PODER functions within the environmental justice sector, advocating for equitable and sustainable solutions to ecological problems in low-income communities of color in the San Francisco Mission District.
PODER collaborates with other community-based organizations and other parties that can advance its goals. Their list of collaborative organizations includes and is not limited to; the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water, the Bayview Hunters Point Mothers and Fathers Committee, and the San Francisco Rising Alliance.
Changes in government policies and regulations can impact the organization's ability to achieve its goals, requiring innovative and creative solutions to continue developing new opportunities for organizing and advocacy. Shifting public opinion and media coverage can also affect how the public and policymakers perceive the organization.
Given the nature of PODER's work, environmental racism, injustice, and compounding effects of intersectionality are challenges present within this organization and relate to their modes of advocacy. Keeping the community engaged and participating in efforts is challenging because stakeholders often require volunteer time and effort to participate in different activities and advocacy efforts. This in itself is an issue all organizations can struggle with.
Among the organizations I have looked at thus far, PODER offers programming and mentorship opportunities specifically to mobilize the youth; this is not something they claim to be as unique and singular to their organization, but when compared to the others, this proactive attempt to drive interest and importance of environmental issues to youth is a great strategy to implement for future ecological justice activists, advocates, and champions.
PODER works closely with community members and partner organizations to research and share data relating to environmental justice issues. They rely on peer-reviewed research and data from reputable sources to ensure the information they have and circulate is relevant and accurate. The organization also is proactive in being transparent and accountability measures to invite feedback from community members and stakeholders.
At PODER’s heart, their work is centralized around community organizing, advocacy, policy work, and Environmental justice campaigns. They also lean into the collective power of Youth Leadership Development and provide training and mentorship for young people to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become environmental and social justice advocates.
PODER has office space in San Francisco’s Mission District, where staff members and volunteers work. The organization uses its website and social media to keep its supporters and community members updated on programming and activities.
Their website details and circulates various Resources and Media helpful in sharing and managing their programs and activities. They are also useable to track data and measure impact following the publicized success.
PODER is funded through grants, foundations, and generous donations from philanthropic donors. Some foundations that have financed PODER include Building Equity and Alignment for Environmental Justice Fund, YO! California–Youth Organize California, City, and County of San Francisco, Department of Children Youth & Their Families – Youth Empowerment Fund, Libra Foundation, among others.
PODER is a community-based organization that a Board of Directors governs made up of community members, staff, and volunteers. Among the team, there is a suite of Coordinators and Organizers who work on specific campaigns and distinct areas to further the mission of PODER.