How To Get Involved

Some of the most frequent questions I'm asked by my social media community is, "How do I get active in social justice?" and "How do I get politically involved here in San Antonio?"

My advice is usually pretty brief:

• Pick a cause you care deeply about and learn as much about it as you can.

My "activism" began at a very young age, sometime in elementary school, when I was appointed as a friend to kids with special needs.  I later embraced work for marriage equality, Darfur, and against George W. Bush's administration. As an adult, I was again sparked by Ferguson and the extraducial killings of Black and Indigenous people by police and the judicial system. It became a catalyst to a journey of self-discovery and community discovery unlike anything I could've imagined. The world needs a lot of fixing by good people with good intentions. Find something(s) that speak to your servant heart!

• Find local organizations that may be already doing this work and volunteer your time or donate $$$ (They likely will be extremely happy to have your time or your $!)

When I saw Dr. Marc Lamont Hill speak a few years ago, he mentioned how people create new, unnecessary organizations when our efforts could be put to much better and more efficient use within existing ones. (This is also to say - if there isn't an organization that doesn't reflect your goals or beliefs, then consider creating something of your own.) There are local organizations who have been around for decades and are woven into the city's history for liberation. Esperanza Peace and Justice Center is an iconic San Anto organization responsible for many victories related to social justice causes. The Martinez Street Women's Center has been empowering women and girls for 13 years. Texas Organizing Project is a powerhouse ran by amazing organizers, and was instrumental in ensuring the passing of the Paid Sick Time ordinance here in SA. There are so many more worthy of mentioning so please check out my Resources to #Resist info page for more organizations and action items you may be interested in.

• Research your political candidates, find out you most align with, sign up to block-walk, phone bank, or volunteer with!

Votesmart.org is a great resource to research who your political representatives and candidates are and what they've voted or voiced for/against. (I learned a lot more I don't like about Ted Cruz this way!) Candidates' websites almost always have donation buttons and places to input your contact information.  

• Research what's on an upcoming ballot and vote with confidence  

​Ballotpedia can help you find a plethora of information based on your address! They also have easy-to-access resources about upcoming elections so you can be an informed voter who helps others be informed as well. 

Other #ProTips

• ​​​A shameless plug: follow and like my FB page, Maestranza - I regularly share community events/protests, job availability postings from organizations, and fundraising information for various causes.
• Follow other organization/cause and activist pages on social media to see upcoming happenings or calls for volunteers. Following your elected officials is also a good move (just don't read the comments whenever they post, trust me).
• When attending events, introduce yourself to others that are there in solidarity with you. I met so many people this way who have become cherished community,  a great support system, and friends in la lucha. 
• Going forward, follow national and international causes and organizations as well. When anyone suffers, we all suffer. I've learned a lot about various things, but especially about gentrification and police abuse from activists I connected with online from across the world. Liberation work requires we work together, not in competition, and it's always good to learn from people who have lived through similar experiences.


• If you are not from or near San Anto, these tips can probably be applied where ever you are.  Spend an afternoon researching and you're bound to find somewhere to connect into.
  
  I can't wait to see you out there or online! 

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