Turtle

The center of the symbol has the most meanings: For many indigenous communities, the Americas are symbolized by the turtle island. We are migrants from close and far who happen to find ourselves in one place, at least for now. For us, the shell reminds us that we HAVE to have a hard shell and patience in order to withstand the challenges and the struggles of going against the status quo. The turtle also moves slowly, which reflects work that takes more than a generation; the long-term commitment to social justice. There are turtles and tortoises that long outlive even humans. We may not see the change we are working for in our lifetime, but have the hope that the next generation will take it on and continue it. The geometrical patterns on the turtle’s shell represent the different communities, their priorities and approaches to perhaps similar issues.

Sun

The sun represents energy, light, radiation: the luminous star to which everything gravitates. As the sun rises in the east every day, it also symbolizes our everyday commitment to social justice: every day is a new beginning, with new hopes and new challenges. We know that the sun is everywhere, but in the desert, the sun seems to make itself more manifest.

Four Directions

North, South, East, West

Sun Rays

These represent the different views, and perspectives of how we do our work. If you pay close attention, you will see that the rays are not symmetrical. They go to different directions and are as varied as our alliances, our commitments, and our approaches to the communities we work in.

Circle

The Circle of Life which represents a holistic approach to our work. We begin and end something, always to begin again.

Water

There is water in the center. The turtle lives in both the water and on land. We are the same as the turtle and must be able to adapt to different environments. Water symbolizes the basic sustenance of all life, creatures and nature.