This is a very busy and exciting time of the year for the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC). We are currently in the process of reviewing and selecting our 2024-2025 Social Justice Fellows! The applicants have proposed solutions to address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to: environmental justice, youth gang intervention, LGBTQ+ rights, food insecurity, and education equity. While there are many more candidates and issues which merit funding that we cannot support, we are constantly reminded of the critical needs the Social Justice Fund is meeting.
2023 Fellows: Karina Cortes, Chantel Tapia, Marisol Gonzalez, Diego Magana |
As difficult as it is to make the final selections, the increasing number of fellow applicants illustrates how successful the Social Justice Fellowship program has been. The 27 emerging leaders we have funded to date have made strides in addressing local beach ecology, food insecurity for families, parental engagement in their children’s education, LGBTQ+ rights, and many more. These projects have impacted communities throughout Ventura County, and Fellows have enhanced their leadership skills.
Our program alumni are equipped with the tools to succeed after the fellowship concludes. All Social Justice Fellows receive coaching, mentorship and leadership/project management trainings. Alumni have gone on to work for elected officials, joined other non-profit boards of directors, and have developed their project into sustainable organizations with other sources of funding. As first funders, supporting emerging leaders, we take great pride in watching our Fellows continue to grow and succeed.
The SJFVC’s goal is to ensure our sustainability and grow the Social Justice Fellowship program. To do so we need to increase our staff to support emerging leaders effectively and provide the training they need to succeed. Your support has been key to our success. We are asking you to make a special effort this year so we can secure staff and ensure our Fellows are supported in their aspirations to create a more just and equitable Ventura County.
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“The program definitely made me feel like the issue I had been caring and worried about for so long was finally seen by a group of people who made me feel validated.” ~ Chantel Tapia, 2023 Fellow |
Please take a moment to click below and give a donation.
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Sincerely,
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Michael Teasdale Board Chair
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Rabiah Rahman Board Vice Chair
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| info@socialjusticefundvc.org |
The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County funds and empowers future leaders
promoting fairness, equity, human & environmental rights in our community.