Field Fundraising Team Member and Activist Super Mom Vernetta Woods received an award from Bay Area PLAN (Parent Leadership Action Network) this past fall. With two children who have been in Oakland public schools, PLAN recognized Vernetta’s tireless advocating within OUSD in support of both teachers and students. “It’s not just my job – it’s my life,” is how she describes her involvement in bettering school conditions.
At the beginning of the school year, Vernetta was able to unite her work with Oakland Rising to her activism in Oakland’s schools at a speaking engagement with parents, teachers, students and others about the Schools & Communities First Initiative. Explaining the importance of Schools & Communities First to a crowd of about 50, she drummed up support of this important campaign that will generate $12 billion annually for public schools and other crucial services statewide if passed by voters in November.
Vernetta’s advocacy for increased school funding spans over many years. As a participant in the School Site Council at a number of her children’s schools, she has voiced support for funding of vital services like the Restorative Justice program and Individual Education Plan (IEP) which serves students with learning disabilities or physical needs.
With her youngest child attending Greenleaf Elementary, Vernetta provides regular support in his classroom and on fieldtrips, and also by providing classroom supplies. We are proud and honored to have such an amazing advocate on our team!
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!