Nada de Nosotros, Sin Nosotros

"Nothing about us without us."

This simple but powerful quote serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity, representation, and the voices of those directly affected by policies, decisions, and actions. Rooted in the disability movement of the 1960s and 1970s, this quote was a response to the systemic exclusion and discrimination faced by people with disabilities. Today, it continues to inspire us at Nuestra Casa, where we base everything we do and every program we offer on what we've heard from within our community. At the heart of Nuestra Casa's mission is the commitment to building leaders who transform our local community and pave the road for future generations. We create opportunities for direct civic participation through community education and engagement. This commitment manifests in various initiatives, each contributing to the rich tapestry of community empowerment. Some examples include:

• Environmental Justice Program, where we cultivate environmental justice advocates within the community. We empower community members to understand, develop, and prioritize local solutions for environmental equity and justice issues by offering advocacy, education, and training.
• East Palo Alto Water Justice Task Force informs and engages community members, shedding light on the history of water in East Palo Alto and ongoing concerns. This task force serves as a platform for residents to voice their water-related concerns and identify solutions. Nurturing civic engagement and amplifying voices propels the community's quest for water justice.
• Promotoras are our neighborhood champions who gather community input. Through surveys, focus groups, and workshops, they create a platform where the community's bicultural and bilingual voices are heard and embraced. These champions of community empowerment ensure that residents' voices resonate throughout the local decision-making process.

Behind these programmatic examples lies an orchestra of supporting factors.

Our core staff, including the promotoras, have lived experiences that bridge the gap between advocacy and authentic community engagement. We also offer a diverse array of information channels. Through engaging and informative content on various platforms such as social media, our community newsletter Noticias, and the interactive Ventana Abierta, we strive to keep our community members informed and empowered.

Additionally, our workshops serve as vibrant hubs of knowledge exchange, where community-specific topics take center stage, allowing us to address the unique concerns of our residents while nurturing a culture of active engagement and empowerment. Every note in this symphony of information is a vital piece of the community's evolving narrative, fostering a sense of belonging and collective purpose. Working hand in hand with you—partners, funders, and volunteers—who understand and address systemic barriers, Nuestra Casa harmonizes efforts that amplify voices. Together, we heed the quote “Nothing about us without us” as a rallying cry for our local social justice movement.

Get involved by donating or volunteering: www.NuestraCasa.org