For many of us, responding to injustice has been part of our lives since we were young adults. Standing up for civil rights, gender equality, immigration reform, or economic justice have defined our political positions and shaped our sense of purpose in the world. Joining together with others to raise our voices reveals the exhilarating power of democracy and the promise of collective action. At San Francisco Village we believe in the transformative power of community to shape our perspectives, guide our choices and inspire us to action.
Last Friday, SFV staff and members answered the call of striking students and took action for climate justice, marching in the streets to support this brave, youth-led movement. In preparation for the strike, members educated themselves in a six-part series focused on the urgency of the climate crisis and organizations they can work with year-round, like 1000 Grandmothers.
In response to the refugee crisis at the border this summer, SFV members filled dozens of backpacks with blankets, toiletries, snacks and toys as a gesture of support and kindness to ease their transition. Our message: you’re not alone.
Next month, we’ll have a conversation about the bigger picture of refugee resettlement with the Director of the Northern California International Rescue Committee (IRC), including how members can get more involved in IRC efforts.
It turns out that contributing to the greater good is not a selfless act; it’s a way of taking care of ourselves too. Research tells us that people who see themselves as useful and purposeful will live longer, in better functional health, enjoying higher levels of self-esteem and satisfaction.
“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.” ~ Herman Melville
—
For information on how to get involved with San Francisco Village as a member or volunteer, email info@sfvillage.org or call (415) 387-1375 x 2.
Sara joined the team in 2018. She brings with her 20 years of experience in community development, philanthropy, and organizational management. She completed her bachelors at George Washington University and her masters at UC Berkeley. Her career focus has been on evaluating how community groups run from year-to-year and strengthening daily processes to increase institutional success. Sara loves travel and global development issues, particularly a non-profit she founded 10 years ago focusing on students’ access to school in Cambodia. Sara is raising her family here in San Francisco.
Maya is a public relations and communications professional with more than a decade of experience; her expertise includes consumer products and technology PR, as well as event management and content development. She has been a pro-bono consultant with the Taproot Foundation since 2012, and has participated in three service grants to date. Maya attended the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with a BA in mass communications and a minor in political science.