2025 marked 50 years of organizing for the West / Southwest IAF Network. This time of Jubilee was an opportunity for leaders, organizers, and academics to come together and reflect on how they have transformed themselves and their community through organizing.
“The IAF has transformed me from a 'me' person to a 'we' person. I know how to help my brothers and sisters improve their quality of life. I know how to find and recruit more leaders to the fight…With the IAF, I am a leader and I am equal,” said Edgar Cage, a leader with Together Baton Rogue.
What We've Accomplished Together
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Securing access to Water and Basic Infrastructure
From Des Moines to Phoenix to Fresno, leaders have transformed neglect into investment in their neighborhoods.
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Creating Career Pathways
The West/Southwest IAF created nine labor market intermediary institutions to move adults into living wage careers in Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, and Iowa.
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Achieving Living Wages and Labor Protections
In Texas, Louisiana, California, Colorado, and Arizona, leaders have combated wage theft, and realized living wages for caregivers and public and private sector workers.
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Advancing Climate Resilience & Disaster Recovery
Building the largest network of solar-powered resilience hubs in the world and keeping communities safe during and after extreme weather events.
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Organizing Public Money for Public Good
Reining in tax exemptions to restore billions of dollars for community benefits in Michigan, Louisiana, and Texas.
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Testimonials
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Wanda Manning, Delta Interfaith
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Kelli Driscoll Crews, Tulsa ACTION
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Matt Schechter, Coloradans for the Common Good
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Marta Villela, Marin Organizing Committee
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