ACTIVATE CHANGEMAKERS
Power-Building Academy
The Power-Building Academy is an entry point for community members who want to lead change. Over seven months, a place-based class of up to 35 residents partner with WEPOWER to learn, collaborate, and take action.
Residents—AKA Power-Builders—work to achieve policy change that strengthens outcomes for kids in their community.
Power-Builders learn how to lead policy change by…
Accessing training on racial and social justice;
Growing an understanding of how the current system works;
Completing data analysis and community engagement;
Researching and creating or improving existing policies;
Then, launching a policy campaign to turn the dream into reality!
NORTH & WEST ST. LOUIS CITY / ECONOMIC JUSTICE / FALL 2019
Taeyon Shields
Ka'dral Hollwell
Ladonna Pace
Anaya Moody
Ilyana Hubbard
Darius Anderson
Vanessa Meads
Brenda Jones
Otis Bryant
Chilah Simon
Chelsea Manuel
Tyrone Brock Jr
Camille White
Imoni Washington
Ni'jah Powell
Deandre Thomas
Avion Robins
Anessa Thomas
NORTH ST. LOUIS CITY / EDUCATION JUSTICE / SPRING 2019
Aniya Betts
Clinton Tyler
Gabrielle Burks
Tyrell Manning
Darius Rucker
Jatuan Hampton
Thomasina Clarke
Lorine Pattin
Ivory McClerking
Johnnie Day
Rashonda Alexander
Keith Pernell
Lynette Murphy
Amber Gray
Robert McLaughlin
WEST ST. LOUIS CITY / EDUCATION JUSTICE / SPRING 2019
Arthurine Harris
Darielle Chaney
Jessi Wilcox
Orlando Petty
Pariyanah Yifrael-Bey
Gwendolyn Cogshell
Samantha March
CITY OF EAST ST. LOUIS / EDUCATION JUSTICE / FALL 2018
William Romious
Valerie Thomas
Brenda Ray
Kila Rice-Bey
Ernest Rice-Bey
Sam Franklin
Jessica Fort
Laundrina Dukes-Foster
Marie Franklin
Laura Rockett
Shontay Ford
Endia Ford
Gregory Anthony
Toni Burton
NORTH ST. LOUIS CITY / EDUCATION JUSTICE / SPRING 2018
Monti Hill
Janet Roberson
Allastir Hayes
Alexis Bates
Kellie Shelton
Diamond Gordon
Danielle Stewart
Linda Williams
Dorothea Swanson
Jacqueline Person
Buena Hickman
Robin Wheeler
Versie Williams
Elise Hawkins
*youth
Cara Pugh
Better Budgets, Better Schools Campaign Update
Since September 2018, we’ve been on the ground pushing for change, building a powerful movement, and achieving tangible wins towards our demands. You’ve been a part of this effort to drive change.
Together, we have achieved tangible wins. The progress that has been achieved to date wouldn’t be possible without you, your support, your belief, and your action.
To support Saint Louis Public Schools with formally adopting these demands, we have published this policy toolkit that includes research, case studies on other school systems, and a draft resolution.
'What’s Next SLPS?' Campaign
St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) faces a crisis: plummeting enrollment has caused the district to lose roughly 90,000 students since the 1970s. 
SLPS has responded to this crisis by closing and consolidating schools.
Power Builders have joined this work, and they, a coalition of North STL parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, educators, and concerned citizens, believe school closures are an opportunity to reimagine what’s next for SLPS.
“ELEVATE ESTL”
CAMPAIGN FOR A COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT & BETTER JOBS
This campaign is being launched by all-Black group of East St. Louisans. Elevate ESTL, a community organizing campaign requests that:
- East St. Louis City Council passes a Community Benefits Agreement ordinance.
- The City and newly formed Community Committee develop and monitor a first source hiring program.
- The City of East St. Louis launches a workforce development fund.
“I’m always looking for ways to improve the education system that my daughter has to grow up in, that I grew up in. I know this is a start. ”
ALEXIS BATES, POWER-BUILDER