About Us

Welcome to La Vocera – the voice of the South Bay and border communities in San Diego. Our mission is to empower these vibrant, yet often underserved communities with the critical information they need to thrive in everyday life. Through the innovative P4S Bilingual Reporting Lab (BRL) initiative, we aim to transform public health outcomes and invigorate local journalism by providing tailored news and information.

Our Vision

At La Vocera, we envisage a future where every community member, regardless of language or background, has access to trustworthy and crucial information. Our unique approach targets the eight vital categories that are instrumental for a community's well-being:

1. Emergencies and Risks
2. Health and welfare
3. Education
4. Transportation
5. Economic opportunities
6. The environment
7. Civic information
8. Political information

The Collaboration

La Vocera is a trailblazing collaboration between the Institute for Public Strategies and San Diego State University's School of Journalism and Media Studies that sets a new standard in journalism. This partnership emphasizes our dedication to community information rights.

We engage SDSU journalism students to support newsroom operations, offering them real-world experience to apply their academic knowledge. Their involvement enriches our content and resonates with diverse audiences.

SDSU students play a vital role in researching community needs, providing fresh insights for delivering impactful news. This collaboration cultivates future journalists and enhances our ability to meet community needs effectively.

Our Beta Launch

Launching in 2023, the BRL disseminates carefully curated information in Spanish via WhatsApp, with each update ending with a question to engage and understand the perspectives and needs of community members. We started with beta versions tailored specifically to the communities of San Ysidro and National City, engaging them in a two-way communication method that is as effective as it is inclusive.

Our Impact

La Vocera doesn't just deliver information; we aim to make a lasting impact by:

• Providing Access: Ensuring all community members, especially monolingual Spanish speakers and immigrants, can obtain significant news and information.
• Encouraging Engagement: Using interactive platforms to facilitate a dialogue with the community, fostering greater participation in local news.
• Building Trust: Creating a reliable channel for news delivery directly through platforms like WhatsApp, which the community already utilizes and trusts.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Representing the rich tapestry of voices within the Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities, making sure their narratives and concerns are acknowledged.
• Empowering with Information: Equip individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and actively participate in their community's advancement.

The Future Ahead

With pride in our hearts and community at our core, we at La Vocera are dedicated to leading the charge for informed and engaged communities. We believe an informed public is a healthier, vibrant, and more empowered one. Join us as we launch into a future where news is accessible, journalism is robust, and communities are connected.

Because when it comes to public health and well-being, information is not just power - it's a necessity.

Contact La Vocera

Email us at [email protected] or follow us on our social media platforms to stay updated on our latest releases and community engagement initiatives. Together, we'll make sure every voice is heard, and every story is shared.