Poder Latinx, a new member of Independent Sector, is dedicated to building a sustained progressive voting bloc of Latinx voters in states across the country, including Arizona, Florida, and Georgia. The national organization envisions a country where Latinx communities, immigrants, and people of color are mobilized to participate in the democratic process.
Yadira Sanchez
We talked with Yadira Sanchez, Executive Director of Poder Latinx, and 2021 American Express NGen Fellow. She is also the co-founder of the organization.
IS: How do you work toward Poder Latinx’s mission?
YS: We do this by leading an integrated voter engagement program where all aspects of voter engagement, issue-based campaigns, leadership development, voting reform and protection, and narrative change form a continuous cycle of political consciousness. Through our work, we empower and equip the Latinx community to become agents of change now.
IS: Tell us about your organization’s areas of interest, the communities you serve, and how your work helps to advance an equitable and healthy sector and nation where all people can thrive.
Photo courtesy of Poder Latinx
YS: Poder Latinx leads on three main issue areas pertinent to the Latinx community: environmental and climate justice, immigrant justice, and economic justice. As we understand it, the Latinx community has not yet unlocked its full potential of political power. Our democracy is under attack, and we are doing our part to fight stagnated voter enthusiasm and political polarization that leads to legislative inaction for the betterment of our community.
IS: What are your organization’s core programs that support the community you serve and help strengthen the nonprofit sector?
YS: Poder Latinx leads a voter-integrated engagement program where all aspects of voter engagement, issue-based campaigns, leadership development, voting reform and protection, and narrative change form a continuous cycle of political consciousness. We partner with local organizations to amplify the work we do and provide a fountain of resources to local community members. Our communications department focuses on traditional and digital outreach by developing bilingual narratives that educate and mobilize Latinxs on the issues, while sharing information on how to take action.
Photo courtesy of Poder Latinx
IS: Independent Sector brings together a diverse community of changemakers at nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs that are working to achieve a racially just and healthy sector and nation where all people in the U.S. thrive. What influenced your decision to become an Independent Sector member? How does your work align with Independent Sector’s mission and our member organizations?
YS: Independent Sector focuses on creating a coalition that works together to strengthen civil society and our democracy, a mission that is largely similar to Poder Latinx’s mission. Our focus on the Latinx community will help propel a key component of Independent Sector’s goal. Being an Independent Sector member, Poder Latinx will receive additional support necessary to educate and protect Latinx voters during the elections and beyond. Our on-the-ground programs make us trusted community members to register new voters and engage them in our organizing efforts and events. Poder Latinx has also become involved in voting rights cases, continuously ensuring that the right to vote is accessible.
IS: Independent Sector collaborates with individuals and the charitable community to create a racially just and healthy sector and nation. How does your work help to support or advance these objectives?
YS: Aside from year-round voter engagement and involvement in voting rights litigation, Poder Latinx takes action to keep local, state, and federal governments accountable to the needs of the Latinx community. Our organizers meet with elected officials to communicate the needs of community members as they share their stories and experiences, while advocating for legislation that would advance economic, environmental, and/or immigrant justice.
Learn about other Independent Sector members and becoming a member.
