Groundwork Project piloted the Keep Paying Your Organizer Fund (KPYO) late last year and now the spotlight is on the outstanding organizers we’re supporting as they continue their important year-round work — come check them out!

Quick reminder… when you support Groundwork Project you are investing in the organizing infrastructure that will change the election-centric approach to political and community engagement. We all know these boom and bust cycles hold us back from long term, sustainable progress; that’s why we have to keep doing the work no matter what time of year it is or who is on the ballot. Donate today and help us expand the KPYO in 2023: [link removed]

SUPPORT OUR WORK: [link removed]

Now, meet two more of our KPYO recipients and be sure to check out their entire interview on Groundwork’s Instagram!

Thanks,

Matt

–
Matt Kearney (he/him)
Massachusetts Organizing Director
Groundwork Project


[link removed]
Isabel Lopez | she/her
Essex County Community Organization
How and where did you get your start in organizing?
I come from a very politically active family back home, grew up knocking doors and mobilizing people to come out to vote in our little town in Honduras. Then, my experience coming to the U.S. being detained for more than three months impacted my life greatly. Being released to be economically exploited to work in the mansions of Beverly Hills changed the way I see my life in this country. Most of my life I have seen the way our work is exploited for cheap labor and how racism impacts our communities and my work is to continue to fight along with those most impacted by immigration, exploitation and racism. The injustices that many workers and immigrant families confront every day is what keeps me involved and organizing for the change needed.

Why is the most important advice you would give to young organizers, based on your experience?
I would share my experience that organizing is not easy, it is a lifestyle commitment that would bring you to experience life in many ways and aspects of humanity. You can enjoy organizing when you build an open mind to humanity with different versions of yourself.

⚡Isabel’s Lightning Round⚡
Your ultimate hero: My grandfather gave his life while organizing against injustices towards our indigenous communities in Honduras. He will always be my hero to remember.
Favorite podcast or book at the moment: How to be an antiracist by Ibram X. Kendy
Song you’re playing on repeat: Give thanks with a grateful heart
Your hopes and dreams for 2023: To build sustainable systems and economic development opportunities for our most economically impacted communities of color.

[link removed]
Danielle St. Pierre | (they/them)
Coalition for Social Justice Education Fund

Why did you want to join the Keep Paying Your Organizer program? What are you most excited about?
I wanted to join this program because I believe that organizing should happen more than during the election season. I wanted our communities to know that their voices matter all the time. We should always be lifting up the voices in the communities that we live and work in. I am excited to continue to engage in my community and show that their voices always matter. I am excited to build partnerships among the other organizers and collaborate on future projects.

What is your proudest organizing moment?
I could say my proudest achievement as an organizer is writing a bill that is now a law in Massachusetts and creating my own nonprofit at an early age to combat sexual violence, but in reality it’s not, it was the journey to get there. I helped create a movement of students who changed college campuses forever. I saw these students transition from “how can we create change and no one will listen to I can have an impact in my community for the better.” There was nothing more powerful than young folks going from talking about it to take steps towards it. Not only did I find my voice but I saw thousands of students in Massachusetts also find theirs. Students found that change was a tangible goal that they could achieve.

⚡Danielle’s Lightning Round ⚡
Your ultimate hero: my grandma & sisters

The self-care practice you can’t live without: painting my nails and gym!

Favorite podcast or book at the moment: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Song you’re playing on repeat: Marry You by Bruno Mars

Your hopes and dreams for 2023: To continue to build strong relationships in my community, to make more resources accessible in my community and to see the world become more accepting of others.

Founded by Joe Kennedy III, Groundwork Project invests in year-round, local community organizing in places Democrats have gotten used to writing off. With a focus on Appalachia, the Deep South, and the Plains, we support local advocates and activists working to build durable political infrastructure and secure power for those historically excluded.

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Groundwork Project
124 Washington Street, Suite 101
Foxboro, MA 02035
United States