Voice Buffalo

VOICE Buffalo's mission is to bring forth racial justice and equity in Western New York through organized, collective action. VOICE boldly imagines a society of diverse communities that are empowered, informed, active, and connected to one another, where all people have access to the resources they need to thrive and a voice in the decisions that affect them.

At VOICE Buffalo, we work daily to bring forth racial justice and equity in Western New York through political education and organized collective action. Our goal is to foster communities of inclusion and access where no person is treated as disposable. Our programs are designed to increase civic engagement among vulnerable and historically oppressed populations. We use restorative practices to support healing, prevent institutionalization, and cultivate leaders. We focus on amplifying local systems, roles, and decision-making and look closely at how decisions impact people and their lived experiences. We believe in normalizing systems access, inclusion, and second chances for all.

The organization's structure comprises committees, including V.I.B.E. (Voices Influencing Building Equity), A.R.I.S.E. (Acceptance, Respect, Inclusion, Support, and Equity), and Street Certified, each tailored to address specific community needs. V.I.B.E. provides healing-centered programming for directly impacted youth, emphasizing civic education, participation, and narrative change. A.R.I.S.E., born out of a necessity for improved access to jobs and services for people with disabilities, champions the principle of inclusivity and self-representation. Meanwhile, Street Certified provides restorative programming for formerly incarcerated individuals, facilitating their reintegration and empowerment through civic education, participation, and personal development.

VOICE Buffalo's campaigns, like Get Out The Vote, reflect our commitment to mobilize citizens towards greater democratic participation. Additionally, the Opportunity for Community initiative advocates for increased funding for youth programs, aiming to curb gun violence and foster hope in Buffalo's under-resourced BIPOC communities. Partnering with campaigns like Communities Not Cages, No New Jails in Erie County, and Community Responders for Erie County, VOICE Buffalo aims to shape a more just and equitable society.