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…
NORTH & WEST ST. LOUIS CITY / ECONOMIC JUSTICE / FALL 2019
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