Awareness Wednesday 11/26/25 - TXNAME: Sharing Our Stories, Shaping Our Narrative In this Awareness Wednesday video, Dr. Bunn shares insights from the National Association for Multicultural Education conference in New Orleans, where she and Dr. Sarah M. Straub presented on how the Texas branch of NAME is strengthening member connection through storytelling and voice-centered engagement. Their work reflects the community development mission at the heart of Hope 4 All.
The episode explores why narrative-centered programs matter and how they create space for marginalized voices, community wisdom, and meaningful participation. Dr. Bunn highlights several Texas NAME initiatives that demonstrate the impact of story-driven engagement:
Artist-in-Residence
Established in 2019 to spotlight the power of art and activism, this program commissions an annual piece from a featured artist and returns all proceeds plus an honorarium to support ongoing artivism.
Texas Journal of Multicultural Education
A peer-reviewed publication that amplifies scholarship grounded in Texas contexts, challenges dominant narratives, and elevates research on issues such as Black teacher retention, bilingual critical literacy, community-engaged scholarship, inclusive mentorship, and early childhood policy.
Social Action Committee
A space where members engage with justice issues in real time through museum visits, social justice walks, and watch parties for State Board of Education meetings, linking theory and practice during moments of heightened public attention.
Webinar Series
An accessible, statewide platform for scholarship, practitioner narratives, and emerging voices, designed to expand leadership pathways across the membership.
The video also offers practical guidance for launching narrative-centered initiatives in any community or membership organization: begin with one resonant idea, collaborate with local partners, use existing events as starting points, and adapt as programs evolve.
