The Newsletter of the Deeds Not Words Community

Hey #Changemakers,

#Changemakers, you’re not alone. 2021 was stuffed senseless with challenges and uncertainty, and somehow it’s still not even over. The snowpocalypse, a rise in AAPI hate crimes, backward attacks on women’s healthcare, unfair redistricting maps, and of course, the ongoing hell that is the COVID-19 pandemic, all happened in under 12 months. Like many of us, I felt lost in life. As a designer and artist, whose profession is not “essential”, hopelessness came in waves.

This year forced us to re-examine our priorities, hustle culture, a new work-from-home-life balance. In all the time spent quarantined, I reflected on my role in life as a creative. Being trapped inside ironically opened doors. With no commute, virtual meetings, and an opportunity to pause, I was reminded of what makes me feel whole. I poured myself into digital advocacy, taking action where I could, in ways that I knew how. Designing for the Stop Asian Hate Rally reignited something in me that had been lost in the chaos of this year: a hunger to bring our communities back together through advocacy.

Then came Deeds Not Words, an organization I’ve admired for years. Riding the wave of passion from working the rally, I applied to intern as a graphic designer. From day one I felt a sense of connection, being surrounded by other young women who shared that spark, the desire to do the work better. Through thoughtful mentorship, purpose-driven projects, and a community of like-minded women, I found the part of me I didn’t know was missing. I was able to create art that was valued and shared across many platforms, on behalf of causes that matter. I learned so much about myself and contributed to the powerful intersection that is art and advocacy.

As we enter 2022, it feels like a major shift in our collective consciousness is in progress. There’s still much work to be done. Deeds Not Words helped bring back my confidence, helped facilitate my core belief in the art to advocacy pipeline, and helped untangle the path I was struggling on. Now, I will continue to seek doors to open for others as Deeds has done for me. There is space for you, create it. We need you. 

Rio Renaud,
Artist in Residence and Freshman #Changemaker

#Changemaker of the Week: Genevieve Villa

"Deeds Not Words at UTEP has a goal of making changes within the El Paso community. Our focus this semester was working with the homeless community and domestic violence shelters in the form of donation drives. We held a donation drive for the elderly men at the Willie Sanchez Rosales center and were able to obtain pillows, blankets, socks, and toiletries. We also held a donation drive for La Posada home consisting of children’s clothing, shoes, and coats. Next semester, we plan to continue hosting events for these populations. We have another donation drive planned for La Posada home with the incentive of a self-defense course. We are also planning to hold an event called “What I Was Wearing" to bring awareness to sexual assault issues. We’ve learned throughout this process how important it is to be involved in our community outside of campus. If we want to see changes, we need to act! To see more of our chapter's work, follow us on Instagram @deedsutep_epcc!”
 

We see you, Changemaker! 👏