PODER (People Organized in Defense of the Earth and her Resources) will celebrate its 35th anniversary on May 1, 2026. For a local, grassroots environmental justice organization, that’s no small feat. Over the years, many friends, family, affiliates, and partners have supported our work, improving the quality of life for residents of East Austin.

Unfortunately, massive cuts to environmental protection programs by the Trump administration have rescinded a historic investment of $350,000 into PODER. This loss has put the future of our projects at great risk. If you appreciate our work, our history, and our potential to have an even greater impact on working class communities in East Austin and beyond, please contribute what you can here to PODER.

Upcoming Events

  • Tank Farm Panel

    04.09 6:00-8:00PM

    For over four decades, a 52-acre hazardous fuel storage facility stood among East Austin neighborhoods — join us to learn how our community organized to shut it down.

  • Holly Power Plant Panel

    04.16 6:00-8:00PM

    Join us to learn how East Austin residents organized to close a power plant that operated right beside the Holly neighborhood for nearly 50 years.

  • BFI Plant Panel

    04.23 6:00-8:00PM

    Join us to learn how we mobilized to relocate a recycling plant that subject an East Austin community to air pollution, noise, infestations, and fires for over 20 years.

  • 35th Anniversary Celebration

    05.01 6:00-8:00PM

    Join us for dinner and dancing to commemorate 35 years of grassroots organizing, education, advocacy and action. RSVP: bit.ly/PODER35

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A letter from our director

My name is Susana Almanza.

The struggles of our ancestors continue to resound.  The ancestral memory of humanity and the legacy of the Indigenous Peoples of the world strengthen us and give us a mandate. The emergence of a new sun, the arrival of a moment of equilibrium even amidst the climate chaos crisis, the generational struggle against institutionalized injustices, colonization, genocide, and terracide, call us to synchronize ourselves in an agenda of self-determination and healing as Original Nations of Mother Earth. Like the weather, 2025 had its share of highs and lows. Life provides unlimited challenges. We faced our share at PODER, but maintained our focus and forward momentum. We expect those challenges to escalate, but they are what give environmental justice organizations like ours purpose.