POWER was founded in 1999 to address the systemic economic and social injustices facing low-income people in Westside Los Angeles (Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Culver City and Marina del Rey). In 2010 POWER became a citywide organization, forming chapters in Pacoima and San Pedro. Two public housing resident associations anchor the new chapters: the San Fernando Gardens Resident Management Cor
poration (in Pacoima) and Rancho San Pedro Resident Advisory Council. POWER is a dues-paying member of the National People’s Action (NPA) network, named “Most Valuable Grassroots Activism” in 2010 by The Nation magazine. POWER leaders work on issues that matter to them, and build upon their victories to win on larger issues. After winning on a neighborhood or community issue that introduces them to the organization, leaders continue working to address the underlying social, economic or racial injustices that affect their communities. POWER leaders have won education reforms, preserved and increased the stock of affordable housing, improved community safety and protected the social safety net, and in doing so have built relationships on the regional and national levels and are part of the national movement for government accountability, a democratic society, and a strong government commitment to the public good.
