Last weekend 29 of the most talented leaders in the East Bay’s progressive movement gathered for our Lead East Bay orientation. To build a more socially just Bay Area, we recruited this amazing cohort of leaders from base-building organizations across Alameda County to our new leadership development program. By recruiting from the base, we are lifting up leaders into appointed and elected roles who have ties to a community to which they are accountable.
The relationships with one another are such a big part of our theory of change that we devoted the orientation almost entirely to relationship building. Coming out of the base, our leaders will have a larger community around them as they move into public leadership roles, and will also have the new community of Lead East Bay, our staff and Advisory Committee, to support them and help them in their new roles. The relationship building over the next year will also help to address the crisis of isolated leadership. Many progressive leaders currently hesitate to serve in important institutions because it is often a very isolating experience.
Over the next year, leaders will meet once a month for training, and will also participate in a variety of campaigns across Alameda County and fundraise for next year’s cohort of Lead East Bay. Some will also receive campaign training through the Oakland Rising Committee, our sister organization.
Our Advisory Committee for Lead East Bay will also be part of our trainings, helping with training, facilitation and curriculum, and will also play an important mentoring role for our leaders.
You can support this work by contributing to Oakland Rising or donating space where we can hold our Saturday trainings.
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.
Sign up
Get our email updates and stay connected.
Donate
Oakland Rising is a project from our hearts for the people of Oakland. Thank you for your contribution!