On March 3–4, leaders from more than 30 AmeriCorps program across Texas gathered in Austin for the 2026 AmeriCorps Texas Grantee Meeting, hosted by OneStar. This year’s theme, “Surviving to Thriving,” drew inspiration from the reality show Survivor—a playful but fitting metaphor for a year that has required resilience, adaptability, and collaboration from programs across the state. While the challenges facing the national service sector are real, the gathering reminded participants that they are part of a larger “tribe” of leaders committed to strengthening communities across Texas.
The Survivor theme carried throughout the event, from team challenges like tower-building, puzzle solving, memory games, and egg races to creative details like paper torches, campfire tablescapes, and thank-you notes designed as immunity idols. But the deeper goal was not simply to survive the moment—it was to equip leaders with tools to lead through uncertainty and build stronger programs in the years ahead. The opening session on managing change set the tone by grounding the event in an honest conversation about how people experience transition and how leaders can guide teams through uncertainty with empathy, clarity, and resilience.
Throughout the two days, guest speakers and partners shared practical strategies for strengthening AmeriCorps programs—from supporting member wellbeing while maintaining compliance to designing intentional workforce pathways that help members translate service into careers. Sessions also explored how strong partnerships expand program impact, how asset-based leadership can reduce burnout and increase community ownership, and how compelling storytelling can help the public understand the transformative power of national service. Together, the sessions reinforced a shared message: thriving programs are built not only on compliance and structure, but on relationships, purpose, and the strengths already present in communities.
OneStar extends sincere thanks to the guest presenters who shared their expertise and insights with the AmeriCorps Texas community: Natalie Gray (South Rim Partners), Gabriela García-De Avila (Literacy First), Ashley Harris-Land (Legacy Community Health), Laura Seals (WT Community Resilience Corps), Angela McCauley (Texas Southmost College), LaToya Sales (Breakthrough Central Texas), and Emily Dressen (Texas Health & Human Services). Their perspectives helped equip attendees with new ideas, tools, and inspiration to carry forward into their programs.
“All of the facilitators provided such great insight and real world knowledge and applicable tools to actually implement the topic being presented at my work place,” said one attendee. “So many tangible tools and resources to use throughout the year with managers and whole site.”
Two days of reflection, learning, and friendly competition reminded everyone that AmeriCorps programs may sometimes feel like they are navigating their own island challenges—but together they form a resilient network of leaders working to strengthen Texas communities. With new strategies, renewed connections, and a few Survivor-style victories under their belts, participants left Austin ready to move from surviving to thriving.
So much wonderful content and learning. Honestly. It was all applicable to our current needs and future vision. I really loved the managing change session because I had a lot of 'ah-ha' moments. I really want to make the process more human for my site staff.
Key Takeaways
- Change leadership requires empathy as much as strategy. Leaders must understand how people emotionally experience change and provide language, structure, and support that help teams move through uncertainty with confidence.
- Compliance and compassion can coexist. Supporting AmeriCorps members effectively means balancing accountability with care—providing clear documentation practices while also prioritizing member wellbeing and mental health.
- Thriving programs build intentional pathways for members. Workforce development should be embedded into the service experience through coaching, certifications, apprenticeships, and other opportunities that help members translate service into meaningful careers.
- Asset-based leadership reduces burnout. Shifting from a deficit mindset (“what’s missing?”) to an asset mindset (“what strengths already exist?”) empowers members and communities to lead solutions and creates more sustainable initiatives.
- Strong partnerships multiply impact. Cross-sector collaboration—with schools, healthcare systems, universities, and community organizations—helps programs extend their reach and address complex challenges more effectively.
- Stories make impact visible. Research shows that stories are remembered far more than facts alone, making them one of the most powerful tools for demonstrating AmeriCorps’ value to policymakers, donors, and the public.
- Focus on transformation, not just activity. The most compelling stories—and the strongest programs—center on how people and communities change through service.
- Programs thrive when members are seen as leaders. Inviting members to contribute their skills, passions, and ideas strengthens engagement and builds ownership in the mission.
