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The following are frequently asked questions. If you have a question not answered below, email us and we will try to answer it as quickly as we can.
Q: "What does SWOP do?"
A: SWOP is a statewide multi-racial, multi-issue, community based membership organization. For 28 years SWOP has worked "to empower our communties to realize racial and gender equality and social and economic justice." We work primarily in working class communities of color. We believe in the rights of people to determine our future, and to participate in decisions that affect our lives. We understand the only way we can confront the challenges facing our communities is to organize ourselves and build strong local, statewide, and regional organizations.
SWOP also believes local issues are linked with larger struggles throughout the world. We promote exchange of ideas, experience and knowledge with people from other countries and offer our solidarity to the working class of the world.
SWOP is an affiliate of the Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice, a regional network of organizations throughout the Southwest and border states of Mexico.
Q:"How is SWOP funded?"
A: SWOP derived its funding in the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2008, from the following private foundations:
Ford Foundation, Marguerite Casey Foundation, Surdna Foundation, McCune Charitable Foundation, New World Foundation, Tides Foundation, General Services Foundation, Jewish Fund for Justice, New Mexico Community Foundation, New Cycle Foundation, Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation, Santa Fe Community Foundation, Beldon Fund, Unitarian Universalist VEATCH Program at Shelter Rock, Pushback Network, Funders Collaborative on Youth Organizing, Solidago Foundation, and French American Charitable Trust.
These sources constituted 96 percent
of our funding. Other sources were funds from the sale of our book, 500 Years of Chicano
History in Pictures; program service reimbursements; interest income; and individual contributions under $500.
Q: "Does SWOP
do advocacy?" SWOP does organizing.
Organizing is bringing the talents, resources and skills of people in the
community together to increase their collective power to transform themselves
and their communtiy and work for social change. Organizing is different
than advocacy, mobilizing, development or service work, but involves all
of them. We build relationships and consolidate perspectives, thoughts and
ideas into an organizational structure. We don't do things for people, we
do things with people. Q: "Are you
environmentalists?" A: We have a holistic
approach to the environment. We define our environment as where we live,
where we work, and where we play. We believe in the principles of environmental
justice. Q: "How can I
get involved?" You can become a member,
volunteer or donate to SWOP. SWOP membership is made up of people like
you who are concerned about our communities and are willing to do something
to protect and improve them. Membership donations are always welcome. 
