Community Tour No. 3

Pre-registration is required.
Please visit the registration desk onsite (Skybridge Registration (2nd Floor, Convention) or email info@upswell.org if you’re interested in attending. Space is limited.

Sponsored by Communities Foundation of Texas and the Dallas Foundation

Big Thought

Big Thought’s north star is that all youth in marginalized communities will be equipped to imagine and create their best lives and world. Throughout their 36-year history of innovation, Big Thought has become a national model in arts education, out-of-school time systems, summer learning, and social-emotional learning. They manage a dynamic network of more than 600 partners to help scale programs and expand the scope of services to close resource and opportunity disparities for students.

During this stop, you will take a tour of Big Thought’s offices and have an opportunity to learn in detail about the work they do in advocating with youth by putting youth at the center through programs like Artivism and Community Action Team.

Bonton Farms

Bonton Farms started out as a garden in a small lot that has grown to two fully functioning farms, a Farmer’s Market, a Café, and Coffee House. They continue to grow organic food and hope for a better tomorrow right in the Bonton community by addressing the barriers residents are up against so they can access all seven human essentials. Working alongside residents to transform the community, they support their neighbors in redefining the norm in their community so they may have a fighting chance at life.

During this stop, participants will take a walking tour of this urban farm and learn more about the issues facing the Bonton community and how Bonton Farms is working to address them.

Deep Ellum (Lunch)

Deep Ellum, established in 1873 as both a residential and commercial neighborhood, is one of Dallas’ first commercial districts for African Americans and European immigrants. As one of the most historically and culturally significant neighborhoods in the city, Deep Ellum boasts over 20 historically recognized buildings.

During this stop, participants will explore Deep Ellum’s  musical heritage, arts and culture, and variety of cuisines. Attendees will also experience the culture of individuality that artists have created around nearly every corner in the district, hundreds of lively murals, art galleries, theaters, and more!

Empowering the Masses

Every day, Empowering the Masses operates as a nonprofit focused on empowering our neighbors in the Dallas area, by providing life skills and educational training services.

The results of our work are clear: individuals achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency, becoming the sustaining force in the lives of their families and productive members of the communities where they live and work.

 Empowering the Masses provides for basic needs, delivers educational resources, and provides access to careers that are stable and lucrative, paving a path for sustainable success in life. Together, we help the people we serve gain self worth and financial independence. As they begin their journey to success, renewed and equipped, we strive for these neighbors  to become self-sufficient to improve not only their own quality of life, but their contributions to their communities and society