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Romero Institute

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 953527131 ✦ Santa cruz, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Romero Institute?

Romero Institute is a California-based nonprofit organization situated in Santa Cruz. Their primary mission is to address social justice and environmental issues, employing research, investigation, law, and education to develop projects that engage and empower citizens to tackle human rights and environmental challenges. In 2022, their notable campaigns included advocating for Native voting rights in Rapid City, South Dakota, through an "Oceti Vote" event, and supporting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in resisting the Dakota Access Pipeline, providing communication and technical assistance. Additionally, they defended the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) at the Supreme Court, ensuring the protection of indigenous parents and children under federal law. The Romero Institute also operated a kinship care home and worked on developing an archive of media about pipeline fights for educational purposes. With a team of 28 employees, they strive to implement strategic solutions for global warming, economic inequality, human rights, and indigenous rights.


Official website here: www.romeroinstitute.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 96%, Four-Star out of Four Star Rating

The Romero Institute has received a strong endorsement with a 96% score, reflecting its high standards in accountability and finance, as well as its effective leadership and adaptability. With a focus on social justice and environmental issues, the organization demonstrates a commitment to transparency, evidenced by its independent board structure and strong financial oversight mechanisms. Its high program expense ratio indicates that a significant portion of its funds is directed toward its programs, ensuring that it makes a tangible impact in the communities it serves.

Feedback from users highlights the institute's proactive role in addressing crucial issues such as climate change, indigenous rights, and social justice. Many reviewers commend the organization for its dedication, knowledgeable staff, and innovative approaches to advocacy, particularly through initiatives like the Lakota People's Law Project and the New Paradigm Institute. The testimonials emphasize the organization's ability to foster meaningful dialogue and involvement, illustrating its commitment to empowering communities and fostering civic engagement.

While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some reviews mention the challenges of navigating complex social and environmental issues. Nevertheless, the Romero Institute's reputation as a leader in advocacy and systemic reform remains strong. It is viewed as a beacon of hope and action in the nonprofit sector, encouraging individuals to support its transformative initiatives.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.

Is Romero Institute legitimate?

Romero Institute is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Romero Institute submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $442,899
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $1,385,008

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.romeroinstitute.org

What is the mission statement of Romero Institute?

The Romero Institute strives to address social justice and environmental issues by applying research, investigation, law, and education. They develop projects to educate and activate citizens, aiming to solve human rights and environmental problems. The organization exposes systemic injustice and implements strategic solutions for global warming, economic inequality, and human and indigenous rights. They utilize impact litigation, investigation, grassroots organizing, and public education to achieve sustainable goals. The institute is actively involved in advocating for the rights and sovereignty of indigenous communities, ensuring voting rights, and supporting tribal causes, such as the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline.


Official website here: www.romeroinstitute.org

Who is the CEO of Romero Institute?

Sara Nelson is the Chair Of The Board of Romero Institute.


Official website here: www.romeroinstitute.org

What is the revenue of Romero Institute?

Romero Institute's revenue in 2022 was $1,876,523.


Official website here: www.romeroinstitute.org

Who are the executives of Romero Institute and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Romero Institute during 2022 was $65,282. There are 28 employees and 25 volunteers at Romero Institute.


Here are 12 key members and their salaries:


Paul Lee (Chair Of The Board)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Markell Brooks (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Gwendolyn Grace (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chase Iron Eyes (Codirector Of Lplp)
  • Compensation: $78,996
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Daniel Sheehan (President)
  • Compensation: $137,102
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $1,026
Sara Nelson (Vice President)
  • Compensation: $137,102
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $1,026
Daniel Paul Nelson (Secretary/Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $81,808
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,839
Eric Thiermann (Audit Committee Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Pearl Means (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Faye Crosby (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Benjamin Eichert (Program Director Lgca)
  • Compensation: $102,935
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,300
Heidi Harmon (Senior Public Affairs)
  • Compensation: $102,935
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $5,974


Official website here: www.romeroinstitute.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Romero Institute?

Romero Institute's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.romeroinstitute.org

Learn more at the official website: www.romeroinstitute.org

Mission Statement of Romero Institute

The Romero Institute is committed to addressing social justice and environmental issues. They achieve this through the application of research, investigation, law, and education. Their mission is to expose systemic injustice and implement strategic solutions for global warming, economic inequality, and human and indigenous rights. The organization utilizes impact litigation, investigation, grassroots organizing, and public education to achieve sustainable goals.

This nonprofit is particularly focused on protecting the rights and sovereignty of indigenous communities, such as the Lakota Sioux People. In 2022, a major campaign was launched to turn out the native vote in Rapid City, South Dakota, which included events like a basketball tournament, live music, and traditional Lakota practices. The Romero Institute also successfully served as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against South Dakota to ensure compliance with the National Voter Registration Act ("Motor Voter" law), ensuring that native folks can register to vote when visiting certain agencies.

In addition, the Romero Institute provided technical support to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in their ongoing efforts to resist the Dakota Access Pipeline. They managed communication flow, including e-blasts, video production, fundraising, website development, and press releases. The Institute also operated a Kinship Care Home, providing shelter for children, and made strides in developing their "Nodapl" Archive, which will provide a wealth of media about pipeline fights to educators, journalists, lawyers, and others worldwide.

Furthermore, the Romero Institute played a significant role in supporting the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) at the Supreme Court, where ICWA was under attack. Their attorneys and communications staff prepared an amicus brief submitted to the court in collaboration with the chair of their Board of Advisors, former U.S. Senator James Abourezk, the main author of ICWA. In a historic decision, the Supreme Court's ruling preserved the protection of indigenous parents and children provided in the ICWA law.

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Impact




July, 2024

Romero Institute is making a significant impact by addressing social justice and environmental issues through research, investigation, law, and education. They are actively involved in projects that educate and mobilize citizens to solve human rights and environmental problems.

In collaboration with the Lakota People's Law Project, Romero Institute has been advocating for the rights and sovereignty of the Lakota Sioux people. They have undertaken various initiatives, including a major campaign to increase Native voter turnout in Rapid City, South Dakota, where they organized an "Oceti Vote" event that facilitated voter registration and community engagement.

Furthermore, Romero Institute has played a crucial role in supporting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline, providing technical assistance, managing communication efforts, and operating a kinship care home for children. They are also developing an archive related to pipeline fights, which will serve as a valuable resource for educators, journalists, and lawyers worldwide.

Additionally, Romero Institute has been actively involved in defending the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) at the Supreme Court, ensuring the protection of Indian parents and children as provided by the law. They have also worked with the Cheyenne River Nation in South Dakota to establish a child welfare department for the tribe.

Overall, Romero Institute's efforts are making a tangible difference in promoting systemic justice, addressing global warming, economic inequality, and protecting human and indigenous rights through their strategic and multi-faceted approach.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Romero Institute. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$1,876,523 (2022)
Expenses
$3,188,901 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: -$167,930
  • Program Service Revenue: $11,200
  • Gross Receipts: $3,646,948

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $1,722,675
  • Total Liabilities: $181,309
  • Net Assets: $1,541,366

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

EVENTS

Revenue

$11,200

Organization Details

Founding Year

1980

Principal Officer

Sara Nelson

Main Address

210 HIGH ST 2ND FLOOR, SANTA CRUZ, CA, 95060

NTEE Category

Code: B05 - Education

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