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| Recent Events |
Affiliates and ally organizations of the Southwest Network for
Environmental and Economic Justice, a Bi-National network,
spoke out against the lack of accountability of the US/Mexico
Border Governor’s Conference, that took place in Austin,
Texas on August 23th & 24th.
Read full article here
Environmental and Economic Justice, a Bi-National network,
spoke out against the lack of accountability of the US/Mexico
Border Governor’s Conference, that took place in Austin,
Texas on August 23th & 24th.
Read full article here
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| National Day of Action for Immigrant Rights 4-10-2006 |
All across the nation, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in
protests, actions, demonstrations and marches to oppose legislation that could make
all undocumented immigrants in the U.S. felons.
In Austin, an estimated 10,000+ people gathered to show support for immigrants and
their families. The demonstration first started with a ceremonial blessing of the march
by Aztec Dancers on the Capitol grounds. Some keynote speakers included Susana
Almanza from PODER, Austin City Council Member Jennifer Kim and State Senator
Gonzalo Barrientos. After the speakers finished, thousands of the demonstrators
marched through several downtown streets carrying signs reading:
I AM A MEXICAN - NOT A CRIMINAL; USA - HOME OF THE FREE, THE BRAVE AND
THE PEOPLE THAT BUILT IT; SI SE PUEDE; FAIR IMMIGRATION REFORM NOW!
and many, many more.
The march ended at the Federal Building on 9th and San Jacinto. Throughout the
rally afterwards over a thousand more people joined the demonstrators to show their
support. Mexican and American flags waived side by side; people shouting and
chanting for fair, equal and humane treatment; "AMNESTIA!! AMNESTIA!!"(amnesty,
amnesty!!). Indeed, these demonstrations across the nation show that immigrants,
documented and undocumented, show support for each other and that we stand
together - united.
protests, actions, demonstrations and marches to oppose legislation that could make
all undocumented immigrants in the U.S. felons.
In Austin, an estimated 10,000+ people gathered to show support for immigrants and
their families. The demonstration first started with a ceremonial blessing of the march
by Aztec Dancers on the Capitol grounds. Some keynote speakers included Susana
Almanza from PODER, Austin City Council Member Jennifer Kim and State Senator
Gonzalo Barrientos. After the speakers finished, thousands of the demonstrators
marched through several downtown streets carrying signs reading:
I AM A MEXICAN - NOT A CRIMINAL; USA - HOME OF THE FREE, THE BRAVE AND
THE PEOPLE THAT BUILT IT; SI SE PUEDE; FAIR IMMIGRATION REFORM NOW!
and many, many more.
The march ended at the Federal Building on 9th and San Jacinto. Throughout the
rally afterwards over a thousand more people joined the demonstrators to show their
support. Mexican and American flags waived side by side; people shouting and
chanting for fair, equal and humane treatment; "AMNESTIA!! AMNESTIA!!"(amnesty,
amnesty!!). Indeed, these demonstrations across the nation show that immigrants,
documented and undocumented, show support for each other and that we stand
together - united.
| Cesar Chavez March for Unity and Justice! 4/1/2006 |
Over 3,000 people attended the 5th Annual Cesar Chavez March for Unity & Justice
in Austin. Cesar demonstrated the need for all working people to support those who
are oppressed and exploited; working for dignity on the job and in the community;
increasing democratic rights of working people; challenging the powerful in defense
of the powerless. This year, thousands of people demonstrated against the
anti-immigration bills being proposed in Congress.
House Bill HR 4437 would make it a felony for undocumented immigrants to reside in
the U.S. It would also make anyone who aids an undocumented person in finding a
job, giving them food, or basically anything to let them survive in the U.S. a felon as
well.
in Austin. Cesar demonstrated the need for all working people to support those who
are oppressed and exploited; working for dignity on the job and in the community;
increasing democratic rights of working people; challenging the powerful in defense
of the powerless. This year, thousands of people demonstrated against the
anti-immigration bills being proposed in Congress.
House Bill HR 4437 would make it a felony for undocumented immigrants to reside in
the U.S. It would also make anyone who aids an undocumented person in finding a
job, giving them food, or basically anything to let them survive in the U.S. a felon as
well.
| Student Walkout 3-30-2006 |
In an amazing showcase of solidarity, students from Del Valle, Lanier, LBJ and
Reagan High Schools walked out of class and marched to the Capital Building.
Over 500 students convened on the steps of the capital building and rallied to
show their protest of the Anti-Immigration Legislation that is being proposed.
Amazingly, the only official to show face was State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos.
Barrientos was nice enough to order some cases of cold water to be brought out
to the protesting students, many of which had marched for hours to reach the
capital.
Reagan High Schools walked out of class and marched to the Capital Building.
Over 500 students convened on the steps of the capital building and rallied to
show their protest of the Anti-Immigration Legislation that is being proposed.
Amazingly, the only official to show face was State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos.
Barrientos was nice enough to order some cases of cold water to be brought out
to the protesting students, many of which had marched for hours to reach the
capital.
| May 1st, 2006 "A Day Without An Immigrant" March |
May 1st is Labor Day, celebrated in honor of those who lost their lives to gain the 8
hour work day. On May 1st, immigrants called for “a day without immigrants” and for
a one-day consumer boycott to demand the legal status of 12 million undocumented
workers in the United States. On May 1st in Austin, Texas and throughout the US
thousands of people took to the street to demand Rights, Dignity, and Respect.
Native or Foreign, we’re the same working class.
hour work day. On May 1st, immigrants called for “a day without immigrants” and for
a one-day consumer boycott to demand the legal status of 12 million undocumented
workers in the United States. On May 1st in Austin, Texas and throughout the US
thousands of people took to the street to demand Rights, Dignity, and Respect.
Native or Foreign, we’re the same working class.
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| PODER Quinceañera! 15 years of Community, Empowerment and Struggle |
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| “Nature’s Pharmacy” With La Capitana Helga Garcia-Garza Conchero Azteca Chichimeca Calpulli Tlalpalcalli Centro de Recursos |
| Xinachtli - PODER Summer/Fall 2006 Newsletter Available for download (Microsoft Publisher format) |
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| No Toll Roads Flier Take Back Our Roads! Say No to Unfair Double Taxation! Say No to Environmental and Economic Racism! No Tolls On Freeways We’ve Already Paid For! |
| YSJ 2006 Update! Click here for info |
| PODER, LULAC District 7 and Black Austin Democrats all opposed Phase II Toll Roads. For months residents protested and gave testimony at numerous hearings regarding the discrimination factor of East Austin Toll Roads. Highway 71, 183 and 290 were free highways that would have been converted to Toll Roads. Communities of color in East Austin would have felt the negative impact of having to pay tolls, a tax. On Monday, January 22nd, CAMPO Board at the leadership of Chairman Senator Kirk Watson voted to remove the Phase II toll roads from the current package of transportation improvements. This is a victory for the East Austin community. |
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For years PODER has worked to protect the environment in East Austin.
Oak Springs natural springs, located at the intersection of Oak Springs
Street and Airport Boulevard was the future location for a Dollar Store.
For several years PODER had been addressing the issue of the natural
springs in East Austin. PODER members organized and worked with
Councilman Mike Martinez to save the Oak Springs area from being
developed.
On December 14, 2006 the Austin City Council voted to purchase the 5.9
acre tract. On January 9, 2007, PODER members met with Jason
Spangler of the Brodie Wild Project and members of the Austin chapter of
the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Native Prairies Association.
The Oak Spring area natural beauty is not just it springs but the native
plants and trees located at the site. PODER is working with various
groups to possibly design the site and protect the water quality, restore
native vegetation and habitat and educating the public about how to
garden with native plants.
Oak Springs natural springs, located at the intersection of Oak Springs
Street and Airport Boulevard was the future location for a Dollar Store.
For several years PODER had been addressing the issue of the natural
springs in East Austin. PODER members organized and worked with
Councilman Mike Martinez to save the Oak Springs area from being
developed.
On December 14, 2006 the Austin City Council voted to purchase the 5.9
acre tract. On January 9, 2007, PODER members met with Jason
Spangler of the Brodie Wild Project and members of the Austin chapter of
the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Native Prairies Association.
The Oak Spring area natural beauty is not just it springs but the native
plants and trees located at the site. PODER is working with various
groups to possibly design the site and protect the water quality, restore
native vegetation and habitat and educating the public about how to
garden with native plants.
| Community Advisory Group (CAG) opposes Roma Design Groups recommendations and presents its own community recommendations. Find out more here - MS Word format |
| Victory! Oak Springs Saved! |
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Erika Gonzalez, Co-Director of PODER recently traveled to
Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa to attend the World Social Forum.
Please check out her blog with pictures and reflections of the
World Social Forum 2007 at http://wsf2007-erika.blogspot.com/
Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa to attend the World Social Forum.
Please check out her blog with pictures and reflections of the
World Social Forum 2007 at http://wsf2007-erika.blogspot.com/
On March 29th, 2007, PODER and the community reflected on the life of
Cesar E. Chavez and the struggle for justice. The spirit of Cesar Chavez
lives in all of us. PODER recognizes and honors individuals that continue
the struggle for justice. Individuals that help keep the spirit of Cesar Chavez
alive.
PODER continues that legacy of working with colleges, churches, elected
officials and community organizers to achieve justice. PODER was proud to
announce the recipients of the 1st Annual Cesar E. Chavez "Si Se Puede"
Awards. These individuals have demonstrated that "Si Se Puede" (Yes, it
can be done!) These individuals have faith in humanity, a belief in action,
and courage.
Cesar E. Chavez and the struggle for justice. The spirit of Cesar Chavez
lives in all of us. PODER recognizes and honors individuals that continue
the struggle for justice. Individuals that help keep the spirit of Cesar Chavez
alive.
PODER continues that legacy of working with colleges, churches, elected
officials and community organizers to achieve justice. PODER was proud to
announce the recipients of the 1st Annual Cesar E. Chavez "Si Se Puede"
Awards. These individuals have demonstrated that "Si Se Puede" (Yes, it
can be done!) These individuals have faith in humanity, a belief in action,
and courage.
| 6th Annual Cesar Chavez "Si Se Puede" March for Justice in Austin |
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Erika Gonzalez, Co-Director of PODER recently traveled to
Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa to attend the World Social Forum.
Please check out her blog with pictures and reflections of the
World Social Forum 2007 at http://wsf2007-erika.blogspot.com/
Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa to attend the World Social Forum.
Please check out her blog with pictures and reflections of the
World Social Forum 2007 at http://wsf2007-erika.blogspot.com/
On March 29th, 2007, PODER and the community reflected on the life of
Cesar E. Chavez and the struggle for justice. The spirit of Cesar Chavez
lives in all of us. PODER recognizes and honors individuals that continue
the struggle for justice. Individuals that help keep the spirit of Cesar Chavez
alive.
PODER continues that legacy of working with colleges, churches, elected
officials and community organizers to achieve justice. PODER was proud to
announce the recipients of the 1st Annual Cesar E. Chavez "Si Se Puede"
Awards. These individuals have demonstrated that "Si Se Puede" (Yes, it
can be done!) These individuals have faith in humanity, a belief in action,
and courage.
Cesar E. Chavez and the struggle for justice. The spirit of Cesar Chavez
lives in all of us. PODER recognizes and honors individuals that continue
the struggle for justice. Individuals that help keep the spirit of Cesar Chavez
alive.
PODER continues that legacy of working with colleges, churches, elected
officials and community organizers to achieve justice. PODER was proud to
announce the recipients of the 1st Annual Cesar E. Chavez "Si Se Puede"
Awards. These individuals have demonstrated that "Si Se Puede" (Yes, it
can be done!) These individuals have faith in humanity, a belief in action,
and courage.
| 6th Annual Cesar Chavez "Si Se Puede" March for Justice in Austin |
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| March for Immigrant Rights April 10, 2007 |
| PODER is recognized by the University of Texas' School Of Social Work and awarded the "Vision And Valor" Award, given to individuals and organizations for their work in the Social Justice Movement |
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| April 22, 2007 Earth Day Celebration PODER celebrates 16 years of activism in Austin with performances, food and family. |
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| May 1, 2007 Justice for Migrants, Justice for Workers March |
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| 2nd Anniversary Vigil in memory of Daniel Rocha June 8 2007 |
| On June 9, 2005, Daniel Rocha, an 18 year old unarmed Chicano from East Austin was shot in the back while faced down at point blank range and killed by Austin Police Department officer Julie Schroeder. Schroeder was never crimally charged with his murder. There can be no justification for murdering an unarmed teenager! |
| PODER’s Young Scholars for Justice attended the Chief of Police Candidates Forum on Monday, June 11, 2007 at the Lester Palmer Events Center. The Young Scholars for Justice members asked numerous questions of the five candidates selected as the finalist for Austin’s new Chief of Police. |
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| Community Forum: From School to Prison Pipeline |
| A community forum: “From Schools to Prison Pipeline” was held June 14, 2007 at Booker T. Washington Housing Authority Administration Building. Veronica Garcia & Kenovan Carter with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Young Scholars for Justice and Texas Coalition Advocating Justice for Juveniles (TCAJJ) presented information to youth. |
| As part of World Refugee Day, a protest was held at the T. Don Hutto detention center. The T. Don Hutto detention center is operated by Corrections Corporation of America, a for-profit prison company. Hutto incarcerates approximately 400 asylum seeking and migrant families who are awaiting hearings before the immigration court. Children spend up to 22 hours a day in prison cells and receive inadequate education and recreational time. |
| World Refugee Day at T. Don Hutto Detention Center |
Four major highways are proposed to be tolled (you have to pay to drive on
them): SH 71(E&W), US 290 (E), US 183(E), and SH 45(E&W).The Austin toll
plan creates a monopoly by tolling public highways like 183, 71, 290 & MOPAC.
Don’t let them steal our tax dollars and our freeways to create a freeway toll tax
on our families! For more information go to: http://www.VoteEastSideTax.org
(you can click to place a vote for or against a special EastSideTax in the form of
Toll Roads). You can also go to link Austintollparty.com – where you can click to
forward a letter to CAMPO, opposing the selective taxation.
Send your written comments to CAMPO, P O Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767.
them): SH 71(E&W), US 290 (E), US 183(E), and SH 45(E&W).The Austin toll
plan creates a monopoly by tolling public highways like 183, 71, 290 & MOPAC.
Don’t let them steal our tax dollars and our freeways to create a freeway toll tax
on our families! For more information go to: http://www.VoteEastSideTax.org
(you can click to place a vote for or against a special EastSideTax in the form of
Toll Roads). You can also go to link Austintollparty.com – where you can click to
forward a letter to CAMPO, opposing the selective taxation.
Send your written comments to CAMPO, P O Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767.
| CAMPO Board Meeting to Discuss & Vote on Toll Roads Monday, October 8th at 6:00 PM at Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa Drive (in northwest Austin) |
On Friday, September 14, 2007, St. Edward’s University held a celebration
outside of its campus in celebration of 16 de Septiembre and in
remembrance of Miguel Hidaldo’s famous “Cry of Independence” from Spain’
s rule over Mexico. PODER’s Co-Director Erika González and two YSJ
members, Yvette Rodriguez and Asalynne Caldwell were invited to read a
poem. They read a poem inspired by the late Cesar Chavez about farm
worker struggles in the United States. This poem was fitting because many
CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) students were in attendance
and Erika is an alumni of St. Edward’s CAMP program.
outside of its campus in celebration of 16 de Septiembre and in
remembrance of Miguel Hidaldo’s famous “Cry of Independence” from Spain’
s rule over Mexico. PODER’s Co-Director Erika González and two YSJ
members, Yvette Rodriguez and Asalynne Caldwell were invited to read a
poem. They read a poem inspired by the late Cesar Chavez about farm
worker struggles in the United States. This poem was fitting because many
CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) students were in attendance
and Erika is an alumni of St. Edward’s CAMP program.
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| PODER and PODER's Young Scholars for Justice recently traveled to the United States Social Forum (USSF) in Atlanta, Georgia from June 27 - July 01 2007. The USSF was a weeklong gathering of community organizations and grassroots individuals that shared each other's experiences and analysis of the problems their communities face and was a space for the building of consciousness, vision and strategies to realize another world. PODER will be reporting back their experiences from the forum on Thursday August 09, 2007 at Resistencia Bookstore (1801 S 1st St # A) from 7pm - 9pm. |
| United States Social Forum 2007 |
| Birthday Celebration Honoring Susana Almanza, founding member and Co-Director of PODER Thursday, September 20th, 2007 |
| PODER thanks everyone who came out Thursday, September 20th to Honor Susana Almanza on her Birthday. PODER thanks everyone for their contribution and for sharing in a vision which honors the sacredness of human life and the environment. |
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DEMANDS
We call for:
1. All charges against the Jena 6 be dropped
2. The United States Department of Justice to convene an immediate inquiry into the
circumstances surrounding the arrests and prosecutions of the Jena 6;
3. Judge Mauffray to be recused from presiding over Bell 's juvenile court hearings or
other proceedings;
4. The Louisiana Office of Disciplinary Counsel to investigate Reed Walters for
unethical and possibly illegal conduct;
5. The Louisiana Judiciary Commission investigate Judge Mauffray for unethical
conduct; and
6. The Jena School District superintendent to be removed from office.
We call for:
1. All charges against the Jena 6 be dropped
2. The United States Department of Justice to convene an immediate inquiry into the
circumstances surrounding the arrests and prosecutions of the Jena 6;
3. Judge Mauffray to be recused from presiding over Bell 's juvenile court hearings or
other proceedings;
4. The Louisiana Office of Disciplinary Counsel to investigate Reed Walters for
unethical and possibly illegal conduct;
5. The Louisiana Judiciary Commission investigate Judge Mauffray for unethical
conduct; and
6. The Jena School District superintendent to be removed from office.
What Can You Do To Show Your Support?
1. Sign the petition to support the Jena 6 and be plugged in for future action by
visiting online:
www.colorofchange.org/jena. At this site, you can also make a donation to the legal
defense fund, buy a “Free the Jena 6” t-shirt, and join thousands in demanding that
the DA drop all charges against the 6 young men.
2. Call Governor Blanco at 866-366-1121, 225-342-0991, or 225-342-7015. Tell her
to intervene in theJena 6 case, and to act immediately to investigate the DA.
3 Call the Louisiana State Visitor Bureau at 225-342-8119. Tell them you won’t be
visiting Louisiana until justice is served in the Jena 6 case.
Learn more about the Jena 6 case and other ways to take action atthese websites:
www.freethejena6.org
www.colorofchange.org/jena
1. Sign the petition to support the Jena 6 and be plugged in for future action by
visiting online:
www.colorofchange.org/jena. At this site, you can also make a donation to the legal
defense fund, buy a “Free the Jena 6” t-shirt, and join thousands in demanding that
the DA drop all charges against the 6 young men.
2. Call Governor Blanco at 866-366-1121, 225-342-0991, or 225-342-7015. Tell her
to intervene in theJena 6 case, and to act immediately to investigate the DA.
3 Call the Louisiana State Visitor Bureau at 225-342-8119. Tell them you won’t be
visiting Louisiana until justice is served in the Jena 6 case.
Learn more about the Jena 6 case and other ways to take action atthese websites:
www.freethejena6.org
www.colorofchange.org/jena
| JENA 6 Peaceful Demonstration, Austin 10.1.07 A national call to action was made by Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli for college students to walk out in solidarity for the "Jena 6". UT, Huston Tillotson, ACC students marched to Capital in solidarity. |