

ABOUT US
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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
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To create a platform for organizations and leaders in SOWEGA to organize on local issues more effectively.
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To build a political home for people in SOWEGA who want to see their communities change for the better.
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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.

BETTER COMMUNITIES
We seek to make our communities better, more just, and more peaceful.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN SOUTHWEST GEORGIA
Board Members

Amna Farooqi
Co-founder and Chair Emeritus

Michael Harper
Board Chair

Clinton Banks-Vicks
Board Treasurer

Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown
Board Member

Cierra Franklin
Board Member

Chyteal Jones
Board Member

Tony Ray
Board Member

Dr. Kizzie Donaldson- Richard
Board Member
Staff Members

Sherrell Byrd
Co-Founder/ Executive Director

Shon Houston
Deputy Director

Cortney King
Associate Director of Programs

Derion Favors
Legislative and Policy Organizer

Aunquarius Brown
Rural Innovation, Sustainability and Engagement (RISE) Organizer

Nia Hawkins
Healing Justice Organizer

Shekniah Newby
Civic Power Manager

Kobe Garner
Civic Engagement Organizer

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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