Like other SURJ chapters, we are steadily building relationships with local organizations led by BIPOC community members in our shared work for collective liberation. Part of that building is making sure that while we are calling white people into antiracism work, we are not profiting from the oppression of people of color; but instead we are actively moving resources into communities of color. To that end, we invite you to donate directly to any of the below groups. By supporting them, you are supporting SURJ’s work locally.
Amah Mutsun-Families-Covid 19 Relief Fund
The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is not a federally recognized tribe, and therefore receives no medical, educational, social services or elder care assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Many of the approximately 800 tribal members live paycheck to paycheck and do not have health insurance.
The funds raised to assist Amah Mutsun Tribal Band members during the COVID-19 crisis will be used for personal protective equipment (PPE), food, elder care, medical supplies and transportation, school-related supplies/technology for distance learning, rent assistance for those most in need.
To learn more about the tribe, please visit their website at amahmutsun.org
Black Surf Club empowers our Black community to reclaim their space in the ocean through surfing, spiritual wellness, water safety, and community. Join us as we work to make Santa Cruz County a more inclusive place for all.
Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan
In April 2020, a group of south county activists and children of farmworkers joined together to recognize farmworkers as the essential workers they are. Around 80% of farmworkers in our county are undocumented, and Covid-19 has hit farmworkers and their families disproportionately hard. The Watsonville Campesino Appreciation Caravan has brought direct aid and important health and legal information to farmworkers and their families. The group is 100% volunteer and 100% of funds raised go to farmworkers.
Watch this TED talk with Flavio Carnejo (under 7 minutes) talking about the damage and pain farmworkers experience from day after day working in the fields.
Showing Up for Racial Justice-Santa Cruz County, CA 