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ABOUT US

LEARN MORE

SOWEGA RISING COALITION

A NON-PROFIT, NON-PARTISAN ORGANIZATION

Based in Southwest Georgia, comprised of member citizens and organizations which support the organization’s mission.   Our goal is to facilitate Southwest Georgia’s rise from the bottom of the state to the top of the list of quality of life metrics by empowering individuals and revitalizing communities through rural revitalization, community organizing, education, coalition-building and advocacy in the areas of human and civil rights and social justice, and by increasing citizen engagement in the democratic processes of our state.

Our Mission

We mobilize people and resources to improve the well-being, quality of life and political power of marginalized Southwest Georgians.

Our Vision

We will empower the citizens of SOWEGA to shape the future of our state so that every Southwest Georgian has equal opportunity to reach their fullest potential and achieve the highest possible quality of life and well-being.

Our Goals

1 (2)

To create a platform for organizations and leaders in SOWEGA to organize on local issues more effectively.

2 (2)

To build a political home for people in SOWEGA who want to see their communities change for the better.

3 (1)

To create a pipeline of young organizers from SOWEGA who feel empowered to make change.

Our Programs

High School Youth Organizing Institute

A curriculum administered in local public school systems or after school as a program that educates and mobilizes young students in SOWEGA.

Albany State University Youth Organizing Institute

A version of the curriculum for ASU students to foster a deeper sense of community between the university and rest of Albany.

Organizing Trainings

We will run trainings for organizations and leaders on basic community organizing theories, skills (story-telling, one on one’s), leadership development, racial justice, strategy, and tactics.

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BETTER COMMUNITIES

We seek to make our communities better, more just, and more peaceful.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN SOUTHWEST GEORGIA

Board Members

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Amna Farooqi

Co-founder and Chair Emeritus

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Michael Harper

Board Chair

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Clinton Banks-Vicks

Board Treasurer

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Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown

Board Member

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Cierra Franklin

Board Member

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Chyteal Jones

Board Member

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Tony Ray

Board Member

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Dr. Kizzie Donaldson- Richard

Board Member

Staff Members

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Sherrell Byrd

Co-Founder/ Executive Director 

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Shon Houston

Deputy Director

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Cortney King

Associate Director of Programs

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Derion Favors

Legislative and Policy Organizer

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Aunquarius Brown

Rural Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement (RISE) Organizer

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Nia Hawkins

Healing Justice Organizer

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Shekniah Newby

Civic Power Manager

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Kobe Garner

Civic Engagement Organizer

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Akeem Williams

Communications Manager

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Andrea Smith

Digital Media Specialist

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Savannah Anderson

Data Specialist

Our Funders

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hive funding

Our Partners

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Veggie and Soul
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City of Albany GA
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NAACP
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SOCIAL AMPLYFYER V2 LOGO
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