Upcoming
Grantmaking Meetings
August 6 - Training on proposal review - Proposals distributed to eligible Giving Circle members
August 27 - Review and select top proposals, identify conversation questions or research issues/projects
September 17 - Conversations with Grantees
September 24 - Decide on Grantees
October 15 - Evaluation and Future Planning
November 5 - Grant Reception |
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DONOR's Corner ~
Doug Green
"I
have always felt that, as
Americans, we can do much better than we have done in the past to
create a level playing field for everyone. ... Two years ago, when I discovered the Social Justice Fund, I felt that I
had finally joined with a group of people who were equally determined
to turn the tide against injustice."
As anyone who knows Doug would say, he has a heart of gold. Combine that with his knowledge of the issues, ability to connect, and activist spirit, and you have someone who is definitely making a difference in our community.
To learn more, click on
Doug Green Challenge
If interested in creating your own personal appeal page on behalf of the SJF, please contact Tricia
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Looking for Inspiration?
Check out this video from Bill Moyers' Journal on PBS about a community organizer in Massachusetts, working to help people hold on to their homes as they face foreclosure.
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Spotlight on a Grant Recipient:
Ventura County Rainbow Alliance
Like ninety percent of the gay and lesbian centers around
the country, VC Rainbow Alliance was started in response to the AIDS
crisis. Initially, the organization
focused on providing social services--food, housing, counseling, HIV testing
and other crucial life supports--for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
community. Today, Rainbow Alliance is the largest non-profit providing HIV/
AIDS services in the County. It is also
a vibrant, welcoming town square where LGTB people can relax together, find the
support or services they need, join in a rich variety of cultural, artistic and
recreational opportunities, and participate in political advocacy.
A key element of VCRA's mission is to promote LGBT equality
through education and advocacy. In 2008
VC Rainbow Alliance applied for a grant from the Social Justice Fund for
Ventura County. Our grant gave VCRA's
Civil Rights Equality Project its start.
Its director, Jay Smith says, "In a basically conservative county like
ours, your grant was both courageous and crucial."
As part of its goal of spreading the word about LBGT
equality, VCRA has developed print materials and initiated dialog with a broad
range of people. One of its most
successful efforts has been to reach out to faith communities with whom open
conversation and listening might inspire change. In these discussions participants share
stories about their lives and seek to define the meaning of full equality-under
the law and in all aspects of daily life.
An estimated 40,000 LGBT people live in Ventura County. For more information about Ventura County
Rainbow Alliance visit VCRA website
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SJF's First "VAN TOUR"
Over 30 supporters of the Social
Justice Fund participated in
the inaugural Tour d'Égalité on May 30, 2009. Here are some of their comments:
I was impressed with the extent to which the Meta Street group was re-framing their neighborhood.
[Meta Street farmworker housing is a project of Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation]
 Standing on the sand between the gigantic toxic
slag heap at Halaco on the one hand and the precious coastal wetlands on the
other, Cameron really brought the issue of environmental justice home. There we stood on what should have been
pristine coastline, witnessing the aftermath of the collision of a toxic
industrial polluter and a low-income community. [Cameron Yee works for CAUSE]
I had no idea that the Halaco problem was so huge.
I have a better sense of the community building that we are helping to facilitate.
I loved the opportunity to witness the advocacy efforts from SJF-funded projects on tackling the issues.
[Thank you to Jon DeLorey for the great photographs.]
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"CREATING CHANGE NOT CHARITY"
Become part of the change and join the Social Justice Fund today!
For more information contact SJF's Administrative Director, Tricia Keen socialjusticefund@vccf.org |
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