“It is an incredible experience working with other people who are worried about what is happening in our communities. By sharing our life experiences we begin to find solutions. I have discovered that we, as women, can learn from each other and become proud of ourselves.”
– Luisa Chavarin, Somos Mayfair Promotora
Civic Action
To address the root causes of our struggles, we organize residents to take collective action towards longer-term solutions. Mayfair residents have:
- Successfully pushed for the construction of affordable housing units at Tierra Encantada.
- Participated in immigrant rights marches [link to Cesar Chavez march slide show], in the Silicon Valley Alliance for Immigration Reform, and in the state-wide Mobilize the Immigrant Vote campaign.
- Advocated for City of San José investment in a new Mayfair Community Center with adult classroom and childcare space and exercise and nutrition classes for the entire family.
In 2007, we organized a participatory action research team of community residents on the topic of health to help residents better understand the root causes of obesity and diabetes in the Latino community, and mount an action campaign to make a healthier Mayfair. Specifically, the mothers are organizing for new health and wellness policies to be adopted at the new Mayfair Community Center that will reopen in December 2008.
In addition to the health campaign, Mayfair Votes! will be launching a voter registration blitz in the fall 2008. We will also campaign to increase the traditionally low voter turn out in our neighborhood. We realize that although some of us are unable to vote, we still have the power to influence the outcome of elections as parents, workers, students and residents of San José.
Ultimately, the work of Somos Mayfair is to create the conditions in which residents can be full participants in community and society.
