Gamaliel of California

Organizational Mission

Gamaliel of California is an emerging multi-issue, multi-racial faith-based network of regional organizations dedicated to building a powerful and effective statewide, grassroots movement that will change public policy for racial, social, and economic justice.

The mission of Gamaliel of California is achieved through a proven values-driven model for leadership development and community organizing that:

Creates on-going relationship building processes that identify leaders, issues, opportunities and obstacles;
Provides on-going investment in the development of leaders through formal leadership training and public campaigns that allows leaders to act in the public world;
Builds the structure, process and base that bring together diverse constituencies from through a region committed to common values and campaigns; and,
Implements successful issue campaigns that change public policy and promote shared prosperity.

Gamaliel of California is being established with the support of the Gamaliel Foundation, a 40-year old international organizing institute with affiliated organizations in twenty-two states, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Organizational History and Accomplishments

In 2003, the Gamaliel Foundation was invited to San Diego to provide training and assist community leaders in building a new organization that could effectively engage and organize diverse constituents to challenge elected officials and shape local public policies. Over the past six years, new organizing efforts have emerged through Gamaliel that is creating the opportunity for a new emerging statewide force for change engaging immigrants and low income community members who have traditionally been shut out of public decision-making.

Regional Organizations: affiliated with Gamaliel of California

Coastal Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) – Ventura County
Justice Overcoming Boundaries (J.Ō.B.) - San Diego County
Genesis – Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
North Bay Community Organizing Project – Sonoma County
Santa Clara Organizing Committee – Santa Clara County

Gamaliel of California Structure

California’s organizing efforts are being directed by Mary Gonzales, Director of California for the Gamaliel Foundation. Although the Director is currently the only staff member, California affiliates have access to the expertise and skills of the organizers and consultants of the Gamaliel Foundation.

Gamaliel of California has a Sponsoring Committee that consists of representatives from each of the affiliated organizations. Their responsibilities include developing strategic public policy issue campaigns and direct actions; identifying opportunities for resource sharing and collaboration; and evaluating the progress of our on-going work to ensure that organizers and leaders are accountable to the constituencies they represent and serve locally.

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