News & Blog

…but nothing can be changed until it is faced. – James Baldwin

Among other things, 2020 has been a year of facing hard truths. Intersecting health, economic and racial justice crises have made clear that:

• Structural racism and sexism are embedded in, and reinforced by, our political and economic systems.
• The American narrative of individualism, and a decades-long disinvestment in the public sector, has crippled our ability to care for each other and the planet when we need it most.
• When everything breaks down, the workers we rely on to meet our basic needs are often afforded the least pay, safety, benefits and agency.

And the list goes on…

But change doesn’t come from awareness alone. It must be followed by bold ideas, and brave action.

Like front-line workers in essential jobs standing up to corporate employers, demanding adequate health protections in spite of the risk of retaliation, and family providers of subsidized child care in California unionizing for the first time ever , increasing their power to advocate for better pay and more funding for subsidies and training;

Women of color leaders in Hawai’i developing a groundbreaking, intersectional feminist economic recovery plan, including advocating that stimulus spending not just focus on cisgender male-dominated infrastructure jobs;

And the Roosevelt Institute releasing its True New Deal policy proposal, rich with transformative policy recommendations for a more equitable future.

Facing hard truths, generating bold ideas and taking brave action are all critical to realizing a diverse and equitable Bay Area. Read on for more examples of local leaders taking action, and for ways you can get involved!

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