September Newsletter: Beauty in Courage sales TBA

a. The Tahirih Justice Center 2014 Gala
b. Beauty in Courage Pre-Sale Tickets
c. Introducing Vox Media Coordinator, Crystal Koo!

Our most epic event finale is quickly approaching! Be sure to see the latest happenings and check out the date for when Pre-Sale tickets for Beauty in Courage begin! 
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a. THE TAHIRIH JUSTICE CENTER 2014 GALA
On Saturday, September 20, some member of the Vox Core Team volunteered at the Tahirih Justice Center's 2014 Gala. A great time was had by all! In addition to learning more about the work of Tahirih Justice Center, attendees had a chance to further raise funds for the organization by bidding on donated art pieces and gifts, as well as some art designed by the children of Tahirih Justice Center.



b. BEAUTY IN COURAGE PRE-SALE TICKETS
Our finale event for our Proclaiming Humanity series, Beauty in Courage, is almost here! Limited time, Pre-Sale tickets will go on sale beginning Thursday, October 2! Be sure to follow the Vox Facebook page for the official announcement of the opening!

Beauty in Courage is a fashion show, mixer, and fundraiser all designed to benefit the Tahirih Justice Center as they continue to fight to represent immigrant women escaping from situations such as domestic violence. All artists and individuals involved in this event will be revealed on October 2.  Beauty in Courage will take place on Monday, November 17 from 6PM-9PM at Mr. Peeples. More details will be announced soon!

If you would like to become a sponsor for this event, you can click here to see the different levels we have available and what is offered to each. If you have any further questions about sponsorship, volunteering opportunities, or general questions, please send a message to beautyincourage@voxculture.org. 

c. INTRODUCING VOX MEDIA COORDINATOR, CRYSTAL KOO!
Introducing Crystal Koo, Vox Culture's Media Coordinator! Crystal plays a vital role in the team, helping both promote as well as raise awareness amongst the general public, Vox supporters, and the media about events and/or activities that we have coming up. 

Furthermore, Crystal helps ensure that all of Vox's social media outlets are up to date and constantly filled with the latest in the arts and advocacy world at home and abroad. Be sure to keep your eyes out for Crystal's daily postings and as she shares the latest with you as to the latest happenings Vox! To learn more about Crystal, check out her profile here!

We hope to see you at our upcoming event! 

August Newsletter: 'Proclaiming Humanity' Returns

a. Vox Local Arts Mixer (V+LAM)
b. 9/20 The Tahirih Justice Center 2014 Gala
c. Farewells: Celia Houck 
d. Introducing Vox Research & Development Coordinator, William Abila!
e. Available Core Team Roles

After a fun summer with V+LAM, the Proclaiming Humanity series on domestic violence returns from its summer hiatus, with the next event taking place in September! 
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a. VOX LOCAL ARTS MIXER (V+LAM)
On Tuesday, August 26, Vox debuted its 1st annual Vox Local Arts Mixerto a large, diverse, and amazing crowd at Blackfinn American Grille!



The audience was treated to a night of great music, while viewing and/or being introduced to some amazing art created by some of our Houston-based artists! Art realms featured at this event included: poetry, film, photography, dance, jewelry, and different forms of painting.



The audience and artists got to mingle with each other over food and drinks while also getting the chance to learn more about Vox Culture. 



The Artist roster included:

Amir Safi: www.miccheckpoetry.org 

Angel Quesada: www.angelquesada.com 

Brilliart Films: www.brilliart.com 

Gonzo247: www.aerosolwarfare.com 

Royal Khamitic Creations by K. Ali

Monique Weston: www.moniqueweston.com 

Nicky Davis: www.nickydavis.com 

T.K. Ahn: www.tkahnstudio.com

TX Salsa Congress: www.txsalsacongress.com 

Wind Photography: www.facebook.com/WindPhotography

Look forward to see our next arts mixer take place in summer of 2015! 



b. 9/20 THE TAHIRIH JUSTICE CENTER 2014 GALA

On Saturday, September 20, the Tahirih Justice Center's Houston office will be hosting its 3rd annual gala!

This will be a festive and moving evening to pay tribute to the incredible courage of Tahirih’s clients, and renew our commitment to work together to end violence against women and girls. Tickets and more information can be found byclicking here. If you would like to volunteer at this event, please send a message to sunisha.choksi@voxculture.org.

c. FAREWELL: CELIA HOUCK
This month, we say good-bye to one of our Core Team members, Celia Houck.

Celia served as Vox's Social Media Voice for the past two years, helping both introduce new individuals to Vox, as well as helping spread to others the goals and mission of our organization. Celia also helped either start up, rebooted, and took care of Vox's social media presence, aiding us in creating new Pinterest, Instagram, Linkedin, and Twitter accounts. Celia has been a social media tour de force for us and we wish her all the best in what the future is yet to bring!

d. INTRODUCING VOX RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR, WILLIAM ABILA!

Introducing William Abila, Vox Culture's Research & Development Coordinator! William plays a key role in the internal development of Vox and is responsible for the educational blog pieces that appear on the Vox website and our social media outlets. His writing gives both a clearer context and a deeper understanding as to why the social issues that we focus on are important and how they impact Houston. Be on the look out for some great reads written by William, and have your minds opened!

I am an offshore facilities designer -I design offshore oil platforms - with a passion for history, literature, poetry, and art. I also enjoy dancing; I used to instruct in salsa and currently dance competitively -with my girlfriend- to country music. I am very eclectic and eccentric because by day you may find me riding around on my longboard in skater clothes and dancing by night in my cowboy hat and jeans at my favorite country bar.

What is your favorite ice cream? My favorite ice cream is pistachio froyo.

Why is it important for people to be informed? I believe that the community should be informed of the issues that are affecting all those around us. I've always said be prepared for any situation, and prevention not reaction is my motto. Do not wait for life to knock you down be prepared to stay on your feet and move out of the way.

If there is one thing that you could change about the world, for the better what would it be? The one thing I would change about the world is to make college, at least undergraduate status, a part of public education and government funded. I believe an educated mind is a mind less likely to be involved in criminal activity and more likely to benefit the world -and in doing so make the American dream not just a cliche but an attainable reality.

e. AVAILABLE CORE TEAM ROLES
The Vox Core Team consists of some of the most eclectic, creative, and diverse individuals that can be found in the ever-increasing melting pot of Houston.

The group make-up showcases every segment of Houston society, whether it is in terms of race and ethnicity or religious and political views. While the Core Team consists of individuals operating on a 100% volunteer basis, it is important to note that each individual is a passionate catalyst seeking to find ways to volunteer in a team setting to change the world for the better using creative methods via the arts. Volunteer hours range any where from 1-5 hours per week. The current roles we have available include:

(1) Videographer
(2) Audio-Visual Specialist
(3) Education Coordinator
(4) Legal Specialist
(5) Web Design Specialist

Note that all these positions can be used in your resume as part of our professional development building iniative. For more details as to what the roles entail, please send a message to linda.fox@voxculture.org.


Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

July Newsletter:V+LAM featuring Houston's artists!

a. 8/26 Vox Local Arts Mixer (V+LAM) 
b. Join the Core Team!
c. Support Vox!

As Vox Culture roles out of its summer break and continue with its Proclaiming Humanity series, we start off with a big celebration highlighting some of Houston's amazing artists, and showing our community the wonderful talent this city has!
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a. 8/26 VOX LOCAL ARTS MIXER (V+LAM)
Vox Culture proudly hosts V+LAM - Vox Local Arts Mixer! This event will feature some of the trending and up and coming artists in the city!

This fun and diverse arts mixer will take place at Blackfinn American Grille on Tuesday, August 26 from 6:00PM-8:00PM and will be used to bridge the gap between local artists and the greater Houston Community. Art realms featured at this event include: poetry, film, photography, dance, jewelry, and different forms of painting.

Come for our complimentary lite bites provided by Blackfinn American Grille, great music, and amazing local art!

$10.00 Entry Fee includes: 1 FREE drink ticket & 1 FREE raffle ticket! RSVP is required!
You may RSVP via Eventbrite and select either of two options for tickets - 'Ticket A' or 'Ticket B'.

Select 'Ticket A' on the Eventbrite link to pay the entry fee online and check-in at the door by providing your name.

Select 'Ticket B' on the Eventbrite link to pay the entry fee at the door (you must show your ticket at the door as well). 

Roster of Houston-Based Artists to be showcased (alphabetical order):

Amir Safi: www.miccheckpoetry.org 

Angel Quesada: www.angelquesada.com 

Brilliart Films: www.brilliart.com 

Gonzo247: http://www.aerosolwarfare.com/ 

Monique Weston: www.moniqueweston.com 

Nicky Davis: www.nickydavis.com 

T.K. Ahn: www.tkahnstudio.com

TX Salsa Congress: www.txsalsacongress.com 

Wind Photography: www.facebook.com/WindPhotography 

(Note: Mural image on flyer by Gonzo247)

For further inquiries, please send a message to renia.butler@voxculture.org.
 

b. JOIN THE CORE TEAM!
Want to be a catalyst? Would you like to leave an imprint on the city and make a difference? Then join the Core Team! The Core Team is made up of dedicated everyday young professionals (ranging from lawyers to engineers, bankers to educators, business owners to yoga instructors, and more) who are seeking to make a difference in this city and the world using creative ideas or talents as their tool. Each member takes on a vital role within the team, and together as a family, help shape and run the organization. Here are our current openings for Core Team positions:

• Media Coordinator - Assist with contacting media outlets to help promote/support/sponsor events. Be a liason between and work together with Marketing Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, and Social Media Voice to spread the word about Vox. Assist with social media updates/posts.
• Grants Coordinator - Coordinate and oversee the application for grants. Identify potential new funding sources, development funding resources for existing and proposed programs and/or services. Write grants, monitor and coordinate required report evaluations on existing grants.

c. SUPPORT VOX!
Do you like the changes happening at Vox? How about the events we have had so far this year, or in the past, or what lies ahead in the near future?

Well, we want you to keep coming to our events and spreading the word about Vox! More importantly, with the growth that has been taking place at Vox, we have been looking at creating stronger bonds with our donors while also creating fruitful partnerships with local businesses. Help Vox continue to get bigger, better, and even stronger!

If you are interested in making a donation to Vox whether as an individual, or through corporate-matching; or if you are a business owner and would be interested in learning more about becoming a community partner/supporter, please send your inquiries to ted.law@voxculture.org.

See you at our mixer! 

June Newsletter: Proclaiming Humanity summer hiatus

a. Recap: "Shards of Peace"
b. 8/26 Vox Local Arts Mixer (V+LAM) 
c. Introducing Vox Video Production Coordinator, Eric Dugal!
d. Support Vox!

As the Proclaiming Humanity series on domestic violence goes on a summer hiatus (to return with more events starting in September), be sure to follow up with Vox via our social media outlets for new developments, and join us to celebrate Houston's local arts in August!
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a. RECAP: "SHARDS OF PEACE"
On Saturday, May 31, Vox Culture welcomed the clients and volunteers of Tahirih Justice Center. to take part in a creative event at the Vox facilities. The third event from our Proclaiming Humanity series, Shards of Peace, addressed the issue of fomestic violence, and by having regular guests work in partnership with the clients of Tahirih Justice Center in making candle holder mosaics (which will be used at a later date to raise funds for Tahirih Justice Center).

The event was colorful and educational and allowed for a moment of inoccence and creativity, in the form of the project, and empowerment, in the form of taking action to complete the project. 

b. 8/26 VOX LOCAL ARTS MIXER (V+LAM)
SAVE THE DATE!!! Join us on Tuesday, August 26, as Vox Culture hosts a Local Arts Mixer featuring some of Houston's top artists! The event will be taking place that date at Blackfinn American Grille (1910 Bagby St., Houston, TX 77002) from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Come celebrate, network, and engage with local artists as you learn more about Vox! The entrance fee of $10 per person includes light bites and one complimentary drink provided by Blackfinn.Proceeds from this event will go towards supporting upcoming Vox projects and goals.

Featured artists at the event will be announced via our Facebook and Twitter pages beginning next week so be sure to check those out. IF you would like renia.bto donate towards this event, or find out about other ways to support Vox, contact renia.butler@voxculture.org.

c. INTRODUCING VOX VIDEO PRODUCTION COORDINATOR, ERIC DUGAL!

Introducing Eric Dugal, Vox Culture's Video Production Coordinator! Eric's in charge of the editing and final production of Vox's video projects and promotional material, and plays a vital role in the planning and preparation of creative visual ideas. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of our upcoming video productions to get a taste of Eric's work! See his Spotlight profile here!

d. SUPPORT VOX!
Do you like the changes happening at Vox? How about the events we have had so far this year, or in the past, or what lies ahead in the near future?

Well, we want you to keep coming to our events and spreading the word about Vox! More importantly, with the growth that has been taking place at Vox, we have been looking at creating stronger bonds with our donors while also creating fruitful partnerships with local businesses. Help Vox continue to get bigger, better, and even stronger!

If you are interested in making a donation to Vox whether as an individual, or through corporate-matching; or if you are a business owner and would be interested in learning more about becoming a community partner/supporter, please send your inquiries to ted.law@voxculture.org.

Have a great summer!

March Newsletter​: Proclaimin​g Humanity Enlightens​!

a. Proclaiming Humanity: "Breaking Silence" Enlightens Audience
b. 4/12 Crawfish Boil 4.0!
c. Farewells: Keith Chan, Laurie Chen, Gerry Ahn
d. Support Vox!

The Proclaiming Humanity series continues to delve in the issue of domestic violence in the community with a powerful presentation provided at Breaking Silence. Before we continue with the series, join us in April as we take a small pause for our annual social gathering, the Crawfish Boil 4.0! 
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a. PROCLAIMING HUMANITY: "BREAKING SILENCE" ENLIGHTENS AUDIENCE
On Saturday, March 29, Vox Culture hosted the second event from our Proclaiming Humanity series, Breaking Silence!

Breaking Silence, conducted in partnership with the Tahirih Justice Center featured breakdancing by Break Free Community Center, a poetry reading by Samira R. Noorali, and a panel discussion with experts on domestic violence from Houston's increasingly diverse population:

• Anne Chandler, JD - Houston Director, Tahirih Justice Center
• Mustafaa Carroll - Executive Director, Texas chapter of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations)
• Bibi Khan - President, An-nisa Hope Center
• Abhilasha Vineet - Director of Community Education & Outreach, DAYA
• Cristal Cervantes - Community Educator, HAWC (Houston Area Women's Center)

These five inspirational leaders spoke on domestic violence and its impact on the Houston population, specifically within the communities they represented. A Q&A period followed their brief presentations.

b. 4/12 CRAWFISH BOIL 4.0!
It's that time of year again... when the Access Live Cooking Group and Vox Culture join forces to host... CRAWFISH BOIL 4.0! Our annual social gathering!!!

Come join us for a great, delicious, and entertaining time on Saturday, April 12 from 11:00AM to 2:30PM at the Vox Culture Warehouse (8570 Katy Fwy, Suite 116, Houston, TX 77024).

Adults: $17 | Kids: $5 - IF you purchase your tickets via EVENTBRITE by Thursday, April 10 at 11:59PM! (Click here to purchase)
Adults: $21 | Kids: $8 - IF you purchase your tickets AT THE DOOR (Cash or Check will be accepted) on the day of the Crawfish Boil!

ALL YOU CAN EAT!!! BYOD (Bring Your Own Drinks)! Come join us for some good fun and good times!!!

LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE by Joi Keeling (aka Sugar Joiko) and company!

Proceeds will go to help fund the work of Vox Culture, a Houston-based arts & advocacy network!

c. FAREWELLS: KEITH CHAN, LAURIE CHEN, GERRY AHN
This month, we say good-bye to three long-time volunteers and members of our Core Team: Keith Chan (audio & visuals specialist), Laurie Chen (member of board of advisors), and Gerry Ahn (IT support).

Keith Chan

Laurie Chen
While some are making new strides and others are moving to different cities or states, we are left with the positive memories that each of these Core Team members left, and the tremendous work and dedication that all three have shown toward Vox Culture. From the website, to the tech support at events, and to the behind the scenes advice, Gerry, Laurie, and Keith have all been vital members of the team and will be missed... but every chapter in life holds reason and meaning, and we can wish nothing but the best for all three of them!

d. SUPPORT VOX!
Do you like the changes happening at Vox? How about the events we have had so far this year, or in the past, or what lies ahead in the near future?

Well, we want you to keep coming to our events and spreading the word about Vox! More importantly, with the growth that has been taking place at Vox, we have been looking at creating stronger bonds with our donors while also creating fruitful partnerships with local businesses. Help Vox continue to get bigger, better, and even stronger!

If you are interested in making a donation to Vox whether as an individual, or through corporate-matching; or if you are a business owner and would be interested in learning more about becoming a community partner/supporter, please send your inquiries to ted.law@voxculture.org.

Until next time!