215 People’s Alliance (215PA) is a grassroots, movement-building organization dedicated to building multiracial, working-class power in Philadelphia .
We are parents and neighbors, teachers and students, union members and block captains, cab drivers and cashiers working to unite a broad sector of Philadelphians at the ballot box and in the streets.
Racial and economic justice are at the core of our mission.
Our work centers on building a city-wide movement to bring Black, Brown and white working class Philadelphians together around issues that directly impact our communities. We believe we must unify the working class. We focus on building power at the local level and creating sustainable change through strategic, community-driven action.
Our History
Founded in 2015, 215 People’s Alliance (215PA) began as an all-volunteer organization and emerged from a deep-rooted commitment to uniting Philadelphia’s working-class communities across racial and economic divides. In the early years, 215PA focused on grassroots base-building, community engagement, and local leadership development. We tackled urgent issues such as public education and fair housing, striving to create meaningful connections between diverse neighborhoods.
Key Wins and Milestones
2016: Launch of Our City Our Schools (OCOS), School Reform Commission (SRC), and Ending the Tax Abatement
In 2016, 215PA launched the Our City Our Schools (OCOS) campaign, advocating for the abolition of the School Reform Commission (SRC). This campaign aimed to restore local control and accountability to Philadelphia’s public schools, addressing systemic issues and advocating for better educational outcomes for all students. Our efforts included mobilizing community forums and pushing for policy changes to ensure equitable education. We also hosted community forums on the 10-year tax abatement in communities facing gentrification pressure and organizing Philadelphia Housing Authority residents facing displacement. Today, OCOS continues fighting for equitably funded schools that transform the lives of Black, Brown & working class young people, their families, educators, school communities & neighborhoods by supporting their needs and desires.
2017: Dump Wells Fargo Campaign and Larry Krasner’s Election
In 2017, 215PA led the Dump Wells Fargo campaign, a pivotal initiative that successfully moved $2 billion in city funds out of Wells Fargo. This campaign was a major victory in the fight against corporate practices harmful to our communities. Additionally, we played a critical role in the election of Larry Krasner as District Attorney. Our independent field efforts during the primary election were instrumental in supporting Krasner’s progressive platform for criminal justice reform, contributing significantly to his successful campaign.
2019: Historic Election of Kendra Brooks
In 2019, 215PA supported Kendra Brooks, a former 215PA organizer, in her groundbreaking campaign for City Councilmember At-Large. Brooks, running under the Working Families Party, became the first candidate from her party to secure a seat on Philadelphia City Council, marking a historic achievement for political representation and community-focused policy-making. At this time, 215PA was also a founding member of the Alliance for a Just Philadelphia, a broad alliance of grassroots organizations working together to build a more just Philadelphia.
2020: Organizing During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we knew we had to pause and listen to our members, neighbors, and community members, as the crisis unfolded. Our outreach committee conducted weekly Saturday morning phone bank sessions to check-in on our members and neighbors. We worked with member leaders who are social workers to create a list of resources to guide our members in need to the growing network of mutual aid and other services emerging as the pandemic unfolded. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we maintained our commitment to advocacy and support, adapting our strategies to meet the evolving needs of Philadelphia’s working-class residents.
2020: Co-Founding the People’s Kitchen
In response to the increased demand for food security during the pandemic, 215PA co-founded the People’s Kitchen. This initiative went beyond traditional social service by incorporating an organizing approach to food distribution. The People’s Kitchen was designed not only to provide meals but also to mobilize and engage community members in collective action. Through this effort, we aimed to build solidarity and strengthen community ties while addressing systemic issues related to food access and economic hardship. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and empowering residents to participate in the organization and distribution process, the People’s Kitchen exemplified our commitment to transformative organizing that addresses immediate needs while also working toward long-term systemic change.
2021: Co-founding and Building El Comité de Trabajadorxs de Restaurantes
At the onset of COVID-19, we identified a need for Spanish-speaking restaurant workers to gather and organize around a healthier and safer restaurant industry for all. 215PA and the Coalition for Restaurant Safety and Health worked together alongside Spanish speaking restaurant workers to co-found El Comité. Most of El Comité’s members were impacted by the closures and demoralizing conditions in the restaurant industry. El Comité, currently has seven steering committee members and a growing base of its own.
Today,
215PA continues to strengthen its neighborhood chapters in Northeast and South Philadelphia, addressing local issues through grassroots organizing and leadership development. Our focus remains steadfast on advocating for worker rights, combating gentrification, and protecting democratic processes. As we move forward, we remain committed to building multiracial working-class power and adapting our strategies to meet the evolving needs of Philadelphia’s diverse communities.
