Happy Hour /food and beverages: 6-7 pm
Socializing and informal discussions on current events: 6-7 pm
Announcements and program begin at 7 pm
Program: River Watchers with Melinda Chow
Austin Youth River Watch is a multi-year, after-school and summer program for high school students, combining peer mentoring with intensive environmental education. Students collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin-area streams and rivers, reporting their data to local and statewide agencies. Guided by a volunteer board of community leaders, the mission of Austin Youth River Watch is to advance personal and academic achievement through environmental monitoring, education, and adventure.
Melinda Chow began her executive director position with River Watch in February of 2016. She admits she was drawn to the role because of her “love for science and passion for empowering young people.” Previously, she served as outreach coordinator and manager of Hot Science Cool Talks at The University of Texas Environmental Science Institute. Her nonprofit experience spans nearly 15 years and includes Girls Rock Austin and KUT, as well as the South Memphis Alliance in Tennessee, and the National Multicultural Institute in Washington D.C. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Memphis. Melinda has lived in Austin since 2006, and serves on the boards of Girls Rock Austin and The Dumpster Project. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in biology and anthropology, and a master’s degree in applied anthropology.
Consider biking, carpooling, or taking Cap Metro to the meeting. Free parking is available after 6pm on San Jacinto and nearby streets.