Our Projects

South West Community Mediators       

In a world often filled with conflicts and disputes, the art of mediation and restorative justice emerges as a beacon of hope, offering pathways to resolution, reconciliation, and healing. Our training program brings together individuals eager to delve into these transformative practices, drawing upon the insightful framework of the Four Options Model, Relationship vs. Issue Quadrants, and Conflict Styles.

Conflict is inherent to human interaction, yet how we respond to it varies greatly. Through our training, participants gain insight into different conflict styles, from assertive to cooperative, competitive to avoidant. By recognizing their own default styles and those of others, individuals learn to adapt their approaches, fostering constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

South West Council

About Us: The South West Fresno Council is a community-led initiative comprised of passionate residents dedicated to enhancing the safety and well-being of our neighborhood. We believe in the power of collective action and grassroots organizing to effect positive change. Our mission is to empower residents with the tools and knowledge to advocate for a safer and healthier South West Fresno.

Our Goals:

• Promote Safety: Work towards creating a safe environment where residents feel secure and protected.
• Improve Health: Advocate for initiatives that enhance the physical and mental well-being of our community members.
• Community Engagement: Foster collaboration and dialogue among residents, local organizations, and authorities to address key issues affecting South West Fresno.
• Empowerment: Provide training and resources to empower residents with organizing tactics and advocacy skills to make meaningful recommendations for positive change.

Fresno Participatory Defense Hub

Fresno organizers and activist, , have actively participated in the nationwide movement since 2018, advocating for police accountability through street demonstrations with Silcom Valley DeBug Participatory Defense.

Developed at the First National Participatory Defense Gathering in October 2016, Participatory Defense is guided by three principles: 

• FAMILY and COMMUNITY STRENGTH can play a pivotal role in stopping and reducing incarceration for a loved one and a community.
• Families and communities can be even more powerful when taking the role of ORGANIZER AND AGENT OF CHANGE, rather than service recipient.
• By working on individual cases, communities can BUILD THE MOVEMENT of directly impacted peoples to hold the actors of the court accountable, make systemic change, and ultimately end mass incarceration.