Last month, 390 members of this nationwide network gathered in San Antonio, Texas—or yanaguana, “Land of the Spirit Waters,” to use the language we were gifted by Coahuiltecan community members. It was a week full of learning, inspiration, and renewal as we considered the water challenges heading our way and how we might address them as a connected and empowered movement.
Members of the Ah Manam Spiritual Group guiding River Rally attendees in a water blessing at the Welcome Reception. Photo by Vanessa Velazquez.
River Rally 2026 came at a pivotal moment for our collective water future. Through relationship-building, policy solutions, and a successful public interest campaign, water leaders in the state passed Proposition 4, which will provide $1 billion a year for 20 years to improve statewide water infrastructure. We came together to celebrate this victory at River Rally and get answers to the question on every water advocate’s mind: How can other states replicate this monumental water win?
