Power Station

Get ready for a dynamic conversation! Becky Belcore, Co-Director, and Jung Woo Kim, Organizer, at National Korean American Service & Educational Consortium (NAKASEC) talk to Power Station about their holistic approach to serving, engaging and advocating for Asian-Americans, this country's fasting growing population. NAKASEC, based in Virginia, has robust affiliates in Chicago and Los Angeles. They help new immigrants and multi-generational AAPI families access vital services and have a say use on the economic, social and political issues that directly impact their lives and well-being. Becky brings deep experience in labor organizing to NAKASEC's model of community engagement. Jung Woo brings his first-hand experience as an undocumented young person to his organizing of others in a similar position, across the cultural divide. His own journey led to Journey 2 Justice, a 37 day bike ride from Seattle to San Diego, in support of Citizenship for All. Once you hear him. you will want to join their next campaign!

Terry Ao Minnis and Angela Manso joined me for a conversation about Census 2020 at Power Station. As you will hear, the stakes for the Census could not be higher. The Census determines the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives and the allocation of federal dollars to states. And it is an inventory of who lives in this country, vital information for building a just society. It is important and hopeful that these powerhouse nonprofits, are collaborating with other high-level stakeholders, including MALDEF, through a coalition led by the Leadership Conference of Human and Civil Rights. We talk about implementing a Census in a volatile political environment, the significance of the President's attempt to add a citizenship question to the form and the status of lawsuits regarding the Census. They are Census obsessed and we are the better for it.

Terry Ao Minnis and Angela Manso joined me for a conversation about Census 2020 at Power Station. As you will hear, the stakes for the Census could not be higher. The Census determines the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives and the allocation of federal dollars to states. So it is particularly important that their powerhouse nonprofit organizations, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and NALEO Education Fund, are engaging on this issue with other high-level stakeholders, including MALDEF, through a coalition led by the Leadership Conference of Human and Civil Rights. We talk about the implications for adding a question (untested) to the Census regarding citizenship, related lawsuits in Federal courts and the galvanizing of advocacy in local communities. 

The Congressional Black Caucus, known as the conscience of Congress, has been an unabashed advocate for communities of color since its founding in 1971. As executive director of the CBC, Fabrice Coles serves 48 members, including the Chairman, Cedric Richmond, Congressman from Louisiana's 2nd District. His work informs the CBC's on-the-record responses to the issues of the day, including the current Supreme Court nominations process, and the issuance of new and forward looking legislation. Witness the Jobs and Justice Act of 2018, which proposes reforms to and investment in criminal justice, community development, affordable housing and education. The Act reflects the CBC's commitment to working with prized external nonprofit partners, including the National Urban League. In addition to his legal and Capitol Hill expertise, Fabrice has the heart and soul of an organizer. He makes the case for nonprofits to use the power of their station, starting at the local District Office level, where visits have the potential to inform, engage and influence policy makers.

The Congressional Black Caucus, known as the conscience of Congress, has been an unabashed advocate for communities of color since its founding in 1971. As executive director of the CBC, Fabrice Coles serves 48 members, including the Chairman, Cedric Richmond, Congressman from Louisiana's 2nd District. His work guides the CBC's  on the record responses to the issues of the day, including the current Supreme Court nominations process, and the issuance of new and forward looking legislation. Witness the Jobs and Justice Act of 2018, which proposes reforms to and investment in criminal justice, community development, affordable housing and education. The Act reflects the CBC's commitment to working with prized external nonprofit partners, including the National Urban League. In addition to his legal and Capitol Hill expertise, Fabrice has the heart and soul of an organizer. He makes the case for nonprofits to use the power of their station, starting at the local District Office level, where visits have the potential to inform, engage and influence policy makers. How do you make a difference in troubling times? Listen to Fabrice and get involved.

When Carmen Huertas-Noble was a law student she expected a future in public interest law but she did not expect to excel in contracts. Now a tenured professor at the City University School of Law and Director of the Community and Economic Development Clinic, Carmen uses her business acumen to help workers, often in low-wage industries, to develop worker owned cooperatives. This growing movement to create and scale cooperatives, is supported by resources and pending legislation in New York City and State. Carmen collaborates with nonprofits, worker cooperatives, policymakers, organized labor, and community leaders to build an eco-system that is generating a new generation of coops. She honors workers and their advocates and is teaching her students to do so as well. The ability for low-income, workers of colors and immigrants to build an economic future for themselves and their families is especially meaningful in such a challenging political era.

When Carmen Huertas-Noble was a law student she expected a future in public interest law but she did not expect to excel in contracts. Now a tenured professor at the City University School of Law and Director of the Community and Economic Development Clinic, Carmen uses her business acumen to help workers, often in low-wage industries, to develop worker owned cooperatives. This growing movement to create and scale cooperatives, is supported by resources and pending legislation in New York City and State. Carmen collaborates with nonprofits, worker cooperatives, policymakers, organized labor, and community leaders to build an eco-system that is generating a new generation of coops. She honors workers and their advocates and is teaching her students to do so as well. The ability for low-income, workers of colors and immigrants to build an economic future for themselves and their families is especially meaningful in such a challenging political era. Learn how Carmen, Green Workers Coops, NYC Network of Workers Coops, Restaurant Opportunities Center and Home Care Associates of the Bronx are building the workforce of the future.

Ron Hantz is back! Our first Power Station guest returns with updates about the Network for Developing Conscious Communities, and the role of intentionality in community development planning and implementation. Ron reports on an NDCC Conference, held last May in Baltimore, that was rooted in the idea that community development requires not just bricks and mortar and access to capital. It requires the deep engagement of neighborhood people in change making. Ron talks about putting his theory of change into action. He is working with nonprofits in New Jersey, Alabama and Indiana, focusing on young leaders who are poised to lead change in their communities. They are building new eco-systems for change and scaling up. Ron believes that we can and should elevate the voices and view of local leaders making progressive change..

Ron Hantz is back! Our first Power Station guest returns with updates about the Network for Developing Conscious Communities, and the role of intentionality in community development. Ron reports back on an NDCC Conference, held last May in Baltimore, that was rooted in the idea that community development requires not just bricks and mortar and access to capital. It requires intentionality by nonprofits and their leaders. Why are particular investments being made? Have community members been engaged in identifying the changes they want to see? Do their plans reflect the values and vision of the neighborhood? As community development practitioners, are we open to the thinking of others and self-aware about our own challenges? Ron talks about his travels to New Jersey, Alabama and Indiana to meet with young leaders who are poised to lead change in their communities. They are building eco-systems and scaling up. Always positive, Ron believes that we can and should elevate our work in local communities.

Janis Bowdler's road to the JPMorgan Chase Foundation started with a personal realization. As a child, she saw that her neighborhood did not have the same resources as others and she was determined to change that paradigm. As Policy Director at National Council of La Raza, now UnidosUS, Janis worked with member organizations whose zip codes have been considered pre-determinants for a lack of access to quality housing, education and jobs. She brought those groups to meet with their elected leaders on Capital Hill where they explained the problems those families face, from foreclosure to unsound housing conditions. and the need for both resources and policy change. As Janis says, their advocacy potential was incredible. They had the data, the stories, the evidence in the thick of the crisis. Now, as President of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Janis applies her experience and deep knowledge about community economic development to global philanthropy. Janis is the right person, in the right seat.