Advocacy
In our community, parents, students, and residents organize to change the racial and social inequities that impact our families.
We organize around
Housing
We want affordable housing to be seen as a human right that improves kids’ success at school and meets families’ needs.
Economy
Families deserve the tools and knowledge to access more economic mobility and to not be excluded because of their race, color, gender, religion or where they were born.
Health
Education
Environment
Deeper Democracy
Current Advocacy & Campaigns
CULTURAL DISTRICT
Cultural districts are essential for fostering local economies, improving quality of life, and strengthening communities. La Avenida is a multi-phased project designed to revitalize the Alum Rock Avenue Corridor located in the Mayfair region of East San José. Learn about our capital campaign.
For SOAC, a cultural district creates more opportunities for current residents and businesses to prosper in their communities. In addition, visitors, residents, and creatives will explore and experience culturally rich landscapes with diverse offerings.
DORA
Development of Outdoor Recreation Advocates (DORA) is a program dedicated to raising awareness about the important role public parks play in helping children connect with and value nature. Through DORA, we empower parents and caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to become community leaders and advocates for equitable access to natural spaces; places that not only provide recreation, but also provide powerful environmental education within our community.
To learn more about this initiative or how you can get involved, please contact Solandyi at solandyi@veggielution.org.
Curious about what an educational garden looks like in action? Come visit our Youth Garden, open every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at 647 S. King Road, San José, CA. We’d love to see you there!
EXPANDING CULTURAL IMPACT
The initial phase for the Cultural District La Avenida is the acquisition of the 28,000-square-foot vacant commercial property across the street from the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza). The expansion will increase cultural programming and bring needed family wellness services, which will be provided by SOAC’s equity partner Gardner Health Services. Future development includes affordable housing on the King Road parking lot, and commercial space for local businesses and social service providers on La Plaza’s six acres. Learn more.
EMPUJE
EMPUJE organizes Alum Rock School District parents to improve the quality of education for students. Parents identify issues they want to focus on and decide how to take action on them. They organize meetings and collective actions to change district policies.
Grupo de Justicia Migratoria
Organizing committee of immigrant East San Jose residents organizing and advocating for issues impacting East San Jose families like housing, immigration, education, and health!
For more information and to get involved, contact the Amigo’s office:
- Phone:(408) 341-6080
- Address: 1897 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116
- Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
- Email: info@amigosdeguadalupe.org
Jóvenes Activos
Jóvenes Activos is a program for youth to launch their leadership roles and learn how to be civically involved through mentorship, leadership development, and traditional/digital organizing, exemplifying what youth leadership looks like.
Jóvenes have worked on:
- Developing youth leadership in our community
- Preserving and creating cultural and historical murals in East San Jose
For anyone interested in participating or collaborating, please reach out to Ashley Guerrero at aguerrero@somosmayfair.org or (408)757-2837.
MEHKOs
Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKOs) is a 2019 California law (AB 626) that allows home cooks to apply for a permit to sell food made in their home kitchen directly to the public. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors wants to try a MEHKO program for three years for the whole County. The MEHKO program was approved by the Board of Supervisors on March 14th, 2023 and the County is now accepting permit applications! MEHKO is one food business model in our Jobs to Grow program.
How can I get involved?
If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you! English speakers can connect with Fernando at fernando@veggielution.org, and Spanish speakers are encouraged to reach out to Soitza at soitza@veggielution.org.
You can also learn more about MEHKOs and apply for one on Santa Clara County’s website here.