People Organizing to Demand Environmental & Economic Rights

Rude Boy Scorcher @ POP's

Your host and local rude boy selectas DJ Augsteady (Jose "Augie" Aguilar) & DJ Lyle spin classic ska, dub and rock steady joints in the heart of the Mission Barrio. All proceeds at the door will help fund PODER's summer youth organizing projects.

Friday, July 31
10pm-2am
POP's Bar, 2800 24th St. 21 & over

Sunday, July 26
12pm-4pm
Crocker Amazon Park, Excelsior District, SF

PODER has been uniting forces with the Filipino Community Center, Coleman Advocates, and the Balboa High School Law Academy to develop a solid vision for youth empowerment, economic justice, affordable housing, and immigrant rights in the Excelsior District of San Francisco. Youth activist and neighborhood leader, Alessandra Ortiz had this to say, "Being one of the people representing PODER youth I feel good that we as different organizations are coming together to build stronger alliances in our community". 

Please join us for a summer bash to celebrate our unity, cultural and neighborhood traditions, and a fierce new political agenda.

We all have a right to dream, yet our communities are starved for the resources to make our dreams come alive.  On Friday May 15th, over 50 Excelsior residents gathered for a magical evening with PODER to raise consiousness and have a community dialogue about creating great economic futures for young people.  The "Noche de Conciencia" was organized by PODER’s Comité A.M.O.R. (Organizing our Excelsior with Love).  PODER members performed “A Right to a Dream” a poem collectively written by youth, adults, and elders.  The old timers in the group shared stories about their mentors, their big breaks, how they have survived, how things were back in the day, and the lessons they have to pass along to the next generation.  To close out the evening, one by one, members and guests helped to fill a backdrop of our Excelsior neighborhood with flowers full of community solutions and proposals. 

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, there will be a statewide Special Election in California. The six measures on the ballot are meant to fill the gap of the massive budget deficits that the state is facing.  However,instead of proposing long needed budget reforms, the propositions attempt to fill the gap with measures that will take away much needed services for the most vulnerable, especially our children.  Tell the Governor and legislature not to balance the budget on the backs of poor people and our children! 

Vote “No” on 1A to 1F! Vote on May 19th!

On a warm and beautiful Saturday morning on April 18 in San Francisco's Mission District over 2-dozen new and old friends got together for a rousing and inspirational meeting at Parque Niños Unidos.  Young and older community members shared conversations and ideas about current urban land and environmental health campaigns in the Mission and Excelsior Districts. Folks were also treated to an electrifying presentation by youth organizers busily working on a couple of moving projects: an upcoming neighborhood youth conference on April 25 @ City College/Mission campus; and current surveying and education of local merchants who sell harmful lead-tainted soda and candy products.

Staff member, Laura Malgarejo, received a strong reception as she presented the launch of the new and improved membership program.  The program is a result of nearly two years of planning, evaluation, focus groups and conversations with members and staff on the need for developing authentic leadership within the organization. Members put on their best face as we took pictures of them for personalized membership cards.

It was a great gathering with an amazing group of friends.  Check out some of the pictures and make sure to join us at our New Member Orientation on May 27.