Mural of silhouetted figures raising their fists, standing behind large flowers

By Brandi Howard

From debates to the drama of the 24-hour news cycle, there is no question that the November 5th presidential election is taking up a large part of our collective consciousness. Voting is a simultaneous action that we can all take together to protect our communities and advance more equitable policies. It is a powerful action – but we need a multitude of collective actions to create a true multi-racial democracy and human-centered economy.

On the national political front, there’s a lot of talk about who is a real American and who is not. These conversations cause real harm to immigrants and all communities of color. They also distract us from the core issues affecting people’s everyday lives. As an EBCF supporter, you know that so much of how we improve our conditions happens on the local level.

As the only foundation solely focused on Alameda and Contra Costa counties, we have an important role to play and can provide 501(c)(4) dollars for political efforts. This election year, EBCF gave money to two critical ballot measure efforts:

  • Polluter Pay Measure in Richmond. This one didn’t even get to a vote – the threat of the measure was so great that Chevron settled with the City of Richmond for $550M for the company’s environmental impacts.
  • Measure NN in Oakland. This is a renewed and enhanced public safety measure. It includes increased investments to improve 911 response times; additional community police officers; and community-based prevention programs including job training, high school graduation assistance, and mental health services.

In addition to funding campaigns, EBCF funds grantees that lead voter registration and voter turnout efforts in low-income and BIPOC neighborhoods. So many of these residents feel the political system does not address their needs and either have never voted or vote infrequently. Our grantees knock on their doors, educate them on what’s on the ballot, and show them that their votes matter.

Finally, almost all of our grantees engage East Bay residents on legislative policies that impact our jobs, our homes, our businesses, our neighborhoods, and our environment. From passing affordable housing legislation in Concord and Antioch and preventing cuts to jobs and public safety in Oakland’s historic deficit budget to bringing the voices of BIPOC entrepreneurs to small business policy, EBCF grantees are leading the charge on policies that affect our day-to-day lives.

The collective impact of EBCF and our grantees on our democracy is clear. Our work does not begin and end on November 5. Yes, we all must vote: It is our right won through the sacrifices of those who came before us. However, we must continue to fight, push, and create a future that we’ve never seen before: a true multi-racial democracy and human-centered economy.

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