Underground Scholars Santa Barbara

10/29/2024

📢 Exciting News for Our Credible Messenger Network! 📢

We're thrilled to announce the development of the West Coast Credible Messengers Learning Management System and Mobile App! This innovative platform will host our West Coast Credible Messengers Training School—providing virtual access to multiple certifications designed specifically for credible messengers, both in the community and within facilities.

One of the standout features will be our Incarcerated Credible Messengers Training Program. This transformative program, currently offered on multiple General Population Yards and in Juvenile Halls, will soon be more accessible than ever. By providing online training opportunities, we're bridging gaps and expanding our reach, empowering credible messengers to build their skills, support rehabilitation, and make a lasting difference.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to launching this incredible resource for our West Coast Credible Messengers network! Together, we’re building pathways to change and supporting a stronger, safer future for all. 🌟

10/25/2024

📚 Exciting News! 🎉

West Coast Credible Messengers is thrilled to announce the launch of the Academic Credible Messengers Program Workbook! We have been running our Academic Credible Messengers pilot program in Long Beach. This engaging and interactive program is designed to empower marginalized teens and emerging adults on their journey toward higher education. 🌟

Inside, you'll find hands-on activities, practical workshops, and inspiring stories from mentors who have faced challenges and triumphed. Each month focuses on crucial themes like goal setting, academic skills, financial literacy, and personal growth, all aimed at helping you succeed in your educational pursuits.

Whether you're dreaming of college, trade school, or alternative pathways, this workbook is your essential guide to navigating the future.

👉 Join us in unlocking your potential! Grab your copy today and start your journey toward achieving your goals. Let’s transform aspirations into reality together! 💪✨

10/18/2024

🚨 Been in the lab with a pen and a pad, putting in the work to build curriculum for the West Coast Credible Messengers ! 🙌 We now have multiple curriculums published and ready to ride, all designed to develop credible messengers and build our homies up. The movement is growing, and we're being invited into facilities across the state. 🔥

First up is San Diego, where we’ve got a solid squad of credible messengers already doing amazing work. Big shout out to Nurture The Seed for trailblazing the Credible Messengers work out there and setting the standard. 🌱💯

This is just the beginning—stay tuned, more to come! 🚀

10/16/2024

🚨 Exciting News from LOCOS and West Coast Credible Messengers! 🚨

We're thrilled to announce that we're actively building up the Credible Messenger Soldiers across the West Coast! From San Diego to Mexico and up to Oakland, we're certifying Credible Messengers and empowering communities. Our mission is to build homies up, not break them down, and we have a solid coalition of Credible Messengers doing amazing work in juvenile halls and on the streets.

We believe in transformative justice—dismantling oppression and creating lasting change in our communities. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to get certified as a Credible Messenger, reach out to us to register.

West Coast Credible Messengers
Westcoastcrediblemessengers.com
[email protected].

Spanky Loco Tattoos
Locosnonprofit.org
[email protected]

Remember, it's not about one or two people; it's about building a network and a coalition of Credible Messengers who work together to transform the world. Let's make change happen! 💪

10/12/2024

The Leading Our Children Off Streets (LOCOS) West Coast Credible Messengers Certification Party was a resounding success! We proudly certified 13 new Credible Messengers, each equipped with the lived experience, skills, and commitment to return to their neighborhoods and facilities they are working in, ready to bring positive change.

These aren't just certifications; they are a testament to our resilience and dedication. It’s us—the same people the system once labeled as gang members and outcasts—who now hold the solutions to heal and uplift our communities. We walked away not only as Certified Credible Messengers but also as leaders in Transformative Justice, ready to challenge the cycles of violence and oppression.

Together, we have laid the foundation for the West Coast Credible Messengers International Network. We are stronger than ever, committed to rising above the struggles, and determined to create a better future for our communities. This is just the beginning!

10/10/2024

Victor Carrasco is a shining example of what it means to be a true Credible Messenger on the West Coast. With deep roots in the streets of San Diego, Victor uses his life experiences and hard-earned street credibility to uplift and inspire young people who are navigating some of the same challenges he once faced. His journey from the streets to becoming a mentor is a powerful testament to transformation and resilience.

Victor dedicates his time going into juvenile halls, where he connects with the young homies in a way that few others can. He doesn’t just talk to them; he speaks their language, reaching their hearts by drawing from his own story of struggle and redemption. Victor knows what it's like to feel trapped in a cycle of violence and despair, but he also knows that with the right guidance and support, change is possible.

His approach is rooted in empathy and genuine care, encouraging these youth to see beyond their current circumstances and envision a future filled with potential. Whether it's through one-on-one conversations or group sessions, Victor challenges them to shift their mindset, showing them that they can lead productive, positive lives. His influence doesn’t come from a badge or a title, but from the respect he's earned by surviving the same streets, making him a beacon of hope.

Victor Carrasco embodies the essence of a West Coast Credible Messengers —using his past to forge a brighter future for others. He is proof that transformation is real, and he is committed to ensuring the next generation knows it too.

10/04/2024

🚨 Exciting News! 🚨

L.O.C.O.S Credible Mentors and West Coast Credible Messengers are back at it again! 🎉

Join us for our Credible Messengers Certification Party on October 12th through the West Coast Credible Messengers Learning Management System!

This is more than just a celebration — it’s an opportunity to dive deep into the impactful work we do as Credible Messengers and to sharpen our skills as mentors and counselors for the next generation. We're breaking down what it means to truly connect with and guide our young homies, empowering them to transform their lives and communities.

Come through and learn how to be the best in the game! 💪

Date: October 12th
Where: West Coast Credible Messengers Learning Management System
Who’s Invited: All who are ready to mentor, inspire, and change lives!

Let's keep building together.

09/30/2024

🎓✨ You're Invited! ✨🎓

Join us TODAY at 10 AM for the West Coast Credible Messengers Training School Graduation! 🎉 Our amazing graduates will be sharing their capstone projects, showcasing the powerful changes they’re ready to make in their communities as certified Credible Messengers.

Come celebrate with us and hear these inspiring voices as they step into their roles as community leaders! Don’t miss out—click the link below to join us on Zoom.

🔗 Click here to join the Zoom meeting

Click https://uci.zoom.us/j/8382463631?omn=92089182616 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Let’s celebrate together! 🙌

09/29/2024

Recently, I had the chance to sit on a panel discussing credible messengers, and I was struck by how misguided some of the so-called "credible messengers" truly are. One of them even claimed that the Chief of Probation and District Attorneys were credible messengers. WOW!! I get that they provide funding, but let’s be clear—these individuals are what their titles say they are: Chief of Probation and District Attorneys. Their influence over our communities comes through the power to incarcerate, not to inspire real change. Credible messengers are rooted in the community, not operating from the system. The solution is and always has been within the community. For too long, we've allowed these systems to siphon our tax dollars while failing to make us safer. We are worse off today despite all the promises.

Then, another so-called messenger said, "You can’t call yourself a credible messenger if you still dress like a 'gang member.'" WOW. This kind of thinking shows how deeply some people have been co-opted by the system that continues to criminalize and demonize culture. These aren’t credible messengers—they’re opportunists willing to say or do anything for a paycheck.

My message was simple: MONEY COMES, MONEY GOES, BUT LEGACIES LIVE FOREVER. DON’T SELL OUT. STAY TRUE TO THE PEOPLE.
West Coast Credible Messengers

09/27/2024

Speaking power into the people!! West Coast Credible Messengers Empowering Communities 'the solution is in the community not the system.'
Yesterday was powerful I am very grateful for Project Kinship allowing me to share the work of West Coast Credible Messengers and all the amazing work that they are doing in our community its a great honor to be apart of this mission to serve and uplift the youth in the community and lead them towards pathways to success.

09/27/2024

West Coast Credible Messengers bringing transformation to the community. https://youtu.be/DCVKHbfh6Fw?si=m9miKEuqaFEv3OsA

An organization that was created to uplift communities impacted by incarceration.

09/27/2024

West Coast Credible Messengers was out at the Project Kinship conference sharing the mission and values of our organization and work. I am excited about all the amazing work that is coming together. Its time to transform this outdated system and curriculum that has produced minimum results and bring in new innovative approaches that incorporate lived experience and credible messengers who are solid leaders to create upward mobility and transformation that has never been seen before. Out with old in with the new. 'Those closest to the issues are closest to the solutions.'

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Einstein