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6 ORGS · 27 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
approach

Power-Building Through Lived Experience

By centering the leadership and narratives of individuals with lived experience in marginalized communities, we produce systemic change, because authentic representation builds trust, shifts public narratives, and creates politically viable pathways for structural reform. This strategy unites diverse organizations around a shared theory that political and social transformation is most effectively achieved by elevating those most impacted by injustice into visible leadership roles. It goes beyond service delivery or awareness-raising by actively developing leaders from within communities—renters, immigrants, low-income individuals—and equipping them to influence policy, run for office, and reshape dominant narratives through storytelling, organizing, and electoral engagement. What distinguishes this approach from broader civic engagement models is its explicit grounding in identity, trauma-informed analysis, and the belief that solutions led by affected communities are more legitimate,

6
orgs running it
27
activities of those orgs
12
activity groups touched
who runs it

Organizations running this strategy · 6

what it looks like in practice

Activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above — what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Advocating for affordable housing and renter empowerment RIGHT TO THE CITY ACTION FUND
    advocacy
    Advances policy goals to combat market-driven displacement and promote permanently affordable, non-market housing through organizing and empowering renter communities.
  • Conducting voter research on housing affordability RIGHT TO THE CITY ACTION FUND
    research
    Conducted polling of registered voters across 5 battleground states to study the impact of housing affordability on political preferences, informing strategic advocacy and messaging.
  • Training organizations in electoral organizing RIGHT TO THE CITY ACTION FUND
    capacity building
    Provides training and engagement in electoral organizing theory and strategy to partner organizations, building capacity for political and civic participation.
  • Advocacy against anti-Asian hate and for community interests NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    advocacy
    Organizes and participates in protests and demonstrations against anti-Asian hate and takes public positions on local issues, such as opposing the proposed establishment of a homeless shelter in Flushing Chinatown, to advocate for community safety and interests.
  • Co-organizing national summits and cultural institution events NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    capacity building
    Co-organizes major events such as the National Chinese American Cooperation Summit and the opening ceremony of the American Chinese Museum to promote cross-community collaboration and cultural preservation.
  • Community fundraising initiatives NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    direct service
    Organizes fundraising efforts to support community causes, such as collecting $3,300 for a police officer diagnosed with lupus.
  • Community support services for Northeastern Chinese immigrants NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    direct service
    Provides support services related to life, work, entrepreneurship, and business for individuals from northeastern China in the New York area, including information exchange, career development, advisory services, and member-benefiting activities.
  • Facilitating educational and social gatherings NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    direct service
    Organizes community activities including educational lectures, museum visits, social outings, and family events such as barbecues to promote mutual support, engagement, and well-being among community members.
  • Organizing cultural celebrations and public events NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    direct service
    Hosts annual cultural events such as Lunar New Year banquets, Spring Festival galas, and cultural festivals, and participates in parades and commemorations including the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Parade and China Day events, to promote Northeast Chinese culture and strengthen community ties.
  • Political engagement and candidate support NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    advocacy
    Provides public support for political figures such as Congresswoman Michelle Meng and participates in events related to U.S.-China friendship and national commemorations.
  • Public education on legal and immigration rights NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    direct service
    Hosts public forums and educational events, such as at Flushing Library, to inform community members about new immigration policies, legal rights, and interactions with law enforcement.
  • Staging large-scale cultural performances NEW YORK CHINESE NORTHEAST ASSOCIATION INC
    direct service
    Produces and launches large-scale cultural performances such as "Ode to Peace" and yangge performances in public parades to commemorate historical events and showcase Northeast Chinese cultural heritage to broad audiences.
  • Advocacy and coalition-building for inclusive policies NEW AMERICAN LEADERS INC
    advocacy
    Builds partnerships and coalitions among New American elected officials to advance inclusive policies. Conducts strategic communications to shift public narratives on immigrant leadership through media engagement and amplification of success stories.
  • Leadership training for New American political candidates NEW AMERICAN LEADERS INC
    capacity building
    Provides comprehensive training programs for New Americans aspiring to run for public office, including pre-training virtual sessions, a three-day in-person intensive, campaign simulations, and post-training support. Programs include Ready to Lead®, Ready to Win, and Rising to Run, designed to build skills in messaging, fundraising, heritage integration, and campaign planning.
  • Research on New American political representation and civic engagement NEW AMERICAN LEADERS INC
    research
    Conducts and co-publishes research on barriers to political participation, messaging effectiveness, and underrepresentation of immigrant communities. Produces fact sheets and studies on topics such as Latina political representation and civic engagement among New American mothers.
  • Shadow Day and civic immersion programs NEW AMERICAN LEADERS INC
    capacity building
    Hosts immersive experiences such as Shadow Day and the Power & Policy Summit, providing alumni and community advocates with direct exposure to government operations, legislative processes, and policy implementation through site visits, panel discussions, and relationship-building opportunities.
  • Specialized leadership development for New American women NEW AMERICAN LEADERS INC
    capacity building
    Provides targeted training and support for immigrant and refugee women pursuing civic leadership, including the Rising to Run program for women of color who previously ran for office and lost, and tailored coaching to overcome systemic barriers.
  • Support network for elected and appointed New American officials NEW AMERICAN LEADERS INC
    capacity building
    Operates the Elected and Appointed Officials Network to provide ongoing peer support, training, and resources for New Americans in government. Offers immersive site visits, one-on-one coaching, and strategic assistance to help officials implement policy changes and govern effectively.