IN THIS ISSUE - April 2020
- Teen Ambassadors of Hope
- Noonday Collection Fundraiser
- Board Member Spotlight
- Will You Give $20 for Texans?
- In Case You Missed It...
- Upcoming Events & Updates
What was going to be a fully interactive, in-person training on March 29th seamlessly turned into a fully interactive online training with the help of our TAP team, Dr. Barry Bales, and our marvelous new Teen Ambassadors. The teens were trained on leadership, the relationship spectrum, dating violence, and entrepreneurialism – all the ingredients for a well-educated Teen Ambassador of Hope. The teens then hit the ground running and have already raised over $5,000 for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking that TAP serves. In the coming months, teens will dive deeper into conversations on dating violence, cyber-bullying and sexting, and ways they can help their friends, family, and community within this space. We are so pleased with the awareness our Teen Ambassadors are bringing to these topics, and it will only grow from here!
check out the teens' gofundme campaigns
Teen Ambassadors of Hope Campaign Corner
Two different ambassadors, Finnley and Hailey, had the idea to design and sell t-shirts and sweatshirts for their campaign. We love seeing their creative fundraising ideas during this virtual time. Finnley's design features TAP's Legal Line and the hashtag #HopeNotFear in purple. One of Hailey's designs includes a phrase about courage and being the change. Click to see and purchase Finnley's Design and Hailey's Design!
Noonday Collection Gather for Good Fundraiser
Noonday Collection is a socially responsible jewelry & accessory brand that works with artisans around the world providing them with dignified work and a hope for the future. Starting today until April 21st, Noonday is pledging to donate 10% of sales from this fundraiser and Maria Tedder, a Noonday Ambassador, will be matching that 10%. You can shop, browse and learn more at the link below!
You can also join the Facebook Group "Gather for Good benefiting Texas Advocacy Project", where Noonday pieces will be styled and showcased! This Facebook group is for fun and you don't have to be a member in order shop.
Board Member Spotlight
Marsha Milam
What initially brought you to Texas Advocacy Project and why did you choose to support us?
Watching my dear non-committal friend, and TAP board member, Peter Black’s continued interest in TAP evolve over the years. My first thought was, “Oh that’s nice, Peter’s joined a group”. Then it became, “What is this TAP?” and finally it was “Who is Heather??” My tipping point came when I learned TAP helps on the individual level AND also on a state-wide level. I think the multi-layered approach is so unique and valuable.
Have your volunteer efforts changed since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis?
I am also involved with a few music related non-profits and everyone is doing what they can to fundraise in order to maintain their commitments. My main takeaway from the crisis will be the generosity and compassion of people in doing what they can to help others. It has been a pretty amazing experience. I am still learning about the many wonderful facets of TAP. Right now I am working on getting my own “elevator pitch” down so I can help spread the word.
What have you learned that you didn’t know before joining the board?
Strangulation was at one time a misdemeanor in the state of Texas. The penalty was not harsh enough for the severity of the crime. TAP joined the fight with others to have it written in law as a felony.
How long have you lived in your current city?
I graduated from UT in 1979 and like most grads, never left. Austin is home.
What is your occupation and how would you describe what you do day to day?
I suppose I am a serial entrepreneur as I like to start things. Though my endeavors always involve fun. As the co-founder of the Austin Film Festival and Screenwriter’s Conference, as a talent buyer and concert promoter, and now as the founder of the Ben Milam Whiskey Distillery I am attracted to the challenge of learning something new and creating something out of nothing. I should say I’m a magician.
What is your favorite pastime? Both during and BEFORE quarantine!
I love music, reading and the visual arts. My favorite pastime is listening to music (loud), going to see art and I love falling in love with a new book.
What is your favorite dish or restaurant?
I eat in the “hood" so my favorite restaurants are Josephine’s and Cipollina. Before this crisis I didn’t know I could cook!
Isolation is often the dangerous first ingredient for domestic violence. We know that with increased isolation and stress, we will see an upsurge in survivors accessing the lifesaving legal services that Texas Advocacy Project is able to provide. If you are in a safe home, we encourage you to give what you can to help us continue to provide life-saving resources to survivors during this critical time.
Make a one-time donation or make your donation a monthly contribution. Recurring donations are a great way to give back each month. As one of our supporters once said, "You could have a busy day, a bad day, or just a normal day - but at the end of each and every one of those, you can lay in your bed and know that you did something good and helped a survivor."
Click on an image below for more details about our recent press!
Noonday Gather for Good Fundraiser | April 15th – April 21st | SHOP NOW
Handbags for Hope | POSTPONED
Kentucky Derby Watch Party | POSTPONED
Teen Hope Awards Luncheon | July 26th
Berry Creek Open at Berry Creek Tennis Club | Fri, July 31st - Sun, Aug 2nd
Black & White Ball | Sat Sept 26th
In order for Texas Advocacy Project to receive an official ranking by Charity Navigator, we need people to “vote” for us. Please go to Charity Navigator, register and click to the blue "vote" button.
AmazonSmile & Randalls Good Neighbor
Donate back to TAP while you shop!
Set up AmazonSmile On a Desktop Computer
1. Sign in to your regular Amazon account through Amazon Smile (*Bookmark this on your browser to always use when shopping in the future)
2. Select your charitable organization by selecting “pick your own charitable organization” and searching “Texas Advocacy Project”
4.Search for products you wish to purchase and be sure they have the AmazonSmile donation logo
5.Purchase any item like normal! Amazon will donate 0.5% on eligible purchases!
Set up AmazonSmile on a Mobile Device as an "App Icon"
Android: Launch Chrome for Android and open AmazonSmile. Tap the menu button and tap "Add to home screen." You’ll be able to enter a name for the shortcut and then chrome will add it to your home screen.
iPhone: Launch the Safari browser and navigate to AmazonSmile. Tap the Share button 
on the browser’s toolbar. Tap the Add to Home Screen icon in the Share menu.
Randalls Good Neighbor
Texas Advocacy Project's Good Neighbor number is 458. Fill out an application & bring it to Randalls. If you already have a Reward card, you can change it by completing the application again.