Discover the impactful journey of Gene Royale in this eXtra Bio episode of the RAMA Blueprints podcast. Gene Royale, a pivotal figure in San Francisco's Mission District community activism, shares his rich experiences from co-founding the Centro de Cambio, working at the Mission Coalition Organization (MCO), and consulting for RAP. As an educator at San Francisco State University and a dedicated community organizer, Gene wore many hats, working closely with influential leaders and organizations. Tune in to hear powerful anecdotes and insights from his groundbreaking work in the Mission District and beyond. This episode is a tribute to his enduring legacy and contributions to social justice and community empowerment. Gene Royale passed away in Hanford, CA in 2024. Don't miss this enlightening conversation. Listen now and be inspired!

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This episode is dedicated to La Familia Royale. This episode was written, produced and edited by Darren J. de Leon and Socorro Gamboa.

In this episode of the Rama Blueprints Podcast, we delve into the history and impact of the Real Alternatives Program (RAP) from the mid-1980s until its closure in 1999. The episode highlights the tenure of Mitchell Salazar, who became Executive Director at age 24 and led the development of over 20 programs aimed at youth advocacy and violence reduction. The discussions weave through personal stories from former RAP staff and community leaders, examining RAP's dedication to providing alternatives to incarceration, educational support, and community services despite financial struggles and institutional challenges. RAP's legacy and contributions to youth empowerment and social justice are celebrated, while underscoring the business missteps that led to its downfall.

Thank you for listening to the Rama Blueprints podcast. We dedicate this episode to the RAP family. We also want to thank our sister organizations for their sponsorship and support CARECEN San Francisco, Instituto Familiar de La Raza, Horizons Unlimited, SALT/Vasa Community, United Playaz, Brava Women for the Arts. And special thanks to the San Francisco Foundation, Change Elemental, H.O.M.E.Y., CARECEN San Francisco'S marketing team of Juan Rivera and Kevin Rios, Orlando Torriente and Lolo for our theme song, and all of our dedicated community listeners and individual donors for their ongoing support.

This episode was produced and edited by Darren J. de Leon and Socorro Gamboa for the Five Sisters Audio Garden.

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This episode features interviews with Mitchell Salazar, Esperanza Echevarria, Jim Queen, Orlando Torriente, Valerie Tulier, Sadie Villapando Williams, Holly Calica, Chico Moreno, Carlos "Cookie" Gonzalez, Alfredo Bojorquez, Gene Royale, Ray Balberan, Anthony Ceja, Roban San Miguel, Dr. Concha Saucedo, John Nauer, Joanne Uribe, Sam Ruiz, Jesus Yañez, and Carla Dartis.

RAMA Blueprints Podcast presents their Tres Generacíones/Three Voices live podcast series at BRAVA Cabaret in San Francisco. The panel addresses the intersectionalities of insider/outsider, invisibility, homophobia, resilience, migration, ethnicity, race, class, and gender, the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the history of social and political organization of LGBTQIA Latinos in the SF Mission District and Citywide.

This engaging live podcast includes a lively intergenerational conversation between Dr. Eduardo Morales (Founder and Executive Director, AGUILAS), Claudia Cabrera (Program Director, Si a La Vida, Instituto Familiar de La Raza), and Luka Fernandez (Participant, Promesas, Instituto Familiar de La Raza).

The Tres Generaciones/Three Voices live podcast series at Brava Cabaret features three guests representing three generations of expertise regarding the topic at hand. The intergenerational panelist consists of an elder in the field, a seasoned community worker, and an emerging young leader in the field. All have experience working towards building alliances through activism, art, organizing and empowerment.

Always framed through the Principles of The Real Alternatives Program (RAP), the discussion will seek solutions and future action steps that will hopefully build upon the findings of previous work to elevate the level of discussion and details for future action steps and conversations.

Founded in 2021, RAMA Blueprints is the first podcast documenting the history of the Real Alternatives Program (RAP) within the City and County of San Francisco between 1967 - 2003 along with its current impact on community empowerment in San Francisco and the country.

This conversation was held on June 27, 2024 at Brava Women for the Arts Cabaret in San Francisco's Mission District. This episode was produced and edited by Darren J. de Leon and Socorro Gamboa for the 5 Sisters Audio Garden.

Please consider donating to the RAMA Blueprints by visiting CARECENSF.org.