
Colectiva Legal del Pueblo is a non-hierarchical collective organization founded for and by undocumented immigrants working to build community leadership and power for migrant justice through legal advocacy and education1
Model:
At the heart of our nonprofit lies a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves a voice, and every voice matters. That’s why we proudly identify as a Collective. It’s a reflection of our shared commitment to equality and equity. In our organization, no one person holds all the power. Instead, we work together, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of each member. Decisions, from policies to initiatives, are made through a democratic process, where every member has an equal vote and an equal say.
We chose this model because it mirrors the change we wish to see in the world—a society where collaboration triumphs over hierarchy, and equity replaces exclusion. By embodying these principles in our work, we not only strengthen our mission but also ensure that every action we take is guided by the collective wisdom of our community.
In our Collective, success isn’t measured by the accomplishments of a single leader but by the shared achievements of many. Together, we create an organization that is resilient, inclusive, and driven by a deep commitment to justice. This is why we are a Collective. It’s not just how we operate; it’s who we are.

Our values are grounded in anti-racism, abolition, and collectivism. These values guide every aspect of our work, from our legal advocacy to the services we offer. We are dedicated to dismantling the structures that perpetuate racial and economic injustice and creating a society that fosters freedom, equity, and collective solidarity.
ABOLITION
We recognize that the systems we work within and against are rooted in white supremacy, colonization, capitalism, and other worldviews based on domination and exploitation. We work to dismantle and mitigate the harm caused by these systems through advocacy, activism, and mutual aid.We build alternatives to oppressive systems by being intentional about the funding we pursue, the partnerships we form, and by creating equitable organizational practices and policies that center community, healing, and celebration.We are mindful of how oppressive systems can show up in our thoughts, beliefs, and interactions. We are committed to continuous self-accountability, reflection, and internal healing to challenge and dismantle these harmful systems at both the individual and interpersonal levels. |
ANTI-RACISM
We are mindful that the immigration system is built on white supremacy. We recognize that white supremacy impacts immigrant and Latinx communities in different ways, and we acknowledge the legacy of anti-Blackness and anti-Indigeneity in both immigrant and non-immigrant communities.Through our work, we continuously challenge and dismantle barriers to justice, systemic disadvantages, and the harm caused by capitalism—particularly as it manifests through racism, classism, sexism, xenophobia, and other forms of oppression.We are committed to ongoing learning and growth in our understanding of anti-racism. We strive to challenge white supremacy as individuals, as an organization, and as members of society. We actively engage in anti-racist dialogue to ensure our work remains effective, accountable, and rooted in the needs of the communities we serve. |
COLLECTIVISM
We value the wholeness of each person and approach their needs with a holistic lens. We prioritize the needs and voices of the collective and the community over individualism and other harmful ideologies imposed on our people.Our efforts to dismantle oppressive systems and build visionary alternatives are rooted in community, centering the voices and leadership of those directly impacted.Through collective action, we create and share power in ways that heal and transform our communities. |