We are currently witnessing a crisis of constitution and democracy that has not been seen by many people in their lifetime. Attacks on immigrants and refugees, denial of freedom of speech, re-establishment of Muslim Ban/Travel Ban, attacks on DEI policies, attacks on unions/working class, and the most recent anti-working people bill (the “Big Beautiful Bill”) expose rising authoritarianism in the USA. Now is the time to trust and follow the leadership of grassroots organizers and the movement leaders who have always been at the frontlines. It’s a time to stay grounded in what history tells us works. Stay focused on building our base and showing up where movements take shape at kitchen tables, school board meetings, block parties, and drag shows. SVA knows that real power is built in community, and we’re committed to standing with and resourcing the leaders in our ecosystem as they continue to resist, organize, and lead us forward. In response, SVA has launched the power-building department to support people and groups taking collective action to improve material conditions. We believe that lasting change starts on the ground and in local communities, grassroots movements making demands on power and articulating a better vision for the future. Our Power Building framework is rooted in the Ella Baker school of leadership, that we need strong leaderful movements. We believe that strong leaders leadstrong organizations that can then be part of growing strong interconnected movement ecosystems. Grassroots organizations are often under-resourced and working in isolation despite leading critical efforts in their communities. SVA recognizes that the needs of our groups are diverse and continually evolving. To build this program, SVA decided to focus on where we can have the most impact, leveraging our strengths and ecosystem while also creating opportunities for groups to connect, learn from one another, and build collective power.
How is SVA building movement infrastructure in the South?
Southern Vision Alliance (SVA) confronts the systemic barriers faced by BIPOC, immigrant/refugee, LGBTQIA, Muslim, and other marginalized communities across the South. These communities are navigating deep challenges — from isolation, underfunding, and lack of infrastructure, to direct attacks by law enforcement and regressive legislation aimed at rolling back civil rights. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a coordinated effort to dismantle movements and uphold white supremacy. Grassroots organizers are stretched thin — under threat, under-resourced, and often forced into competition due to a scarcity of support. The result is fragmentation across lines of race, geography, and issue area, weakening our collective power at a time when unity and alignment are crucial. SVA is building the infrastructure needed to sustain and grow transformative movements in the South. Through fiscal sponsorship, rapid response grants, coalition building, organizing and leadership training, HR and fundraising support, and digital tools, we help grassroots groups survive and thrive. Our goal is to expand the capacity and reach of justice-centered organizations, strengthen connections across movements, and cultivate a constellation of powerful, leader-full formations that can effectively resist extremism and shift the balance of power across the South.
Organizers from labor unions, immigrant rights, and anti-racism organizations gathered in downtown Raleigh on June 9 , 2025, to demand an end to ICE raids on immigrants.
How are we responding to attacks on our people?
SVA jumped to direct actions and mobilizations in response to attacks on immigrants. SVA joined our movement partner, USSW, on June 9, 2025, for a rally to demand an end to attacks on immigrants and refugees. Check out coverage of this event in the media HERE.
SVA’s Executive Director, Josh Vincent, spoke at the immigrant rights rally – emphasizing the significance of uniting our struggles to challenge the rising authoritarianism.
SVA’s sponsored People’s Power Lab organized a “Know and Defend Our Rights” Workshop at a Raleigh mosque to help Black, Brown, and Muslim community members who are facing crises, ranging from the deportation of Muslim students from the Triangle-based university (NC State University), ICE targeting of immigrants throughout North Carolina, Muslim community members canceling their travel plans, and other challenges. This legal workshop was very beneficial for learning about our rights and how to exercise them to protect and defend our people. Participants resolved to build a stronger social justice movement to shift the balance of power and defeat the oppressive forces. Check out the media coverage of their work HERE and HERE.
Participants at Know and Defend Our Rights in Raleigh in June 2025, discussed attacks on Black, Brown, and Muslim community members and how to defend our people against these attacks
SVA’s sponsored project, People’s Power Lab, in partnership with Muslims for Social Justice, Movement to End Racism, and other organizations strategized on building a stronger movement to resist rising authoritarianism
Rooted in the Black Radical tradition, SVA believes in building an intersectional movement that challenges the common roots of racism, sexism, anti-immigrant/anti-refugee attacks, attacks on LGBTQIA community, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other oppressions. Join us in the movement-building work and/or support our work!
