Southwest Washington Communities United for Change is a grassroots 501(c)4 led by BIPOC community. We understand the importance of direct action and commUNITY voice. We move UNITED in solidarity and reciprocity for BIPOC and marginalized people living in SW Washington.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
SWCUC is a grassroots, social justice, and community-based non-profit organization that came together to support BIPOC and marginalized community members to dismantle systems of oppression and support Southwest Washington community members in strength and solidarity through civic engagement.
We Envision
Our Mission
Our Mission
BIPOC and marginalized community with the POWER to hold our local and regional institutions accountable to its constituents. BIPOC and marginalized community who recognize their innate leadership abilities. BIPOC and marginalized community with working relationships that will lead to institutional and political support and leadership roles for our vulnerable community members.
Our Values
Our Mission
Our Values
- Community
- Grass-roots driven organizing
- Unity
- Solidarity
- Community
- Education
- Support
- Outreach
- Democratic Sustainability
- Honesty
- Transparency
Current Initiatives
Defund and Demilitarize the Police, Invest in Community
From over-incarceration to police brutality, the U.S. law enforcement system actively harms BIPOC and other marginalized communities. We demand our local governments defund and demilitarize the police and put that money toward community instead.
Defund, Refund, Just Transition
We fight for environmental justice and a just transition from an exploitive, extractive economy to a sustainable one that supports all people to thrive.
Redistricting
With new demographic information from the 2020 Census, Washington is redrawing election maps. SW Washington BIPOC communities deserve a voice in this process.
Universal Healthcare for Washington State
Learn more at wholewashington.org.
Vancouver Voting Districts
Vancouver, WA currently votes for elected offices at-large. We want Vancouver to transition to voting districts, ensuring representation from and for all Vancouver communities.
YouthVote
Youth are leading the way to a just future, and we're getting out the youth vote.
Our PEople
Ophelia Noble
Board President
Maria Barrera
Curtis Rodgers
Maria Barrera
Board Secretary
Amiya Montoya
Curtis Rodgers
Maria Barrera
Board Treasurer
Curtis Rodgers
Curtis Rodgers
Curtis Rodgers
Board Member
Alyce Noble
Essence Brown-Etherly
Curtis Rodgers
Lead Organizer & Supervisor
Essence Brown-Etherly
Essence Brown-Etherly
Essence Brown-Etherly
Organizer
Zanyah Briggs
Essence Brown-Etherly
Essence Brown-Etherly
Organizer
Laura Nash
Laura Nash
Laura Nash
Freelance Communications Specialist
Organizational Partners
The Noble Foundation
The Noble Foundation provides nonprofit infrastructure for its BIPOC-led sister organizations in Southwest Washington, namely Southwest Washington Communities United for Change and Our Place Nuestra Casa Multicultural Center. This includes grant writing and accounting, among other services.
Our Place Nuestra Casa Multicultural Center
Our Place Nuestra Casa provides support to BIPOC and all vulnerable community members living in Clark and Cowlitz County. They are rooted in services, support, and empowering community.