Our Beliefs
Remembering the movers and shakers and the dreamers who went before us, we value life in living color, with justice and possibilities for all people in our streets, this country, and the world.
We see oppression every day, and we want to shift the balance of power toward the people of the Lower East Side.
We believe:
— In collective action and social consciousness.
— These are our streets and it will take our hands and feet to make the future we want.
— Thinking critically about the systems that keep us down, organizing to bring us up, and working in alliance with others who share our beliefs.
— We each have a role in bringing our community together and building our organization.
— The market doesn’t have all (or even most) of the answers.
— In honoring the gritty, rebellious, multiracial, immigrant history of the LES, and believe that knowledge of the past helps us deal with the present and envision the future.
— We all need to discuss the issues that affect our lives, educate ourselves about the solutions, and respect others even when we disagree.
— In developing grassroots leaders from the community and actively supporting them.
— All being responsible for our commitments.
— In valuing the historical memory of our elders and the idealism of our youth, and we believe in unity across generations in making decisions about the direction of our community.
— In creating space for youth to take leadership.
— Sustaining our organization is all of our responsibility: Put your money where your mouth is.
— Liberty is central to the identity of the LES, and that freedom for artistic, linguistic, sexuality, cultural and political expression is our birthright.
— Housing, education, healthcare, and a livelihood are human rights; workers rights, and immigration rights, are also fundamental to self-determination.