Our Work
Refugee-led organizing turns community knowledge into collective power—through policy, narrative change, and civic action.
Three ways we build power.
Community members lead the work—from the stories we tell to the policies and institutions we change.
Civic Engagement
Democracy is bigger than elections. It lives wherever our communities organize to be counted, demand fair representation, shape district lines, and win decisions that allow our families to thrive. We believe that multiracial power-
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Proactive Narratives
This work powerfully weaves together storytelling, activism, and visual art to center the lived experiences of refugee and immigrant youth as they confront surveillance and broader systemic injustices in their communities. Through personal testimony,
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Policy and Campaigns
PANA equips refugee and immigrant leaders with the tools and knowledge to engage directly with policymakers. PANA transforms civic participation into a form of collective power. Our organizing builds collective power to challenge systems
Explore the workOur Projects
Research, organizing, and community-owned spaces built around priorities named by refugees and immigrants.
Ending Surveillance
PANA’s Integrated Approach to Democracy and Justice TRUST SD Coalition The Transparent and Responsible Use of Surveillance Technology San Diego (TRUST SD) Coalition was originally formed to address the widespread and secretive use,
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Refugee Community Experiences Report
Every two years, PANA conducts a survey of refugees in San Diego County to better understand the experiences, challenges, and needs of our communities. This year’s report is particularly timely as it identified
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The Refugee & Immigrant Cultural Hub
Affordable housing, wraparound services, and community space built with 15 partner organizations for refugee and immigrant families.
Visit the projectOur Wins
What community leadership can change—from stronger protections to fair representation.
Tenant Protections
In June 2016, PANA released its first report, “San Diego Refugee Experiences” the conclusion of 50 house meetings led by San Diego refugee residents to study how the community is faring in areas such
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Mapping Our Future: Engaging in Redistricting
The following report documents the work of PANA and its partners during the 2021 redistricting cycle, the lessons and best practices learned, and the impact of the redistricting experience not just on the maps,
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Refugee Census Hub
The 2020 Census presented significant challenges unique to these unprecedented times, including an administration intent on intimidating and excluding non-citizens and a raging pandemic that halted the in-person follow-up needed to
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Ending the Muslim Ban
PANA Statement on Inauguration and Day One Executive Actions Today marks the end of a challenging four years that directly harmed our communities, left immigrants and refugees in a state of daily fear, separated
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