Founded on the principle that self-determination and collective action are the catalysts for liberation, our organization centers its efforts on the leadership of grassroots community organizers. Utilizing a community organizing model developed by Fred Ross Sr., DHF organizers train, support, and mobilize historically disenfranchised communities to drive social change. Monthly community meetings, known as Juntas Generales, are hosted by organizers in each region, providing community members with training, resources, legislative information, and the tools to create action plans for structural and systemic changes in their community. These grassroots organizers collectively form Vecinos Unidos® (United Neighbors) chapters, currently active in 12 locations, including Arvin, Bakersfield, California City, Tulare, Lamont, Lancaster, Lindsay, Palmdale, Parlier, Sanger, and Woodlake. Empowered through hands-on leadership training, community leaders in Vecinos Unidos® spearhead civic engagement campaigns, hold elected officials accountable and consistently achieve positive outcomes to address their community’s needs. With a 20-year history, Vecinos Unidos® members have successfully advocated for more parks, paved roads, pools, sewer connections, education equity, and various other impactful changes.
