Our Mission
ELLA Adelante is a Chicana/Latina-led movement, organizing with our communities to build political power, dismantle and transform systems, demand accountability, and ensure our voices lead in decisions about housing, jobs, education, and environmental justice.
Our Vision
A future where Chicana/Latina political power reshapes systems, holds institutions accountable, and drives radical or transformative change, building communities where our people lead at every level.
Values & Guiding Principles
- Healer and Warrior: The dual role Latinas have in their families and community as both a healer and a warrior is the foundation of ELLA Adelante, recognizing that as natural leaders, we hold genuine concern for and act towards optimal health and well-being for ourselves, our loved ones and the environment around us.
- Justice: Justice is the goal in everything ELLA Adelante does. Advocating that Latinas be recognized for their capacity and contributions and be justly rewarded by tangible and equitable success. Within the larger community, we believe that fairness and access are fundamental to the principle of justice.
- Self- Determination: ELLA Adelante believes in the right of self-determination for all women, to be free to live as she chooses. We have a greater purpose than any one specific role. We help Latinas to realize that right to live their purpose with thoughtful intention, creating and shaping their present and future according to their own goals and expectations.
- Leadership: ELLA Adelante thoughtfully sets its direction. With our core values, we prioritize where we see the most need in Latina/Chicana advocacy and education. We take the reins to do what’s right for and with our hermanas, being fearless change agents. We don’t sit on the sidelines; we actively engage in problem-solving.
- Authenticity: ELLA Adelante is uninhibited and acts with integrity, sincerity and faith. We encourage Latinas to be true to who they are and take pride in our culture, while understanding that their uniqueness is what makes them powerful. We are beautifully who we are, unapologetically.
- Aggressive Action: ELLA Adelante walks the talk. Taking action means the willingness to take calculated risks. Time is too fleeting to be weighed down by fear. We find our strength in numbers and knowledge, and we act quickly to create the changes needed to see improvements in our lives and community.
- Visibility: ELLA Adelante puts Latinas/Chicanas front and center. Latinas/Chicanas and their contributions have lived in the shadows for far too long, with little recognition. We have countless talented, intelligent and trailblazing compañeras. We are dedicated to saying their names, celebrating and profiling them for others to learn from.
- Collaboration: ELLA Adelante works with many allies because we are stronger together. We recognize the full worth of our partnerships and our shared values. We welcome the opportunity to listen to partner expertise and solutions while leveraging each other’s power and reach.
Organizational Goals:
- Power-Based Community Organizing
Mobilizing Chican@/Latin@ communities through year-round organizing that strengthens our political voice and demands solutions that reflect our lived experiences. We work to ensure residents not only participate but drive political change at every level.
- Civic Power & Political Strategy
Building political education and leadership pipelines that empower our people to vote, run for office, craft policy, and hold elected officials accountable. We transform civic knowledge into direct political action for long-term systemic change.
- Environmental Liberation
Organizing to end environmental racism by confronting harmful industries, pushing for policy change, and electing leaders committed to environmental justice and healing around our public health. We fight for clean air, water, and land as a political right, not a privilege.
- Youth Political Leadership
Developing young leaders through the Tomorrow Team, as organizers, advocates, and future elected through mentorship, political education, and direct action. We equip youth with tools to challenge injustice and lead movements within and beyond their communities.
- Education Justice as a Political Demand
Fighting for transformative education policies that reflect the brilliance and needs of Latin@ students. We challenge school boards and education systems to be accountable to families and invest in our youth’s full potential.
- Workforce Justice & Economic Power
Advocating for policies and elected leadership that create dignified, union-supported jobs and equitable economic pathways. We work to fortify and diversify the workforce, so it reflects and uplifts Latin@ communities, ensuring all workers earn livable wages, access to healthcare benefits, and career mobility, and are treated with dignity.
