By Nicole Hsiang
Yesterday morning, Agape Foundation Board of Trustee Members Winnie Chu and Gwyn Kirk hosted a houseparty fundraiser to benefit our work that supports grassroots social change. On this lovely morning, we enjoyed a delicious brunch, made new connections, and learned about what can be accomplished by small groups of people who are committed to seeking justice.
Gala King from two-time Agape Grantee Filipino American Solidarity for Environmental Solutions (FACES), shared her work that mobilizes the Filipino American community to fight against environmental injustice both locally and abroad, particularly in holding Chevron corporation responsible for the harmful pollution they have caused in two communities where they currently have have oil plants- Richmond, CA and Pandacan, Philippines. Her talk sparked a lively conversation about the negative impact the oil industry has had on poor communities all over the world, and what we can do to stop it. Executive Director Karen Topakian raised the ironic fact that despite Chevron’s unjust practices, the corporation is repeatedly recognized for it’s philanthropic giving, and just recently recieved an award for its service to community from the United Way. Even though Chevron can afford to give away millions of dollars away to the community, that doesn’t excuse them from the harm they’ve caused for millions of people around the world.
Gala King, FACES
Alysabeth Alexander of La Voz Latina de la Ciudad Central, a grantee from the Spring of 2007, talked about her work with Latina immigrant families standing up for their rights. La Voz emerged out of a growing community need for more resources for Spanish speaking families in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. Thanks to a grant from Agape, La Voz was able to train dozens of community leaders in the Tenderloin in knowing immigrant rights and how to respond to an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raid. ICE raids are currently happening at an increasing frequency to Latino and Asian immigrants, including youth. The raids are tearing families apart and inducing trauma and fear in the community. Thanks to the wonders of cell phone technology, La Voz has effectively mobilized a network of community leaders to immediately respond to ICE raids when they are happening.
Alysabeth Alexander, La Voz Latina de la Ciudad Central
Even though both FACES and La Voz are majority volunteer-ran and operating on shoe-string budgets, their work is changing the world in a huge way. This is exactly why the Agape Foundation exists.
After hearing Gala and Alysabeth talk about their work, everyone at the party was inspired to give to the movement for social justice. Together, we raised $1050! That money will go a long way in the hands of dedicated grassroots organizers.
This is why I love being a fundraiser- because it reminds me that ordinary people DO have the power to change the world when we come together and unite for a common purpose. As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”