About Us
Racism dehumanizes all of us. Our humanity is regained
through humanistic, anti-racist organizing.
Mission
The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, a national, multiracial, anti-racist collective of organizers and educators, is dedicated to building a movement for social transformation. Our aim is to undo racism and other forms of oppression.
Vision
The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond envisions a world where traditionally poor communities of color are healthy, vibrant, whole, peaceful and self-sufficient; where the internal strength by which they have survived is free from oppressive forces such as racism. We envision these communities, girded with a clear sense of their own power, sustaining a quality of life that is far beyond survival. We envision them nurturing their cultures, preserving their history, and cultivating their economies. We envision these communities being in harmony with one another and with other segments of the global community.
Our work has always been to support the development of more anti-racist community organizers, thinking beyond single issues or campaigns to undo racism and elevate humanity. Our analysis is grounded in the Black experience in this country and we are intentionally led by people of color.
We at The People’s Institute believe that racism is the primary barrier preventing communities from building effective coalitions and overcoming institutionalized oppression and systemic racism. Through Undoing Racism®/Community Organizing Workshops, technical/human assistance and partnerships, The People’s Institute supports individuals, communities, organizations and institutions to move beyond addressing the symptoms of racism towards undoing the causes of racism.
Founded in 1980, PISAB has impacted the lives of nearly 2,000,000 people, both nationally and internationally. Today, we are recognized as one of the foremost anti-racism training and organizing institutions in the nation. We’ve trained and supported many of the leading racial justice organizers and organizations.
No one owns the movement.
We are clear about our contributions to the groundswell of anti-racist organizing that is happening in this country. When we began our journey over 40 years ago, we were called to better understand issues of race and racism and how it interrupted our ability to be effective organizers in our own communities.
We did the work when there was no funding, little support, no recognition or accolades. Along the way, we’ve chosen to stay accountable to our communities and to what we’ve learned from history, even when it meant turning down opportunities that would have granted us more money or more recognition.
We are honored to be a part of a national and international network of people committed to authentically addressing how racism shows up in our lives: our organizing, our families, our neighborhoods, and our institutions.