We are reimagining what work can look like in East San Jose and cultivating true wellbeing for workers, our families, and our communities. We organize and support the leadership of excluded workers, promotores, and worker-owned cooperatives to radically expand access to just, dignified, healthy, democratic, sustainable, and cooperative work.
The mission of SOMOS Fuertes is to bring civic-minded institutions closer to their stakeholders, with insight and knowledge on issues and trends, through the engagement of community members via trusted relationships with Promotores. We believe that when institutions and community come together to work on an equal playing field founded on deep respect, change can be monumental.
Our vision is to create a vibrant network of well-trained, highly-skilled Promotores across the South Bay that increase access to economic opportunity for the workers, and serves as a bridge between institutions and local people supporting the transformation of communities.
Promotores
SOMOS Promotores carry out community engagement, education, and organizing projects in East San Jose that advance community wellbeing and justice. These initiatives provide Promotores access to well-paid and dignified work where they apply their skills and experience and support partner institutions to respond to real neighborhood needs.
Economic Justice
TEJER, East San Jose’s excluded workers committee, trains and organizes community members to advocate for economic justice, including expanding investment in worker-owned cooperatives.
Professional Development
We offer radically inclusive and accessible professional development for workers who are often excluded from these spaces. These opportunities include workshops, tools, learning exchanges, accompaniment, referrals, and other forms of support.
Co-Op Hub
Together with Latino Business Foundation, Excite Credit Union, and other partners, we’re building a Co-op Hub at Quetzal Gardens where excluded workers receive support to start and sustain co-ops that benefit our communities. We offer technical assistance, financial services, leadership development, and opportunities for co-ops to connect and organize with each other.
How does SOMOS Fuertes work?
Fuertes is a program of SOMOS Mayfair, providing clients with coaching, consulting and placement of Promotores (peer educators) for community engagement to improve organizational capacity.
The program utilizes a mix of leadership development tools and hands-on training to both the workers and clients. Those hired through the Network are provided professional development opportunities.
Fuertes places well-trained, highly-skilled, certified community workers/peer educators in community projects.
Promoters in the network are paid at a living wage-level ($20+/hour)
