Advocacy

In our community, parents, students, and residents organize to change the racial and social inequities that impact our families.

We organize around

Basic Needs las casitas housing

Housing

We want affordable housing to be seen as a human right that improves kids’ success at school and meets families’ needs.

Basic Needs las casitas housing

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.

Basic Needs las casitas housing

Health

We believe that all people should have access to life-giving medical care that respects cultural traditions, is affordable, and addresses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 
education

Education

We want high quality public education that focuses on growing our kids’ strengths, talents, skills, and love of learning so that they thrive.
education

Environment

We believe that everyone has the right to live without being exposed to toxic pollution in the soil they farm, the air they breathe, the food they eat, and the water they drink.
education

Deeper Democracy

We are committed to creating spaces for community decision-making and to protecting our right to organize without fear of retaliation.

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.

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. 

Fill out the interest form to get updates and join EMPUJE!

 

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 Arturo Muñoz at amunoz@somosmayfair.org or 408-393-2706.

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. 

Fill out the interest form to get updates and join EMPUJE!

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?

Look up MEHKOs to support in other counties here. Reach out to abigail@veggielution.org with questions.

Check back in the summer & fall for events to support new Santa Clara County MEHKOs!

Papeles Para Todos

Papeles Para Todos is a movement led by and for undocumented immigrants to demand a pathway to legal status & citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.  Allies are welcome to support!

Join the campaign!

Veronica Amador, PNF

“When I found the Si Se Puede Collective, I had little knowledge of civic engagement. Civic engagement is not a word that is often used in our community or schools. The Si Se Puede Collective offers me education and knowledge on civic engagement. It provided the tools to organize, educate, and change policy in collaboration with my community. Through Power Not Fear, I learned about policies, how they affect our community, and how to take back my power.”

Veronica Amador
Community Member

Jacqueline Onasis Franco, PNF

“At SOMOS, I learned how to organize and the importance of showing up to city and county spaces where decisions impacting my life were being made. The Power Not Fear campaign has by far been the most fulfilling job I’ve ever done. Even though I am undocumented, I was able to inform and support hundreds of people in my community to show up and vote… The biggest win was that we helped people find their power! And in doing so filling a void I had been carrying around with me for many years. My immigration status does not determine who I am. It never did. I am valuable, I am powerful, and I am a leader who will continue to serve her community.”

Jacqueline
Community Member