Think Hopeful, Act Local

Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch interviews Isaiah Powell of Dragonspunk GRO in this episode of Think Hopeful, Act Local. Isaiah is President of the organic urban farm, which is located on a former dumping ground in San Francisco's Bayview-Hunters Point. The organization’s mission is to bridge the food-access gap in an area designated as a food desert by providing affordable organic produce directly to neighborhood residents while also serving as a community resource and educational space.Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠blueheartaction.org/signup⁠⁠⁠⁠ with a monthly donation⁠.

This conversation is between Blue Heart and Auntie Frances Moore, the founder and visionary behind Self Help Hunger Program. SHHP is a grassroots organization based in North Oakland and South Berkeley that uses food as a tool to organize community, provide essential support services, and act as a steward of local land.Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠blueheartaction.org/signup⁠⁠⁠ with a monthly donation⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch.

This conversation is between Blue Heart and Tiny from POOR Magazine. Tiny is an organizer and Poverty Skola, and POOR Magazine is a poor people led/indigenous people led, grassroots non-profit, arts organization dedicated to providing revolutionary media access, art, education and advocacy to silenced youth, adults and elders in poverty across Mama Earth.Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠⁠⁠blueheartaction.org/signup⁠⁠ with a monthly donation⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch.

The Regional Tenant Organizing Network (RTO) brings together local organizing efforts from over sixteen jurisdictions across six counties that fight for tenant rights.Blue Heart Director Eva Orbuch interviews James Huynh, Director of Regional Tenant Organizing Network in this inspiring episode of the Think Hopeful, Act Local Podcast.In it, Eva and James discuss tenant organizing on many levels, from 1:1 counseling to the more strategic interventions RTO works on. They cover personal motives for wanting to see this work get traction as well as ways to motivate others to engage.Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠blueheartaction.org/signup⁠⁠⁠ with a monthly donation⁠.

Bay Resistance is a powerful network of community organizations, unions and neighborhood groups organizing to defend our communities and defeat fascism in the Bay Area.Blue Heart Director Eva Orbuch interviewed Bay Rising Director Kimi Lee in this episode of the Think Hopeful, Act Local Podcast, where they discuss rapid response action, organizing against fascism at various levels, and the various roles allies and supporters can play in this work.Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠⁠⁠blueheartaction.org/signup⁠⁠ with a monthly donation⁠.

This conversation is between Blue Heart and Egypt Ina Marie Derensberg-King of The Healing Place, based out of Castro Valley. The Healing Place offers a range of holistic healing services including a mobile petting zoo, stress management clinics, and various ways of coming into body awareness, and connecting with animals and to the land.Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠⁠blueheartaction.org/signup⁠ with a monthly donation⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch.

This conversation is between Blue Heart and Indy, Dee and Dr. Charlie of Cultivating Self, an educational institution providing integrative healing to support clinicians, patient advocates, community healers, and healthcare administrators.You can connect with them and donate on their website. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠blueheartaction.org/signup with a monthly donation⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch.

This conversation is between Blue Heart and ⁠Pep Talk⁠ AKA PRE-ENTRY PLATFORM (P.E.P.), which offers resources to incarcerated individuals planning re-entry.You can connect with them and learn about upcoming events on their website. NOTE: the audio quality is not up to our usual standard, due to a real-time lockdown of the institution at the time of recording; there are multiple breaks where the interviewee ran out of time on the available phones and had to dial back in.Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at https://www.blueheartaction.org/signup.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch.

This conversation is between Blue Heart and Consuelo Tupper, Executive Director and Christina Azahar, Development Director of ⁠La Peña⁠, a non-profit organization that promotes social justice & intercultural understanding through the arts.⁠You can follow La Peña on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and donate to them on their website. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch.

Tune into this in-depth conversation with Because Justice Matters, a non-profit organization that builds pathways to brighter futures with women, girls, and families in urban communities. Their work focuses on the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco.In this episode, we speak with Executive Director Gabby Alzate.You can follow BJM on ⁠Instagram⁠ and donate to them on their website. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch.

In this episode, we discuss Cambodia's 1.5 Generation, US immigration enforcement and ways to support those affected, mutual aid and supportive programming for Southeast Asian immigrants and their families as a part of a transnational movement, and getting back to cultural roots with New Light Wellness.Founder and Director Elijah Chhum is interviewed by Eva Orbuch and Anna Biddle. ⁠You can follow New Light on Instagram and donate or get in touch via their website.Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠.

Tune into this in-depth conversation with Urban Compassion Project. In this episode, we speak with Co-Founder and Executive Director Vincent Williams and Co-Founder Supriya Golas. You can follow UCP on ⁠Instagram⁠ and donate to them on their website. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's volunteers Lucy Bosche and Nima Dezhkam.

In this episode we interview Ashia Ajani of ⁠Youth Vs Apocalypse⁠.She tells us about her background and how Youth Vs Apocalypse invests in youth leadership to understand and effect direct action on the environmental and climate Justice justice issues they face. ⁠⁠⁠You can follow YVA on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and donate to them on their website. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart Giving Collective member Anna Biddle.

Tune into this in-depth conversation with Saba Grocers Initiative. In this episode, we speak with Executive Director Lina Ghanem about the incredible work that Saba Grocers Initiative does to create an economic solution to food and health disparities. You can follow Saba on ⁠Instagram⁠ and donate to them on their website. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch.

Tune into this in-depth conversation with All Things Bayview for Equitable Communities. In this episode, we speak with Executive Director Kamillah Ealom about the incredible work that All Things Bayview does to address the community's unique environmental justice challenges. You can follow ATB on ⁠Instagram⁠. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠.This interview was conducted by Blue Heart's Director Eva Orbuch and committed volunteer Anna Biddle.

Tune into this in-depth conversation Today’s Youth Matter.  In this episode, we speak with Executive Director Marshelle Wilburn about the incredible work that TYM does to change the life trajectory of at-risk youth, particularly focusing on Richmond, California. Through year-round programming, an incredible summer camp, and mentoring relationships, they guide students through a Transformational Journey to instill resilience and fulfill their God given potential.  You can follow TYM on ⁠Facebook⁠ or ⁠Instagram⁠.  Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠. This interview was conducted by Eva Orbuch, Blue Heart's Bay Area Program Director.

Tune into this inspiring conversation with Nikkita Oliver, co- Executive Director of Creative Justice. In this episode, we speak about the groundbreaking work that Creative Justice does to uplift youth with creative, restorative practices. We talk about the importance of offering economic foundations for transformative change, the incredible vision the youth hold for our future, and creating genuine relationships across difference. You can follow Creative Justice on⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠ ⁠and⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠, and also⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠make a donation⁠⁠⁠ on their ⁠website⁠ to support their work. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠. This interview was conducted by Lux Gypsum, Blue Heart's previous Salish Sea Program Director and the founder of⁠⁠ ⁠Healing Rising⁠⁠⁠, offering transformational conflict coaching services and workshops for social change oriented communities and organizations.

Tune into this informative conversation with Care 4 Community Oakland.  In this episode, we speak with Organizing Director Nicole Deane about the incredible work that C4C does to dramatically increase the participation of Oakland residents in local government in order to create the communities they want to see.  You can follow C4C on ⁠Facebook⁠ or ⁠Instagram⁠.  Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠. This interview was conducted by Eva Orbuch, Blue Heart's Bay Area Program Director. 

Tune into this inspiring conversation with Somos Familia Bay. In this episode, we speak with Executive Director Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez about the incredible work that Somos Familia Bay does to build leadership in Latinx families and communities to create a culture where people of diverse genders and sexual orientations can thrive. You can follow Somos Familia Bay on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, or hire them for community workshops. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠. This interview was conducted by Eva Orbuch, Blue Heart's Bay Area Program Director. 

Tune into this inspiring conversation with California Prison Focus.  In this episode, we speak with Executive Director MinisterKingXPyeface and co-director Priscilla Drawsands about the incredible work that California Prison Focus does to create campaigns and plans of action to uplift incarcerated voices of and build solidarity with comrades behind the walls and within impacted communities. You can follow California Prison Focus on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, listen to their prison radio show podcast, or contact them at [email protected] to make a donation or volunteer to support their work.  Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠. This interview was conducted by Eva Orbuch, Blue Heart's Bay Area Program Director. 

Tune into this informative conversation with Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.  In this episode, we speak with Executive Director Reverend Deborah Lee about the incredible work that Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity does to partner with faith communities to defend the humanity of the immigrant and fight for the rights of the incarcerated.  You can follow Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Linked In⁠, listen to/watch their podcast, or make a donation⁠ to support their work.  Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠. This interview was conducted by Eva Orbuch, Blue Heart's Bay Area Program Director. 

Tune into this informative conversation with Disability Justice Culture Club. In this episode, we speak with DJCC team member Jay Salazar about the incredible work that Disability Justice Culture Club does around community care in East Oakland, California. DJCC was founded by Stacey Park Milbern, a powerful and beloved disability justice activist who passed away in 2020. Stacey dreamed of creating an affordable haven for low-income Disabled QTBIPOC in a rapidly-gentrifying Bay Area, and a radically accessible space in the East Bay for community building and movement work. Stacey managed to purchase a home, which now serves as a gathering place for disabled Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of color community members with events, meetings, and meals. You can follow DJCC on ⁠Facebook⁠ and get on the mailing list for Oakland Community Land Trust, the group that made it possible for DJCC to acquire the house  Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠. This interview was conducted by Eva Orbuch, Blue Heart's Bay Area Program Director.

Tune into this loving conversation with passionate changemakers at Lavender Rights Project. In this episode, we speak with Mahkyra Gaines, Community Engagement Manager, and Angel Patterson, Development Director, about the incredible work that Lavender Rights Project does to support Black gender diverse communities. They share about the founding story of the organization, their Cultural Organizing, Housing, and Economic Justice programs, and their deep personal care for this work. You can follow Lavender Rights Project on ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Linked In⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠, and also ⁠volunteer⁠ or ⁠make a donation⁠ to support their work. This interview was conducted by Lux Gypsum, Blue Heart's previous Salish Sea Program Director and the founder of ⁠Healing Rising⁠, offering transformational conflict coaching services and workshops for social change oriented communities and organizations. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠.

Tune into this juicy conversation with Lindley Mease, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Blue Heart. In this first episode, we hear from Lindley about Blue Heart itself - the needs, questions, and relationships that led to Blue Heart's birth, and the stories and perspectives that continue to drive our work of funding and uplifting grassroots organizations. This interview was conducted by Lux Gypsum, Blue Heart's previous Salish Sea Program Director and the founder of⁠ ⁠Healing Rising⁠⁠, offering transformational conflict coaching services and workshops for social change oriented communities and organizations. Join the movement of Grassroots Giving by becoming a Blue Heart member at ⁠www.blueheartaction.org/member⁠