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.

Please consider donating to the RAMA Blueprints podcast at the CARECENSF.org website. Please subscribe to our podcast and share it with two people.

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.