Despite the challenges posed by exclusionary policies, our community continues to strive for a better future, determined to overcome barriers that limit access to vital resources and institutional support.
The legal obstacles from the lack of migratory status heighten the struggles faced by our neighbors. Nevertheless, the Latinx community in San Francisco remains resilient, collectively pushing forward in the pursuit of justice and dignity.
By committing deeply to our leadership development work and providing organizational support to our member leaders, PODER’s Promotora model is successfully engaging our immigrant community on the street. Promotoras are experts and trusted leaders from within our neighborhood. The strong relationships they’ve built through persistent community presence and outreach expertise has mad our Promotoras an invaluable leaderful team at PODER . Through their dedicated efforts, we build trust and establish meaningful connections with our immigrant neighbors. By providing essential resources and knowledge, we equip community members with the tools they need to make informed decisions that positively impact their lives.
San Francisco’s Sanctuary City protections are only possible due to long, protracted struggle and our continued defense of these rights. Sanctuary policies in San Francisco exist thanks to decades of organizing and the dedication of community leaders, organizations, and allies who believed in a vision of a city that protected of all of its residents.
While the Sanctuary City policies offer a layer of protection for undocumented people, our communities continue to fight to maintain and strengthen these protections. Every victory was hard-won, often through legal battles, direct action, and advocacy. Bolstered by our member leaders, PODER, has worked to unite our communities in defense of human rights and dignity. The responsibility to uphold and extend these rights continues; in the national and statewide context of anti-immigrant policies, San Francisco’s commitment to its immigrant population will be an enduring legacy.
Palante, Siempre Palante!
PODER is proud to be one of thirteen nonprofit organizations that belong to the San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network (SFILEN). In addition to education and information, the Network provides immigration services for low-income San Francisco residents including:
- Family petitions
- Green card renewal
- Naturalization
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions
- Removal proceedings
SFILEN plays a vital role in supporting and empowering immigrant communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- For more information about SFILEN, legal referrals or to request a community workshop, please contact:
Amy Aguilera
Civic Engagement Organizer
amy@podersf.org
(415) 792-7062
To learn even more about our work with immigrant rights education and engagement, become a member today, or donate today to help us continue our work. Join WhatsApp PODER Community for up-to-date information.
