Collaboration in Organizing

Guest Post – Jason Lacsamana, Director, Programs and Partnerships

As we enter election season, there’s discussion around this being “the most important election.” Truthfully, every election is important. Yes, this one feels particularly important, and it is. Yet while the spotlight is on the national level, we also need to focus on the local leaders and community organizing efforts. This includes educating ourselves, organizing, and voting for each elected position from the school board, city council, trustees, commissioners, and even those serving on our water boards.

This is a trickle-up effect in building community power. From the local level, we can build power up to the state assembly and then the state senate and up from there. And it’s critical for different groups to organize together because collaboration amplifies their collective voice, increases their influence, and leads to more comprehensive and sustainable change.

Over several years, I’ve experienced successful collaborative organizing through groups like the Orange County Civic Engagement Table (OCCET). OCCET is a progressive alliance between AAPI and Latinx labor and environmental justice groups that works to build progress in Southern California. Several of the eight anchor organizations have deep relationships with the St. Joseph Fund. They serve the emerging majority in Southern California – immigrant Latinx and Asian American communities.

Unity like this across different groups is crucial to building community power. Collaboration and collective efforts amplify voices and influence and create more robust advocacy. When existing groups on the margins join forces, they can pool their resources, skills, and knowledge, leading to more robust and impactful results. A united front attracts attention and may compel policymakers to act as they can reach a wider audience and engage more community members and allies.

Under-resourced communities often face similar barriers, and working together fosters a sense of solidarity, strengthening the resolve to overcome these challenges. Recognizing and addressing intersecting identities can lead to more inclusive and effective solutions that consider everyone’s diverse experiences. Additionally, combining forces optimizes resources, offers innovative solutions, empowers groups and individuals, strengthens community resilience, and ultimately leads to increased political and social clout. This sense of solidarity connects us all and makes us part of a larger movement for change.

Building local community power is critical for creating lasting and meaningful change. Community power strengthens individual and collective capacity and fosters a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient society. OCCET is just one example of a collaborative effort creating a local impact. Are there similar groups in your area? Let me know. I’d love to see what’s happening in your community.