Dear John,
I wasn’t born here, but as a newcomer, belonging meant everything. It always has. I moved around a lot as a child and with every place, new school, and new neighborhood, I was eager to belong. For me, learning about democracy was as much about how our government works as it was about that sense of belonging.
Over time, I came to understand how the promise of this country — a government of the people, for the people, and by the people — can not be fulfilled until and unless everyone has a seat at the table. As people made space for me, I made space for others. Making space for everyone has been my lifelong passion, and it is the reason why I co-founded Alliance San Diego fifteen years ago.
Alliance San Diego is building collective power to create an inclusive democracy. We do this work by developing leaders, engaging the community, advocating for policies, and protecting human rights to make systemic change and shape a future that belongs to all of us. Our vision is of a democracy where everyone belongs, everyone has a seat at the table, and everyone can achieve their full potential. This is possible, right?!
I know this is possible because of the dedicated staff working with me at Alliance San Diego … Asma, Chris, Erika, Erin, Eryn, Farah, Hector, Jayne, Jenny, J’nyka, Karen, Kendall, Kyle, Michelle, Miesha, Patricia, Rosa, Tara, Ted, Tomás, and Vicki. Working alongside community members like you and with the support of a committed board of directors, we have hit the ground running this year and we are making an impact where it matters most.
In 2022, we are focused on Voting & Governance, so all of us can shape our future and prepare to lead with values of inclusion; Equity & Access, so all of us are treated fairly and have access to the resources we need to thrive; and Safety & Justice, so all of us are safe and law enforcement is held accountable.
You, me, and we are Alliance San Diego and together we’re moving forward in 2022 with vision, grace and purpose for building collective power to create an inclusive democracy.
In solidarity,
