Upstream
Upstream
Upstream is a conversation about new approaches, promising findings, and the people who make this work possible. In each episode, we bring together researchers and change-makers to talk about what’s working, what’s exciting, and where we go from here.
Collective learning powers our partnerships across Civic Engagement, Education, Arts & Culture, and Greenspaces. We know that we alone cannot solve the issues we are addressing, so we seek out evidence, expertise, and collaboration from others to help drive our work. Upstream puts those voices at the forefront, allowing you to hear how organizations and individuals around the region are making an impact.
With & For: How Human-Centered Design Is Addressing Citizenship Barriers
Greater Houston is home to approximately 360,000 lawful permanent residents who are eligible to naturalize, yet only 10% apply in any given year. In response to this gap, Houston Endowment launched the Greater Houston Citizenship Project.
Using a human-centered design approach, the project sought to better understand and address the barriers facing eligible-to-naturalize residents. From 2023 to 2025, working together with residents and community partners, project leaders co-designed and tested a set of programs tailored for specific audiences.
This project contributed to broader efforts that saw the Houston field office posting the highest number of citizenship applications.
Learn more: On the next episode of Upstream, we’ll explore the process at the heart of this multi-year initiative—human-centered design—from the perspectives of a grass-roots nonprofit leader, community engagement lead, program evaluator, and local funder. We’ll reflect on the structure and speed of such an approach, its inherent challenges, and the surprising insights made possible by engaging community members and trusted messengers.
Join the conversation: Upstream airs Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 12 p.m. Sign up for the livestream and submit questions to our panelists.
On the mic: Houston Endowment Evaluation Officer Robiel Abraha, joined by Civic Engagement Program Officer Gislaine Williams, will moderate the conversation with:
- Jannette Diep, Executive Director, BPSOS-Houston
- W. KaNeesha Allen, Community Collaboration Lead, Dalberg Design
- Lindsay Hanson, Principal and Co-Owner, Grassroots Solutions
