Strengthening Latinx Advocacy with the San Francisco Foundation
June 7, 2023
At Canal Alliance, we have always understood the power of collaboration, and that when we come together and build bridges, we can shape policies and drive the change our communities need. This same spirit is reflected as the San Francisco Foundation (SFF) is bringing together a cohort* of ten Latinx-led organizations, including Canal Alliance, to strengthen Latinx power-building and advocacy infrastructure across the Bay Area.
This powerful collaboration was set in motion through a generous grant of $3M from SFF, acting as a catalyst for transformative change. Each Latinx-led organization that is a part of this powerful cohort will benefit from a $250,000 grant dispersed over two years. The funding provides much-needed general operating support and resources for the development of trainings and activities designed to enhance Latinx advocacy and power-building.
The cohort’s first convening, hosted by SFF, was a forum for peer learning and relationship building. As Aaron Burnett, Canal Alliance’s Director of Policy and Civic Engagement (PACE), shared, “This was an initial step to coalesce around the top issues affecting the Latinx community. This collective approach enables us to voice our concerns more effectively and to push for transformational changes.”
Canal Alliance’s partnership with cohort members has already resulted in new connections and opportunities to learn from one another’s experiences. One such connection was made with PUENTE in Pescadero, where PACE staff were able to compare the similarities and differences of issues facing Latinx communities in different Bay Area regions. These opportunities for interaction and connection are vital in building the unity that will support effective advocacy for the Latinx community.
This collaboration has also served as a platform for nonprofits to share their experiences with funders, giving them a more in-depth understanding of the challenges and successes that we encounter as direct service providers. “It’s an opportunity for us to think about the future instead of just reacting to the present,” says Burnett.
Looking ahead, Canal Alliance is excited to continue working within this dynamic cohort. One of our upcoming initiatives is the launch of a Leadership Academy designed to teach community members advocacy skills and prepare them to become civic leaders. While this is a new venture, it stems from our long history of working with volunteers and supporting leaders within the community.
This collaboration represents a shared commitment to strengthening advocacy and building power within our Latinx community. As we work together, we are better positioned to uplift Latinos, address critical issues such as housing security, workforce development and climate change preparedness.
“By bringing the community in, we can create transformational change,” Burnett reminds us. “That’s why we are constantly developing new programs and initiatives like this.”
*Full list of Cohort members:
Canal Alliance (Marin), CARECEN San Francisco (Regional), Causa Justa :: Just Cause (Alameda/San Francisco), Centro Legal de la Raza (Alameda/Contra Costa), El/La Para TransLatinas (San Francisco), Latina Center (Contra Costa), Monument Impact (Contra Costa), Mujeres Unidas y Activas (Regional), PODER (People Organizing to Demand Environmental & Economic Rights) (San Francisco), PUENTE (Puente de la Costa Sur) (San Mateo)
