Voter Education & Mobilization
Our work to win long-term political power and progressive policy victories by changing the civic engagement landscape includes building power, social capital and engagement through issue education, advocacy and mobilization. We bring often-excluded voices into the conversation and change the debate. Running 2-3 voter outreach campaigns per year, we reach tens of thousands of low-income, immigrant and voters of color in English, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin. Our base includes over 59,000 supportive voters — 25% of Oakland’s electorate.
Lifting the collective voices of voters who’ve been historically and intentionally left out of the decision making process, we create a more inclusive democracy that pushes for progressive policy reform including worker protections and anti-displacement measures.
Our civic engagement model brings the brilliance of Oakland’s Black, Latino, API and formerly incarcerated folks to the forefront of this work. Partnering with re-entry organizations, we recruit and hire formerly incarcerated Oaklanders for our paid team of voter outreach workers. Our hiring practices are part of a holistic approach to manifesting the kind of racial justice that shakes a fist of righteous indignation at America’s current democratic process.
Our program employs 45 to 115 residents annually:
- 80% Black
- 80% previously incarcerated or directly impacted by the system
- 95% from Oakland’s flatlands
We are building on-going political infrastructure while advancing progressive racial justice education and policy with voters who are often left out of the political process. Our powerful team of unlikely advocates for democracy reach tens of 1000s of voters each year – always with a commitment to racial and economic policies that help to change the conditions for our base.
Through bringing together our voter outreach effort with our commitment to hire formerly incarcerated Oaklanders to talk with voters, we are advancing a new face for advocacy and racial and economic justice in the political landscape.
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!