Houston & Austin
SWEA Houston & Austin is part of this unique network, and SWEA Houston has existed since 2003. Some of our members were already part of the original organization SVEA of Texas (1980-2003). Since 2025, Austin has been included as a program group.
We are part of the MAME region, Middle America, which consists of a total of 8 chapters: Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Florida, Houston & Austin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Toronto (Canada).
Today we have about 80 members of varying ages who live in and around Houston and Austin.
We offer a diverse range of activities that suit different ages and interests. Houston is a large city, and our members are spread out in different areas, even a bit outside in The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Katy. We also have many members in Austin.
Under Activities you can see which events are offered in the near future and later in the year. During the summer months, we have a break from planned events as many of our members escape the Houston heat for a much cooler Sweden. But spontaneous, short-notice get-togethers might ”pop up.”
We have a private Facebook page to be more personal, ask for advice, and get tips about life in Texas. We also post our activities on the member-only Facebook group. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find our public social media channels. Don’t forget to follow us!
One of our goals is to keep our Swedish traditions alive, and after many years abroad, this is something that many older members appreciate. Recurring successes include semlor (sweet buns) in February, National Day celebration in June, kräftskiva (crayfish party) in September (sometimes we have a Cajun/Swedish one as early as April), ärtsoppa (pea soup) in November, and glögg and the Lucia procession in December.
We also have two book clubs that meet regularly, one for adult members and one for our SWEA children (currently inactive). The SWEA children also practice the songs for the Lucia procession—a very popular event that both children and adults look forward to. In previous years, the children have performed at IKEA, the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Houston, and the Norwegian Seamen’s Church.
In addition to our local activities, you also have access to the rest of the SWEA world. Every year, a regional or world meeting is organized where you are welcome to participate as a member. SWEA Live offers interesting lectures or workshops. In 2020, SWEA-podden (the SWEA podcast) was launched. Unlike webinars, the SWEA podcast is open to everyone, including non-members.
SWEA Professional is for those interested in professional networking. If you like art and culture, maybe SWEA Art is for you? In 2021, SWEA Skriver (SWEA Writes) was launched, which gives our members the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities at a global, regional, and local level. This includes creative writing courses and themes, webinars with authors, translators, and more.
Are you new to the area? Have you lived here for a long time but haven’t been in touch with SWEA before? Or maybe you’ve been a member before but chose to let your membership lapse. Whatever your background, you are most welcome to join our community. Contact us, and we’ll tell you more. Of course, you are welcome to come and try out your first event, even without being a member, if you like.
As a member, you also get access to our private Facebook page. By combining the offerings of SWEA Houston with SWEA International, we have many areas of interest, and we know you will experience a lot of joy through your SWEA membership.
You can read about how to become a member under Membership.
We welcome all ideas for events and get-togethers, and we look forward to meeting and getting to know both old and new members throughout the year!
A warm welcome to us!
The Board of SWEA Houston & Austin