Stories

PODER: People Organizing Demand Environmental & Economic Rights

Raising Voices for Immigrant Rights and Education

While its vision was ambitious, PODER had modest beginnings, starting out with an all-volunteer staff in a one-room office. As PODER became more established in the community, they secured resources to hire full-time staff.    

However, in 2000 the weakening economy affected PODER and the organization reverted to an all-volunteer staff and cut programs. During this time, the infrastructure and guidance Tides provided were critical to PODER in order to keep the project open and develop the resources necessary to return to financial stability. In partnership with Tides, the project returned to solid financial footing and rebuilt their programs.   

PODER Organizational Director, Anthony Diaz stated, “Being a part of Tides enabled PODER to take root and flourish. If we didn’t have constant support and dependable infrastructure behind our work, we might not be here today.  As it is, we’ve spent over 16 years advocating for and organizing our constituents and our community, and we’re going to keep at it.”    

Now PODER runs multiple campaigns, has initiated additional community programs, and is expanding its work into neighboring communities, operating with an annual budget of just under $500,000. PODER’s success demonstrates that having a stable, reliable infrastructure, supported by fiscal sponsorship, empowers organizations to advance their mission, grow their programs, and increase their impact. 

More about PODER: People Organizing Demand Environmental & Economic Rights in the Tides Project Directory