This past March, we held two multi-day events to fortify the capacity and effectiveness for both our organization and collaborative partners. We are more committed than ever to increasing the political power of working-class people of color and immigrants to win racial, economic and environmental justice in Oakland and beyond.
And, thanks to the generous support of the San Francisco Foundation, the East Bay Community Foundation and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund we were able to hold an overnight 3-day retreat with our partners for the first time. Together, we collectively took a deep dive into our vision and strategy for the next 10 years.
With a decade of electoral cycles and over 20 civic engagement campaigns collectively under our belts, new program areas in motion (including values-based leadership, movement technology projects and a fundraising canvass), and the growth and evolution of our many partner organizations, the retreat provided a space for more intense focus to reflect and plan what the next 10 years looks like for our vision, our collaborative work and our city. About 35 staff members from across our collaborative attended.
At the retreat we began the process of shifting our collaborative model from participation to ownership from our partners. With our top value deemed as being in a shared political space to move us into power, we saw a role of Oakland Rising to have more clear relationships and leadership development. By creating two new committees, we are collectively restructuring the collaborative to give more decision making power around campaigns and political strategy to our partners.
As an additional investment in our collaborative, we hosted a 2-day in-house training by The Management Center (TMC) for the management teams of our staff and our partners from March 5 to 6. TMC is a values-aligned nonprofit with years of experience helping social justice organizations to become more successful through strengthened approaches to management. Led by Jakada Imadi, Ella Baker Center’s former ED, the training helped to further deepen our partnerships and the alignment of our work by providing shared infrastructure, tools and orientation to management systems which will support us to become more effective in achieving our mission and vision.
Oakland Rising and our collaborative partners are united in our vision for a city that embodies health, happiness, safety, and equal opportunities for all. Our goal is to create a model of progress and sustainability that showcases the possibilities for American cities in the 21st century. We are committed to dismantling the barriers of racial, economic, political, environmental, and educational inequities that have divided us, and instead, embracing the collective strength found in our city’s diversity. We firmly believe that Oakland can achieve its full potential when every resident, student, and bus rider has the ability to shape our city’s future. This vision is attainable and we are determined to realize it through our collective actions, whether it’s through voting, meetings, or call to actions.
Every year, we release a Vision, Issues, and Policy Platform (VIPP) which outlines the annual policies that we and our eight partner organizations prioritize in order to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice in the Town. Our collaborative’s agenda encompasses a range of critical initiatives, from expanding affordable housing to creating a more equitable democracy through campaign finance reforms. These priorities are designed to provide vital protections and innovative solutions for the most vulnerable members of our community. As we continue our efforts to promote these policies, we hold conversations with thousands of voters, lead and co-host impactful town hall meetings, educate and mobilize residents and voters, and undertake various other initiatives.
To gain a deeper understanding of our commitment to resist, protect, and advance in this political moment, we invite you to explore our 2023 Vision, Issues, and Policy Platform. Together, we are making strides towards a more equitable and just Oakland, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of change, one vote, one meeting, one march at a time.
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Oakland Rising is a project from our hearts for the people of Oakland. Thank you for your contribution!