2% For El Puente
Inspiring and nurturing leadership in Brooklyn and Puerto Rico for peace and justice.
As part of our ongoing commitment to community, Loisa donates 2% of online sales each month to a community organization. This month, we are supporting El Puente, a youth-centered human rights organization working to inspire and nurture leadership in Brooklyn and Puerto Rico for peace and equity.
El Puente, a cornerstone of community development in Brooklyn and Puerto Rico, has championed youth organizing, activism, and grassroots action for over 40 years. Their mission is to inspire and nurture leaders committed to peace and equity. The youth-centered human rights organization uses a holistic leadership and membership program model to create community-led movements.
Programs and Initiatives
El Puente’s multifaceted programs include:
- Youth Development and Leadership: El Puente's youth programs focus on developing leadership skills through arts education, mentoring, and community engagement. They offer pre-professional arts training in various disciplines including dance, music, theater, and visual arts, alongside leadership training that encourages civic responsibility and community activism.
- Environmental Justice: This initiative addresses environmental inequities in marginalized communities. El Puente's environmental justice programs involve advocacy, education, and direct action to promote clean air, water, and green spaces. They work on projects that aim to improve public health and environmental sustainability in Brooklyn and beyond.
- Civic Engagement: El Puente empowers community members to actively participate in local governance and policy-making processes. Through workshops, forums, and campaigns, they provide tools and knowledge necessary for effective civic participation. This includes voter registration drives, advocacy training, and mobilizing residents to address community issues.
- Public Safety: Focusing on holistic approaches to community safety, El Puente’s public safety programs aim to build trust and cooperation between residents and law enforcement. They facilitate dialogues, workshops, and initiatives designed to reduce violence and promote peace and justice within communities.
- Arts and Cultural Organizing: El Puente leverages the transformative power of arts to foster social change. Their arts and cultural organizing programs include community art projects, cultural events, and educational programs that highlight the role of art in activism. By engaging youth in creative expression, they help cultivate a sense of identity and purpose aligned with social justice goals.
El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice
The El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, founded in 1992, is a pioneering institution dedicated to integrating human rights and social justice into education. This public high school offers a unique curriculum that blends rigorous academics with community engagement and social activism.
Curriculum and Programs:
- Human Rights Focus: Courses and projects emphasize global citizenship, human rights, and social justice.
- Arts Integration: Students engage in various art forms, including visual arts, dance, and theater, as tools for expression and activism.
- Community Projects: Students participate in community service and local initiatives, fostering a strong sense of civic responsibility.
The Academy has cultivated numerous young leaders who actively contribute to their communities and advocate for social change. Graduates often continue their education and careers in fields related to social justice, public service, and the arts.
Green Light District Initiative
The Green Light District (GLD) initiative, launched by El Puente in 2011, is a 10-year project aimed at transforming the Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, into a model of community sustainability and health.
Goals and Objectives:
- Environmental Sustainability: Improving air quality, increasing green spaces, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
- Public Health: Enhancing healthcare access and promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Cultural Vibrancy: Celebrating local culture through arts and cultural programming.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging resident participation in shaping the community’s future.
El Puente invites community members to join their mission through various volunteer opportunities, donations, and participation in their programs, whether you’re based in NYC, Puerto Rico, or anywhere in the world!
Learn More:
Get more information about El Puente’s initiatives and programs here.
Connect:
Stay up-to-date on El Puente by following them on Instagram here.
Donate:
Make a donation to El Puente here.
