Mission

People United for a Better Oakland (PUEBLO) is a multi-ethnic, multi-issue community-based organization that fights for social, economic and racial justice in Oakland. Its members, leaders and staff are people of different race, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation and income levels. By developing the political analysis, leadership, and organizing skills of members and allies, PUEBLO helps build power in Oakland communities and win institutional changes on the issues that affect residents' lives.

Issues

Toxics, Air pollution -- indoor & outdoor air quality, Urban Development, Brownfields redevelopment

Activities

Leadership development, Surveys, Networking, Direct Action

Programs/
Projects

PUEBLO began the Strategic Action for Environmental Health project (SAFE Health) as a model of developing community-based policies for environmental justice. While environmental toxins pose a threat to residents across the city, the problem is most acute along the I-880 corridor in East Oakland. PUEBLO believes that to address the environmental health threats faced by families in East Oakland, low income communities and communities of color must begin by tackling issues that directly confront their every day lives. SAFE Health approaches industrial polluters as an entry point to tackle larger issues in the East Oakland community such as public health, transportation access, health care, the learning environment in schools, community safety, and economic development. SAFE Health is currently working to identify environmental health issues in East Oakland by completing surveys in the neighborhood and mapping out environmental hazards using GIS mapping. It is also developing a partnership between East Oakland communities and the Alameda County Health Department to develop community-based environmental justice policies. Finally, it is developing the leadership and skills of residents of East Oakland to engage in the SAFE Health project through organizing, popular education, community-based policy development, trainings, and technology skills building around computer and GIS use.

Constitutency

People of color, Multi-racial, Multi-generational, Low income, Middle income

Geographical Focus

City

Staff

10

Volunteers

6-10

Membership Base

60 core members; 350-400 broad base; Charges dues

Publications

Monthly newsletter: PUEBLO

Annuual Budget

$100,000 - $500,000

Year Founded

1989