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VERM

Fair and free elections represent a crucial pillar of our democracy. As one of the world's leading democracies, the United States should work to keep voting free, fair, and accessible. As such, PODER is working to ensure that every eligible resident, regardless of race, identity or background, has an equal opportunity to participate in our democracy. 

 

PODER’s Voter Education Registration and Mobilization (VERM) Program has a long history of providing community voter education and engagement in Montopolis and East Austin. We believe our vote is our voice, and empower our communities to believe the same. PODER staff, volunteers, and partners become deputized to register voters, work the election polls, and serve as deputies and clerks. PODER’s Young Scholars for Justice have also been a part of this initiative - voting rights, education, and civic engagement are foundational to the youth program. The YSJ has hosted forums for election candidates, participated in door-to-door campaigning for civic engagement in their community, etc. VERM functions year-round via tabling at community events, hosting voter education workshops, in addition to hosting a Voter Registration Marathon, in which we strive to register as many last-minute voters as possible prior to a major election/voter registration deadline.

 

“PODER is committed to keeping our community empowered by their vote. “Tu voto es tu voz!”  says PODER executive director, Susana Almanza. 

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Recent Initiatives

About PODER

PODER (People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources) is a women led, people of color grassroots social justice organization formed in 1991 to increase the participation of residents of East Austin in decisions related to the economic development and environmental protection of our communities. Our mission is to redefine environmental issues as social and economic justice issues, and collectively set our own agenda to address these concerns as basic human rights.  We seek to empower our communities through education, advocacy and action.  

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