Civic Saturdays are open to the public and focus on issues important to Harris County communities.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis will convene a Criminal Justice-focused “Civic Saturday” on March 16, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at University of Houston’s Student Center (in the 3rd ward). This event is free and open to the public.

“Civic Saturdays” are civic engagement events organized around specific themes in various locations throughout Harris County as part of the Judge's Talking Transition. The events are designed to provide residents an opportunity to share ideas for improving communities and hear from other neighbors. The events are also an opportunity for communities to meet the new county Judge, who will participate and listen for insights that can inform her administration’s agenda and the way she collaborates with constituents to solve Harris County’s toughest challenges.

This event is an opportunity to share your insights on the justice system, including issues affecting youth and immigrant communities. It will feature community discussions facilitated by Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, Harris County Youth Collective, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative—and a host of other organizations—as well as resource tables from various County departments and agencies, with a focus on programs relevant to residents involved in the justice system.

Community discussions will include: disparities within justice systems, issues related to reentry and sentencing, alternatives to detention for justice-involved youth, the impact of community based services, and the detention and deportation pipeline.

Your ideas for other topics and improvements will be welcome too!

Free Breakfast & Lunch / Entertainment & Community Services

REGISTRATION AND BREAKFAST 9:00 AM

PROGRAM BEGINS 9:30 AM

Free Breakfast & Lunch / Entertainment & Community Services

Thank you to our host committee:

City of Houston

Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation

Harris County Public Health

Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative

Houston Recovery Center

Living Hope Wheelchair Association

Mi Familia Vota

Moms Demand Action Houston

Network of Behavioral Health Providers

Restoring Justice

SEIU Texas

Texas Advocates for Justice

Texas Criminal Justice Coalition

Pretrial Services

United We Dream