1. What is Speak Up! Speak Out! (SUSO)?
Speak Up! Speak Out! is a project-based civic education program for middle
and high school students. Students form teams, identify a community issue
that matters to them, perform research on that problem, and design a workable solu-
tion to address it.
Students then present their findings and solutions to community leaders at
the Civics Fair. At the fair, three winning teams will receive funds to use toward imple-
mentation of their solutions.
Information for Teachers:
- Teams can participate in the Civics Fair in person or via video
conference. Civics Fairs take place at UT Austin each December and at
UT Dallas each May.
- Teacher Stipend: $500 for facilitating SUSO with an entire
in-school class; $300 for facilitating SUSO after-school with a smaller
group
- Speak Up! Speak Out! Facilitation Guide and optional lesson plans avail-
able
- Funds for Supplies: Each participating team will receive $50 to purchase
supplies to create their table-top display for the
Civics Fair
Project-Based Civic Engagement Challenge
Seeking New Participating Teams:
To participate, contact us at
speakupspeakout@austin.utexas.edu
(512)471-7142
www.speakupspeakout.org
www.facebook.com/SpeakUpSpeakOutTX

2. The Annette Strauss Institute
for Civic Life
The Annette Strauss Institute was established at the University ofTexas
at Austin in 2000 to respond to growing political cynicism and disaffec-
tion in the United States. The Institute’s mission is strictly non-partisan,
working within communities to engage people in the political process,
teaching them about the nation’s democratic heritage, and encouraging
them to take leadership roles.
Creating more voters and better citizens through cutting-edge research
and outreach programs.
The late Annette Greenfield Strauss was the first woman elected to the
position of mayor in the city of Dallas. In addition to being a dedicated
public servant, Mrs. Strauss was a fervent philanthropist, raising mil-
lions of dollars for education, the homeless, healthcare and the arts. She
was a devoted wife to Theodore (Ted) Strauss and mother to daughters
Janie Strauss McGarr and Nancy Strauss Halbreich. The Annette Strauss
Institute for Civic Participation at The University of Texas honors this
remarkable public servant, philanthropist and humanitarian.
The Institute is supported by a modest continuing budget from the
University and by grant funding for specific projects. The support of
our friends lets us make long-term plans, prepare applications for more
ambitious projects and try out new ideas.
A direct contribution can be made by visiting our website or by mailing
a check to the address below. You gift may also be increased through
corporate gift-matching.
About the Institute
Our Mission
The Strauss Legacy
What Are Our Needs?
How Can You Help?