Pocha House: Seeding art, sowing action
Challenge
Undocumented people who are deported from the US back to Mexico face discrimination, stigma, and mental health issues. Many were taken to the US as children, so don’t speak Spanish or have a close connection to the territory or community to which they have returned. Many struggle with family separation.
Solution
ODA will bring together people across Mexico who have been deported from the US, creating a space for healing and organizing through the use of art methodologies. This will scale up an existing community-building initiative known as the Pocha House, and use both in-person and virtual spaces.
Impact
Through “artivism” and collective action, this project will address feelings of isolation and powerlessness, empowering individuals, returning their sense of agency, and fostering connection, healing, belonging, and community.