Social Justice Fund for Ventura County February 2022 Update

Hello,

We are currently living in a time that will surely be written about in history books. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty about the future, what it will look like and who will shape it. Nevertheless, we must persist. With your support and donations, we will persist.

To bring some positive and hopeful news to you today, we are sharing the inspiring work of our 2021-2022 Fellows. Your donations have helped to make this work possible. Our Fellows are all demonstrating extraordinary leadership and ingenuity in carrying out their projects. We hope you find inspiration in their work and the impact they are having in the community.

Latest updates:

• Sierra Doehr has conducted listening sessions among residents and established a board of directors for the Saticoy Farmers Market. Her project will create a local and heathy food farmers market in Saticoy. She is currently working with local community leaders, elected officials and public agency to secure the location and necessary permits. She has also created a web site. You can learn more by visiting: Saticoy Farmers Market Website.
• Alisa De Los Santos has held one listening session and is planning more. The first session was disrupted by one individual who questioned the process and importance of getting parents of color involved. Despite the fact that that individual needed to be escorted from the meeting, Alisa received a lot of input about the need for increased diversity among teachers to represent the diversity in the students.
• Monique “Mo” Gonzalez is the founder and creative director of Get Loud Movement, a social justice arts collective centering LGBTQIA+ creatives and their allies. On April 23rd, Mo will be partnering with Oxnard Performing Arts Center to bring our first ever Social Justice Arts & Film Fest! The goal is to develop a community healing approach through art while giving young ARTivists the tools to raise awareness through creative expression. This event will consist of speakers, activities, workshops held by Get Loud teaching artists who integrate social justice issues through art and more! The event is on April 23 from 11 to 6 PM at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. You can register or learn more at this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-justice-arts-film-fest-tickets-219974318107#
• Michelle and Edith Carballo are continuing their work in increasing awareness amongst undocumented immigrants of the long-term consequences of not getting legitimate legal representation. They have held several events to build awareness, set up stands at SWAP meets and are planning a major event at Oxnard College. Edith and Michelle have been working with the district attorney’s office to gather testimony for potential prosecution of known fraudulent actors in the community.

We are proud of the progress our Fellows are making and thank all whose contributions have made their work possible. To support leaders like these, donate to the SJFVC.

With sincere gratitude,

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