In South LA, grassroots efforts have led to significant progress despite challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Historically, the community has struggled with underinvestment, exploitation, and displacement due to policies favoring business interests, resulting in poor health outcomes, excessive policing, and systemic racism.
Notwithstanding these obstacles, South LA has managed to secure crucial funding, hold elected leaders accountable, and influence local and state policies positively. However, the community faces growing opposition from those benefiting from violence, addiction, crime, poverty, and exploitation, by placing propositions on the ballot that will cause direct harm.
To counter these challenges, it is essential for residents to unite, build local leadership, and fight for propositions and policies that support community well-being and equity. This is why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our second People’s Civic School program: People’s Civic School 2024.
The People’s School is a community organizing training program where Black and Brown residents can deepen their understanding of the electoral process, build community and become civic leaders. The People’s Civic School Program will also equip participants with the organizing skills necessary to mobilize residents, and expand our base membership.
Over five weeks, those engaging in the People’s Civic School Program will take part in an exciting curriculum that includes:
- CoCo 101: This training focuses on CoCo’s Mission Values and CoCo Campaigns
- The Electoral Landscape: The training breaks down the importance of what’s at stake in the 2024 election
- Facilitation and Story of Self: Participants will master honing their storytelling and public speaking skills for impactful change as well as acquire the skills for effective meeting facilitation and storytelling to empower and recruit residents into a movement.
2023 People’s School South LA Tour
All those in the 2024 People’s Civic School cohort will learn the art and science of organizing, and how to execute strong outreach and recruitment techniques that will contribute to building our grassroots movement here in South LA. For more information, contact Ricky Wright (They/Them) Ricky@cocosouthla.org.