News from
SouthWest Organizing Project

Dear ,

We apologize for any confusion from the previous email that was sent out. Here is an updated newsletter with the correct event dates. Thanks!
Visit us at SWOP.net!

Friday, March 10th, 2023

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SWOP Youth Makes the News!
New Mexico Might Make All School Meals Free
 
SWOP Youth intern, Fernando Astorga, was interviewed by KRQE on the state of free food in schools.

He says his school provides them with free lunches which he and his sister are grateful for. "South Valley Academy gives us food and lunch from our culture like tamales, enchiladas, menudo and things like that, so it's always a good school lunch."
 
READ MORE
 
 
Op-Ed Article from Executive Director of LPI Albino Garcia, Jr.
Last year, everyone started talking about crime again, mostly attributed to youth offenders. But current director of La Plazita Institute, Albino Garcia, Jr., recently put out this amazing op-ed article highlighting many of the same sentiments we share at this organization-- that much of the evolving narrative about growing youth crime is merely hype.

"Reporting reveals that youth crime has dropped dramatically over recent decades. And, in any case, research shows that imprisonment rates have little or nothing to do with trends in either overall crime or violent crime in particular." From this, we are validated in what we already knew-- that we urgently need to place a higher priority on youth and community-led investments in policy and legal responses moving forward.

La Plazita is a leading youth development organization and part of a close community youth justice collaboratives that SWOP has been in partnership with for over two years now. We encourage you to read this well-written article, and remember that the solutions to these issues requires new investment models that center the community's input and integrates youth involvement in decision making processes.
 
READ MORE
 
NM Youth Justice Coalition Gives Out Donated Clothing Goods to the Houseless Community

Thanks again to everyone who came out in December to help us gather donations for our clothing drive. This year, we collected a great deal of blankets, hoodies, sweaters, gloves, socks, and hygiene products in just a day! 

We value all of your support!

Organizers from our NM Youth Justice Coalition led a presentation this past weekend at UNM during the La Raza Unida Youth Conference!

Follow NM Youth Justice Coalition on Facebook and Instagram at @yjcnewmexico for information and updates!
Watch the launch video on their webpage here https://www.swop.net/youth-justice!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NMYouthJustice

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yjcnewmex/ 

Official Launch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=TLGGjdsJ7_agZ_gxODExMjAyMg&time_continue=4&v=WR0-1ZqG02U&feature=emb_title
 
Volunteer Day at Whittier Elementary with Project Feed the Hood

PFTH is seeking volunteers this Saturday, March 11th at Whittier Elementary!

Starting at 10AM this Saturday, we will need assistance moving garden boxes at Whittier (1110 Quincy St SE). Please come dressed in appropriate work attire, and bring your own shovel if possible. There will be heavy lifting involved.

For any questions or concerns, please contact Mateo@swop.net

See you then!
 
PFTH Welcomes Zia!

We want to wish a warm welcome to our new Project Feed the Hood Garden Coordinator, Zia Martinez! Zia is not new to the SWOP community, as she has been active and involved in the organization for some time now. We wish you all the best and are excited for you to be a part of our team! 

You can reach Zia by contacting her directly via email at Zia@swop.net or through Mateo@swop.net
 
 

Project Feed the Hood has recently completed their strategic planning process and is currently undergoing a rebranding process to establish the evolution of their growth! Stay tuned for more!

Check out the Project Feed the Hood Facebook Page, as we post constant updates HERE. And follow the Instagram page: @projectfeedthehood
 

Contact Yahaira@swop.net for more information on the updates from NM Con Mujeres.

Check out the official NM Con Mujeres webpage here: https://www.swop.net/feminisms

Follow NM Con Mujeres on social media here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmconmujeres
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmcmgj/
 
 
 
 Community Events/Actions
 
Amber Memorial Event

WHAT: Amber Diaz Remembrance of Life Community Event
WHERE: 1800 Tingley Dr SW
WHEN: Saturday, March 18th at noon

There will be a community healing event held on Saturday, March 18th at Tingley Beach in memory of the late Amber Diaz, beloved member of the community, mother, and friend. We invite all who wish to join us for an afternoon in celebration of her life. Please park at the north duck pond and follow the trail toward the river. There is a large wood deck near the river where we will be drumming.

If you are able to help support the family during this time in any way, it would be deeply appreciated. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be provided to her son, Cree. Please donate and share this event with all who were touched by Amber's light.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Yolanda at (505) 712-2643.

Hosted by NM Con Mujeres and Medicine Drumming Circle
 
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Fundraiser for Amanda's Mom!

Please donate and support the health procedure of one of our closest community members and momma of SWOP staff, Amanda Gallegos!

Amanda’s Mom, Trish, has been suffering from lower back issues and is having a correctional procedure on March 22nd and is asking for any support to help raise funds to cover the medical expenses and loss of wages during her months of recovery. Anything you can provide will certainly help and be greatly appreciated.

Feel free to donate via the link below or directly to Trish via Venmo: @Patricia-Gallegos-9

(Image: Trish pictured on the right with her parents)
 
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Grow The Future Community Event At The ID Library

WHAT: Unveiling of the "Grow The Future" Mural
WHEN: Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11 AM to 3:30 PM
WHERE: 7601 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Join us in the community as we unveil the "Grow The Future" Mural! This mural was created by John Acosta as part of a City of Albuquerque Department Of Arts & Culture program called Citymakers. The mural is highlighting Travis Mckenzie, a Food Justice Community Organizer, and Educator that has dedicated a great part of his life to teaching food sovereignty, self-determination, and sustainability in the International District - one of the most food-insecure districts in New Mexico and in the nation.
 
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Washington Middle School 100 Years Celebration!

Join Washington Middle School in their 100 Years celebration! 

¡Únete a nosotros para disfrutar la celebration de 100 años de la escuela Washington!

WHEN: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 3PM-6PM
WHERE: Washington Middle School; 1101 Park SW
 
 
Feature in article from Searchlight New Mexico!

Tina from the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium was featured in a really insightful article from Searchlight New Mexico! New Mexicans harmed by the world’s first nuclear bomb test will finally win assistance if Tina Cordova has her way!

Downwinders in Nevada, Utah and Arizona have been able to receive federal compensation for the health problems they suffered after the nuclear detonations at the Nevada Test Site...but New Mexico downwinders never got a thing.

Cordova, other activists and several lawmakers have been trying for more than a decade to amend the 1990 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) so that people affected by the Trinity blast can receive the same kind of health coverage and monetary damages that nearly 26,000 Nevada Test Site downwinders have gotten.

RECA was recently extended for 2 years, but is still set to expire in 2024. RECA also only provides compensation to those exposed before 1962, even though many 2nd-gen atomic bomb survivors believe that the risks of cancer can be passed down to future generations.

We value the strength, dedication, and transparency that Tina of the Downwinders always maintains to make this challenging work possible.

Read the full article here: 
https://searchlightnm.org/deliverance-for-downwinders-as-the-clock-winds-down-on-federal-compensation-one-womans-mission-ramps-up/
Enrique Cardiel Joins ED of Transform Ed for a Cafecito Talk
"Public health, education, and our economy, are all very political and impacts our quality of life and well-being in a lot of ways we often try to pretend is not political." says Enrique Cardiel, Executive Director for the NM Heath Equity Council, community leader and advocate for proper education.

Enrique has worked extensively with youth in the past through education centers and institutions like mental health hospitals, schools, and juvenile detention locations to provide them with much needed support. He was able to join Loretta Trujillo for a discussion on eduction equity and the future of education in New Mexico.

"It's always been important for me to support our young folks. It's a part of supporting ourselves and our community." says Enrique. "Alot of our society is built on individualism, but if you look at the communities we're talking about especially here in New Mexico-- it's very communal. I think it's important because that tension and that loss of communalism really affects the well-being of the individual student but also the entire family."

Thank you to Loretta Trujillo for hosting this pleasantly informative cafecito talk session with guest Enrique Cardiel! Listen to the whole episode and more via Transform Education NM!

Watch the full video here: 
https://www.facebook.com/TransformEdNM/videos/1363512217745292
 
 
Acequia Walk and Talk 
 

The new irrigation season is coming!!

Our Acequia Walk and Talk series is starting soon too! Please mark on your calendar the future days. With the new season comes the time to clean our acequias, so we can enjoy them by using them as walk ways, trails, and community spaces!

Se viene la nueva temporada de riego!!
¡Con la nueva temporada llega el momento de limpiar nuestras acequias, para poder disfrutarlas usándolas como caminos, senderos y espacios comunitarios!
 
SAVE THE DATE! 

WHAT: César Chávez March and Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WHERE: National Hispanic Cultural Center; 1701 4th St SW

We hope to see you at the Recuerda a César Chávez Committee's 30th Annual César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Celebration on March 25, 2023, at the NHCC.
 
LEARN MORE
 
 
Together for Brothers 

Are you a self identified boy or young man of color ages 12-24 years old? Want to practice all of T4B's projects including cooking, leadership and outdoor with the brothers for Winter with the Brothers during the APS Spring Break?
Join Together for Brothers (T4B) for one week of building relationships and learning about assets, gender & racial justice, healthy habits, healthy relationships & storytelling online circles and in person on Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am-2:00pm during APS Spring Break from March 21-24. Youth Leaders receive a $15.00/hour stipend, relationships and skill building.
Priority will be given to Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Diné, Mandarin, Spanish, Swahili or Vietnamese BYMOC speakers; BYMOC who live, work, play, pray or learn in Downtown (87102), International District (87108/87123) or Westgate (87121); systems impacted BYMOC; and transit dependent BYMOC.

Apply at bit.ly/t4b2023winter by Saturday, March 11th. Contact Baruch at baruch@togetherforbrothers.org for more information.
 
APPLY HERE
 
 
CSVANW is hiring!

The Social Media Coordinator will work to advance the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women’s mission and grow the impact of its programs, campaigns, and advocacy. Responsible for developing strong narrative and design content that increases brand visibility and strengthens power building for New Mexico’s tribal communities. This position must deliberately meet the community with love at their varying levels of trust and understanding and demonstrate the ability to distill and translate complex, intersecting issues related to gender-based violence.

CSVANW values your lived experience just as much as your education and work experience. We know that studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are building a movement grounded in kinship, inclusion, innovation, culture and healing, so even if you don't meet all the qualifications- we still encourage you to apply. You might be the right person to join us! CSVANW is a survivor-led organization who is committed to centering the experiences of survivors. You belong here.

Learn more & apply: http://ow.ly/fjJ950Moe5Y
 
APPLY NOW!
 
 
Three Sisters Kitchen Job Opportunities

Three Sisters Kitchen is now hiring for multiple job positions! If you are interested in joining the TSK team in a full time or part time capacity, check out the links!

PT Executive Admin: https://threesisterskitchen.org/jobs-pt-executive-admin/

FT Financial Director: https://threesisterskitchen.org/jobs-ft-finance-director/

PT Financial Manager: https://threesisterskitchen.org/jobs-pt-financial-manager/

Community Health Programs Coordinator: https://threesisterskitchen.org/jobs-community-health-coordinator/

Assistant Manager: https://threesisterskitchen.org/jobs-assistant-manager/

Counter Service Associate: https://threesisterskitchen.org/jobs-counter-service-associate/

Market coordinator: https://threesisterskitchen.org/jobs-market-coordinator/

Kitchen associate: https://threesisterskitchen.org/jobs-kitchen-associate/ 
 
 
Centro Savila Services

Centro Savila and Strong Families are partnering up for this years 2023 Legislative Session! They need youth participation where we will be advocating 'Medicaid for All' regardless of immigration status and economic status! Can we count on you?

Please contact ale@centrosavila.com for more information!
 
LEARN MORE

Please share these resources to the community! Centro Savila offers culturally appropriate and accessible mental health services. Our services are offered in English and Spanish and accessible to community members regardless of their ability to pay.
Please use this phone number 505-312-7296.

More info: http://www.centrosavila.org/
Follow Centro Savila on social media: https://www.instagram.com/centrosavila/
 
 
NM Substance Abuse and Addiction Resources

A group of medical professionals at Help.org held conversations with addiction experts across the US and found that the vast majority of people who need treatment for substance abuse disorders do not seek it. Though there are many barriers that discourage people from getting the help they need, cost is a significant factor. So we created a guide that provides comprehensive information on topics like, available care options, financial support, and free resources that are available in New Mexico.

This guide was created to help the many residents of New Mexico who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction to find affordable treatment that will put them on the path to recovery. It is also intended to inform the general public about the dangers of substance abuse in New Mexico.
 
You can learn more about our guide here: https://www.help.org/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-centers-in-new-mexico/
LEARN MORE
 
 

SWOP believes sustainability can only exist with grassroots leaders who will inevitability sustain much more than SWOP. SWOP’s work to sustain itself helps to build the economic power of our members, allies, and partners. Check out our fiscally sponsored groups and support by sharing the great work they are doing and donating via the links on our website or the directory below!

Pueblo Action Alliance
Tribal Entities Connect
Family+Indigenize+Thrive (F.I.T.)
The Transwoman Empowerment Initiative
Wildcat Blooms
Honor Native Land Tax
The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium
 
LEARN MORE
 
 

Check out our last membership newsletter HERE:

https://swop.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/mailing/view?id=1225&reset=1

Visit us online at SWOP.net!

SouthWest Organizing Project

211 10th St SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
United States

505-247-8832

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