Artists + Practitioners + Organizations

Los Amigos de la Comunidad, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit working to increase the capacity of the underserved communities of the Imperial Valley and intertwined regions facing socio-economic and environmental injustices, health care access disparities, and institutional discrimination.  The organization builds the capacity of these communities from the ground up, supporting those facing injustices, challenges, lack of educational opportunities, poor infrastructure, and lack of affordable and adequate housing by using culturally competent and relevant organizing and advocacy methods.

Via International promotes sustainable development by engaging and supporting leaders in emerging communities. The organization is driven by and centered on including community voices and strengthening (“formation”) community leadership. It is committed to meeting leaders where they are and working together to identify solutions that elevate communities. Via International works through the lens of asset-based community development, which builds off already present strengths and assets. It encourages a participatory process where people identify their needs and act to improve their quality of life, families, and communities.

The Urban Collaborative Project CDC serves the historically redlined community of Southeast San Diego through community capacity-building efforts to connect residents to upstream services and resources through action teams and strategic partnerships between community members and key stakeholders. UCP empowers residents to identify their neighborhood issues and address challenges. Teams create action plans, outreach, and solutions to address disparities focusing on health, housing, transportation, art, and infrastructure. This community healing process builds capacity by encouraging,  training, and supporting residents to identify and solve community issues together.