Advocacy
Since 1973
Fighting for justice from the Mission.
Born from the civil rights movement when Chicana/o students founded this office. We still work here to protect the rights of our community and to back grassroots civic power.
How we advocate
Born from the civil rights movement when Chicana/o students founded this office in the Mission — a place where art, culture, and activism forged social change. We are still here, addressing the issues that threaten neighbors and backing grassroots civic power.
We center the people most impacted. We believe they hold the best solutions. The work is intersectional. We do not tolerate gender violence, racism, homophobia, hate speech, anti-immigrant attacks, or other harmful conduct.
Black Lives Matter. Indigenization and rematriation. No one is illegal on stolen lands. Women’s rights are human rights. We are all differently abled. LGBTQTS+ relatives are sacred.
Four fronts
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Immigrants’ rights
Affirmative Immigration and Removal Defense sit at the front line — benefits before USCIS, humanitarian relief, and deportation defense for detained and non-detained people with ties to this community. Eligibility depends on the program.
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Workers’ rights
For decades we have stood with Spanish-speaking and low-wage workers — domestic workers, day laborers, and migrant workers facing exploitation, including labor trafficking.
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Elders and people with disabilities
Counsel and representation on Social Security benefits, accommodations in immigration matters, and advocacy to protect critical benefits and rights.
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Civic engagement
We belong to Mission District and Bay Area coalitions including the Latino Parity and Equity Coalition, Latino Task Force, Plaza 16, SFIELN, and SFILDC.
Campaigns & tools
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Bay Area Habeas Network
Rapid habeas petitions for unlawful ICE arrests.
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Immigration reform platform
Legalization, due process, family reunification.
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Workers’ Ten Commandments
Know-your-rights for every worker, papers or not.
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News
Court coverage and community reporting.