Our organization is based around leadership development. Since we began in 2002, over 375 people have gone through SAA leadership development programs. We are a multi-issue organization that engages the voices of everyone in the Somali community. We also believe in fostering our own independence and not being totally reliant on the gifts of others.
Now, in 2011, we have begun to see the results of our work. The Alliance is recognized both within the Somali and mainstream communities as a powerful voice for change, new leaders continue to emerge, relationships with allies are strong and we have launched many successful campaigns. Slowly, we have reshaped the conversation from “there is nothing we can do” to “we can do it.” We were honored by the Headwaters Foundation in 2008 and 2010 with the Justice Award.
Success in leadership development is one of the benchmarks for our work and for our success. We use traditional organizing techniques for recruitment – large meetings, training sessions for community organizing and public policy, all the while providing people opportunities for action. We have also found listening sessions to be effective recruitment tools.
Today, we estimate that our activities have encouraged over 10,000 Somali to become registered voters and exercise their civic responsibility. We have led six different voter participation campaigns all designed to connect our existing organizing work with the election campaigns of relevant public officials.
