Texas Rising’s Del Mar College chapter is hosting a meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17 for all students who are interested in social issues like LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive rights, environmental activism, and immigration. The chapter welcomes students interested in joining meetings and becoming an official member.

Founded by the Texas Foundation Network in 2006, the Texas Rising organization has expanded to nearly 25 colleges and universities with the mission to raise political awareness among students. Since 2023, Del Mar College’s chapter continues to advocate for this mission by being active in our community and campus.

“While Texas Rising focuses on state issues at the Legislative session, I think our power is really at the local level. We have power when we attend city council and county meetings. We have power when we give public comments in person or written,” said Alex Flucke, Texas Rising’s Regional Program Manager of Corpus Christi, when asked how the organization makes an impact. “We really like to educate students on the fact that their voice does matter especially at the local level,” said

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to getting involved, Texas Rising hosts regular meetings at the Heritage Campus in GENC C303 where students are welcome to discuss issues in a friendly environment. On Jan. 27, the organization held a meeting about the extensive history of book bans and the impact of censorship for children. “Because of the meeting, one of our members decided to go to City Council and make [a] public comment regarding the library board,” said Aryeh Lebowitz, the chapter’s president. “Later that day, bad actors trying to get a seat at the library board were denied … That makes me really happy, because I know that our meeting drove someone to take action, which then influenced the city’s decision on who to appoint to the library board.”

Texas Rising encourages people to voice their concerns personally. On April 18, 2024, a protest was held at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Corpus Christi to oppose the desalination plant at Inner Harbor. Members shared on their Instagram afterwards, “Our AFO [Advocacy and Field Organizer] and two student leaders were in attendance with fellow activists and gave public comments … over 100 people made public comments.”

“Texas Rising really is a great way to dive deep into the heart of the Coastal Bend community. Partnering with so many different organizations, getting involved in so many different initiatives, and meeting other youth who are passionate about making a difference here in Corpus has been my favorite parts,” said AFO Jazmeyne Evans.

Whether it is hosting a beach cleanup with our nearby chapter at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi or attending Viking Fest each Halloween, Texas Rising intends to unite students, members of the community, and local officials in an effort for change.

New opportunities to join Texas Rising open every day. In April, for example, the organization is attending the Texas Legislative session in Austin along with other chapters under the TFN. The trip is free to join and sign-ups are available at http://txrising.org/2025-advo-day.

Students can get connected with Texas Rising at the next meeting at 5 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Heritage Campus GEND D303 where the organization will focus on a book swap and advocacy sharing, or on social media at @texrisingdelmar on Instagram.