Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Gonzalez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us DJ. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well… I have always been a curious girl traveling to visit family in Mexico and Peru as a kid, and never understood why the world existed the way it did. After college, I wanted to join the Peace Corp and was denied, so I started to create my own nonprofit. The name Peace Love Knowledge came about from going through life’s ups and downs, and are the three values that kept me grounded and aligned with my purpose and power. The mission is to bring communities together using the power of the people’s voice. I want to create an opportunity for people to use their voice and make the change they want in their communities like I wanted to as a child and today. I know I am not the only one who thinks this doesn’t make sense…so let’s change the game!
I filed for the 501(c) 3 nonprofit in June 2016 and received PLK’s tax exempt status in September 2016. Super fast! Skid Row was a huge curiosity of mine and such a small community with tons of organizations, but it still exist. I roamed the streets of Skid Row with a camera to film (those wanting to be on camera) and asked the question “What change do you want to see here?” Many wanted laptops to create businesses, use the internet, or see more therapeutic activities. Immediately I asked family and friends for help to get these laptops, I looked up and saw a safe space to set up, and until this day I have formed this pop up Motivation Center. It has been almost three years of hanging out with people experiencing tough times and living in the Skid Row area. Also, it has been great to make change in Torrance, CA, TJ, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Koreatown, LA, using the power of the people’s voice.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. I knew nothing about a nonprofit business, how the city works, myself, etc..
All I knew is I wanted to change communities and show people we can do this. This has been ran by me (DJ) for the past three years and I do not want to quit until the vision has come into fruition.
First struggle was getting volunteers and how to sustain them. Next, understanding all the paperwork that comes with a nonprofit. Then, trying to fund your ideas in the grass root stage seems to be impossible. Lastly, understanding myself as I go through stressful and confusing situations to really execute what’s going on in my brain and create a brand and company. It is all worth it though and I have learned so much in the past few years. I am really excited about the growth from these obstacles 🙂
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Peace Love Knowledge – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Peace Love Knowledge is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that brings communities together and makes change using the power of the people’s voice. The focus is on provoking the question “What change do you want to see?” and making the change for the individual’s community. Currently, we have been working in the Skid Row community writing resumes/business cards, providing art therapy and board games, but most importantly motivating the fellow residents. PLK is mainly known for the resume writing. As the creator of this organization, I am super proud of all the smiles I can share with supporters for helping make change internally and externally. I truly believe there is nothing out there that is a platform for the people to be supported in change they want to see in their communities.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that it is a melting pot for people to aspire and fulfill all their dreams and goals in life.
I do not like that we are not at 100% renewable energy, we do not allocate funding properly to help the houseless community, not enough trash services, not enough recycling alternatives, and no rent stabilization.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.plknonprofit.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/plknonprofit
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
