Chispanas

Community Organizing Program

A chispa is a spark and we believe every Latina holds the power to ignite change within herself, her family, and her community. Through Chispanas, participants will develop hands-on organizing skills, leadership experience, and peer-to-peer learning alongside LCSV staff, community partners, and other cohort members to focus on issues affecting Latinas in Santa Clara County.

Chispanas is a FREE year-long, cohort-based leadership and community organizing program for Latinas who want to advocate for justice, uplift their communities, and take action on the issues that matter most.

Not able to commit to the full program schedule? You’re still welcome to get involved as a Chispanas volunteer.

Volunteer

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Chispanas today

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Applications accepted on a rolling basis!

Why join Chispanas?

Take meaningful action for justice in your community.
Build leadership and advocacy skills in a structured, supportive cohort.
Collaborate with other Latinas, share experiences, and learn together.
Develop confidence in organizing, campaigning, and influencing change.
Chispanas is your space to learn, lead, and ignite change — together.

Program Goals

Equip Latinas with skills to design and lead community organizing campaigns.

Build confidence in advocacy, civic engagement, and leadership.
Foster sisterhood, peer leadership, and community connections.
Support participants in addressing issues relevant to their cohort and the broader Latina community.
Provide hands-on experience in planning and executing campaigns.
Year-Long Curriculum Highlights (Jan-Dec)

To get the most out of the Chispanas Program and make a meaningful impact in your community, participants are expected to:
1. Attend Sessions and Trainings
Participate in all in-person workshops and virtual sessions to gain hands-on skills in community organizing, advocacy, and leadership.
2. Lead Cohort Meetings
Take an active role in the program by leading participant-led meetings focused on campaign planning, strategy, and progress updates.
3. Engage in Community Actions
Attend at least one rally, City Hall or County Supervisor meeting, community-led initiative, or other advocacy action per month to practice advocacy and build real-world experience.
4. Develop and Lead a Campaign
Plan, launch, and implement a campaign with your cohort addressing an issue relevant to the cohort and the broader Latina community.
5. Draft a Cohort Policy Agenda
Collaborate with fellow cohort members to identify key community issues and draft a policy agenda that reflects collective priorities and goals.
6. Participate in Additional Program Activities
Engage in other activities or tasks as requested to support cohort goals and community organizing efforts.
By meeting these expectations, Chispanas participants will strengthen their leadership skills, civic engagement abilities, and capacity to drive change in their communities.
The Chispanas Program follows a cohort-style, progressive curriculum that includes workshops, peer-led virtual meetings, and community action. Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Foundations of Community Organizing – learn the principles, structure, and goals of campaigns.
- Campaign Planning & Strategy – define SMART goals, identify stakeholders, and plan actionable campaigns.
- Advocacy & Civic Engagement – participate in HOPE’s Latina Action Day, storytelling, and lobbying.
- Messaging & Outreach – develop effective communications, digital organizing, and social media strategies.
- Community Engagement & Feedback – implement campaigns, evaluate impact, and sustain momentum.
- Reflection & Celebration – present campaigns, celebrate achievements, and discuss long-term impact.