives to enhance the ability of our youth to be successful in life through a unique golf program. We're always looking for more youth participants, donors and volunteers to help make our program a success.
- Four Hundred Voices Provides a unique cultural experience for Austin area students by exchanging letters with students of the Trepca school in Stanterg, Kosovo and learning more about one another.
- Friends of Central Texas Lacrosse To facilitate, promote, encourage and coordinate the growth and expansion of the game of lacrosse in the central Texas area for boys and girls of all ages up to the high school level.
- GENAustin - Girls' Empowerment Network Our mission is to help adolescent girls develop and maintain healthy self-esteem by educating them, parents, teachers and others about cultural and media influences that seek to undermine girls' sense of self.
- Girlstart To encourage middle school girls in math, science, engineering and technology through hands-on activities and role models.
- LifeWorks: Alliance of Youth & Family Services LifeWorks is a non-profit organization that provides an integrated continuum of services that individuals, youth and families need to build strong, resilient and healthy lives.
- Reading is Fundamental
- Texas Rowing Center Our Juniors Program is dedicated to developing young rowers by teaching technique, teamwork, and self-discipline. Our program satisfies all physical education credit requirements of AISD, EANES, St. Stephen's and RRISD.
- Texas School for the Deaf To provide a community of role models where communication access and accommodations to succeed are available to ensure that all children reach their potential.
- YMCA of Austin Mission of the Austin Young Men's Christian Association is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Child and Infant Groups
- Any Baby Can To enhance the lives of children with disabilities or other special health care needs: ABC works to ensure that "Any Baby Can reach maximum potential."
- Arc of the Capital Area Founded by parents concerned about the exclusion of their children with mental retardation from public schools. Also assists individuals with developmental disabilities to realize all rights and opportunities for full participation in the community.
- Austin Area Human Services Association (AAHSA) The site will contain links to services for local families. Among the members are ATC/MHMR, Lifeworks, Easter Seals, Austin Academy, Child Guidance Center, HIV Wellness Center, Any Baby Can, ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens).
- Austin Children's Shelter A private, non-profit organization providing emergency care to abused, neglected and abandoned children of all ages. Formerly known as the Children's Shelter & Assessment Center of Texas
- Austin Stay at Home Dads Austin SAHDs was formed in April, 2003. We are a group of Dads in the Austin area that take care of our kids full-time. We're looking for adult and child interaction. Our kids are from 1 month to 5 years old. We have at least 5 playdates per week.
- Connections Resource Center To improve the quality of early care and education for our community's children.
- Family Forward To prevent child abuse and neglect, prevent juvenile delinquency and school drop-out, and empower families to make healthy choices and build positive relationships.
- FamilyConnections Our mission is to improve the quality of early education and care for our community's children by providing information, education and resources to parents, caregivers, teachers and community leaders.
- Open Door Schools The Open Door Preschool is a child care program serving children and their families who represent a variety of cultures, ethnicities and abilities.
- SeeMommyRun Baby-friendly running or walking groups for moms in the Austin area.
- Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services A 26-year old nonprofit membership organization that represents private agencies and individuals providing services to children and families in Texas.
Clubs and Associations
- Community Action Network Our mission is to engage the community in a planning process that optimizes public, private, and individual assets and actions to achieve sustainable solutions to health, human and social issues.
- Hill Country Nudists A family-oriented nudist club which serves Austin and surrounding areas. Typical club activities include theme parties held at members' homes, trips to nearby nudist resorts and frequent visits to nearby Hippie Hollow.
- International Good Neighbor Council of Austin IGNC-CIBV (International Good Neighbor Council / Consejo Internacional de Buena Vecindad) is a non-profit organization founded in 1954. The objective of the association is to promote the principle of good neighbors and friendship.
- Lonestar Mensa An international society that has one - and only one - unique qualification for membership: you must score in the top 2% of the population on a standardized IQ test.
- No Kidding! - Austin Chapter A social club for couples and singles who do not have children, and who consider themselves childfree or childless by choice or by chance
- North Texas Exes - Austin Chapter Alumni organization of the University of North Texas serving Austin and surrounding areas. The goal of the Austin Exes is to develop fellowship and support UNT and the community through academic and athletic endeavors.
- Old West Austin Historic District The Old West Austin Historic District, (National Register) is located in Central Austin, from about 35th Street to 12th Street / Mopac to Lamar Blvd.
- Rotary Club of East Austin Providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations, and building good will and peace in the world.
- Rotary Club of West Austin Providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations, and building good will and peace in the world.
- Save Texas Cemeteries, Inc. Save Texas Cemeteries' mission is to promote the preservation of historic cemeteries and burial grounds throughout Texas by public education and historic research in order to preserve our rich, multi-cultural heritage.
- South Austin Culture Club Dedicated to promoting and preserving the unique lifestyle and culture of South Austin. It serves as an informal locus for individuals, neighborhood associations, and organizations that embody and support these qualities for all who live and visit here. was the second largest High School in the nation in 1937-38 with an enrollment of 5,169.
- W.H. Passon Historical Society, Inc. The W.H. Passon Society focusses on local African American history, and meets monthly on the 1st Saturday at the Southgate-Lewis House on East 12th Street.
Recreational and Hobby
- Austin Ballroom Dancers Partners not necessary. Social group meeting together to improve dancing skills. All ages welcome to enjoy ballroom dancing.
- Austin Bead Society To promote education and research regarding beads and bead-related subjects, and to provide support to bead collectors, designers, and enthusiasts.
- Austin Butterfly Forum To promote butterfly study, conservation and enjoyment, and to promote butterfly gardening
- Austin Cycling Association ACA provides many scheduled bicycle rides, usually free of charge almost every weekend and they are open to everyone, even non-members. Free downloadable maps are now offered for members only. Everyone is welcome at our monthly meeting at LCRA.
- Austin Go Club The Austin Go Club is dedicated to the enjoyment of the game of Go, also known as Wei-qi or Baduk. More than a game, Go is a philosophy and a way of life.
- Austin Herb Society Programs include maintenance of several herb gardens in the Austin area, herbal education programs in our local schools, the donation of herb-related books to local libraries, and financial and volunteer support of the Zilker Garden Center.
- Austin Skiers To promote and encourage individual and group interest in the sport of snow skiing, through the sponsorship of a variety of trips.
- Austin Stitchery Guild With a membership in excess of 200, Guild members' interests encompass many areas of embroidery, including needlepoint, counted cross stitch, blackwork, quilting, applique, and more.
- AustNtrak Model Railroad Club AustNtrak is an N-scale model railroading club in Austin,
- Capitol City Model A Ford Club A Chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America, a national historical society dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Model A Ford automobile as manufactured from 1928 through 1931.
- Capitol City Thunderbirds A chapter of the VTCI, this is a group of enthusiasts of the Ford Thunderbird and other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products.
- Central Texas Classic Chevy Club Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of 1955, 1956 & 1957 Chevrolets.
- El Amistad Club of Round Rock A nonprofit community service organization established in 1968. Its purpose is to raise funds for scholarships to deserving students in the Round Rock and surrounding area.
- The Fandom Association of Central Texas Interests are in the areas of science fiction, and fantasy. FACT supports the cause of literacy through the appreciation of speculative fiction.
- Mustang Owners Club of Austin The Mustang Owners Club of Austin engage in numerous activities throughout the year. We swap information and parts, assist both buyers and sellers, socialize and take driving tours, and enjoy workshops and seminars.
- Native Plant Society of Texas Promotes the conservation, research and utilization of the native plants and plant habitats of Texas, through education, outreach and example.
- Paperweight Collectors Association of Texas Fosters interest in the art of the paperweight and related glass art works, to share knowledge with other interested people, and to provide a forum for fellowship with other paperweight collectors and dealers.
- Round Rock Model Boat Club We are a club that supports gas powered, glow powered, and electric model boats.
- Texas Juggling Society Devoted to the practice, study, and continued appreciation of any art form dealing with the manipulation of an object or series of objects.
- Williamson County Amateur Radio Club Anyone interested in Amateur Radio is welcome to join our club. We provide forums for like-minded individuals to share their love of Ham Radio and their desire to share or explore it, both with other club members and with the public.
- Williamson County Area Beekeepers Association Promotes the art and science of beekeeping through club meetings, programs, mentors, and youth scholarships.
Educational and Scientific
- Amateur Radio Club An active club on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin.
- ARES Mutual Assistance Teams ARESMAT, Amateur Radio Emergency Service Mutual Aid Teams: When normal radio communications fail or become overloaded with traffic due to a disaster, Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) can help. If the local ARES group is overloaded ARESMAT teams come to help.
- Austin Area Rocketry Group A family-oriented rocketry club of parents, children, educators, and others who are interested in model rocketry. AARG is the local section of the National Association of Rocketry.
- Austin Astronomical Society A club for people who are interested in any aspect of astronomy or the space sciences. We provide a forum for like-minded individuals to share their love of the sky and their desire to explore it, both with other club members and with the public.
- Austin Genealogical Society To collect, publish and deposit in libraries and archives Texas genealogical and historical materials, and to educate members in the use of these reference materials in preparing and publishing genealogical material and family lineages.
- Austin Paleontological Society A non-profit with activities including fossil identification, lectures, and field trips.
- Capital Area Central Texas Unix Society
- Central Texas Paleontological Society The CTPS is a scientific, non-profit organization devoted to the study of fossils. Activities include monthly meetings, frequent field trips, an annual fossil show, etc.
- Central Texas PC Users Group Largest group of PC afficionados in the Austin area. We have an active roster in excess of 400 hardy souls with eclectic interests running the gamut from DOS to Linux to Windows, from word processors to multimedia, from genealogy to Visual Basic.
- The Robot Group A small group of artists and engineers who shared a common vision: utilizing technology to provide and explore new mediums for art.
- XML-Austin Users Group Local discussion group for those interested in XML technology.
