What happens when five organizations choose interdependence over hyper-individualism? A radical reimagining of nonprofit work and community care.
I was inspired by an Instagram post from Erin Spahr from @feminist.mom.therapist. She talked about how we live in a culture that celebrates "doing it alone" - that equates needing help with failure and success with independence. In this episode, I introduce a three-part series exploring hyper-individualism vs. community interdependence through the lens of the Sí Se Puede Collective.
I talk with five East San Jose executive directors about how they rejected the nonprofit competitive model and chose to work together instead. Their collective approach proves that interdependence isn't weakness; it's strategy. It's power. We explore the history of the Mayfair neighborhood - from Sal Sí Puedes ("Get Out If You Can") to Sí Se Puede ("Yes We Can") - and how these leaders are building something radically different: a model of community care rooted in interdependence.
Si Se Puede Collective
Individual Organizations:
- Amigos de Guadalupe - Housing support, immigration legal services, education programs, and community organizing (Maritza Maldonado)
- Grail Family Services - Early childhood education, parent support, workforce development, and family engagement (Veronica Goei)
- School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza - Arts education, cultural programming, and development of San Jose's first cultural district (La Avenida) to prevent displacement (Jessica Paz-Cedillos)
- Somos Mayfair - Community organizing, leadership development, and resident-led solutions for youth success and family wellness (Victor Vasquez and Saúl Ramos )
- Veggielution - Community farm, food security programs, and food system advocacy for sustainable and equitable food access (Shawn Gerth)
WHAT I'M LEARNING
- CalFresh registration is at a 10-year high
- Second Harvest Food Bank serves 1 in 6 Santa Clara County residents
- In East San Jose specifically, some districts have among the highest food insecurity rates in the county, with more than 25% of residents in certain neighborhoods struggling to afford adequate nutrition
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Nourishing Neighbors Food Drive - Happening this weekend and through the holiday season at Safeway locations. Donate $10 at checkout. $10 buys a full bag of groceries when we partner with food banks and grocery stores.
TAKE ACTION
- Support the Nourishing Neighbors Food Drive - Visit Safeway and add $10 at checkout
- Practice Interdependence - Identify one area where you typically go it alone and ask for help instead. Notice what shifts.
- Learn More About Sí Se Puede Collective - Visit their websites to discover ways to engage: attend cultural events at Mexican Heritage Plaza, join Veggielution's work days, or support holiday giving with Amigos
