Hello,
Despite challenging times, I hope this finds you well. It has been difficult for Oakland Peace Center (OPC) to be in a crucial rebuilding phase as the Bay Area and the world grapple with intense political and social conflict. While we continue to manage space for nonprofits and refine our operations for improved sustainability, OPC is working to identify how we can best meet the needs of this moment, and for years to come. We are excited to share updates about new programming, the affordable housing development, board leadership, and our recently completed annual report. |
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As climate change worsens, sustainable practices will be essential to reduce conflict over limited resources. We are excited to launch a new program for youth to learn about sustainability and leading change in their community.
Youth Sustaining Peace is a 4-day workshop series that educates and empowers young people to speak up about environmental sustainability. This free program aims to uplift youth as leaders in creating more sustainable communities.
Youth will receive stipends, certificates, & sustainable swag for completing the program. Select applicants may receive additional media training while working on a short video documenting the workshop series. Youth Sustaining Peace is a collaboration between Oakland Peace Center and Resilience Birthright with support from the Northern California Recycling Association.
Please share this opportunity with parents and young folks who may be interested in this paid-learning experience. |
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Growing our Board of Directors |
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Oakland Peace Center is grateful for Angela Urata who is rejoining the Board of Directors. Angela has previously run a nonprofit located at OPC, served on our Board, and worked as a staff member at OPC. She brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and inspirational artivism that will help direct OPC's mission of peace building.
Angela has enjoyed leading programmatic, financial, and administrative processes in the nonprofit sector. She believes in the power of mindfulness practices in order to resolve trauma and cultivate inner peace in schools and juvenile halls. She is inspired by the next generation of peacemakers who are using social and emotional learning tools to engage in restorative justice practices and nonviolent communication. Angela is committed to international solidarity movements for just immigration, fair trade policies, and food sovereignty.
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Angela Urata
Angela is a dancer and storyteller, who is counting on the artists to help shape the world during these uncertain times. |
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Affordable Housing Open House |
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Attendees heard from OPC, First Christian Church of Oakland, developer The Unity Council, and SmithGroup architects before Q&A and time to comment on the designs. |
| While policies are developing that both increase and criminalize poverty and homelessness, OPC is proud to create 90+ units of affordable housing with The Unity Council. On April 29th, we held our first public community engagement to share updates about our housing development and get feedback. Folks learned about how The Unity Council and SmithGroup architects will honor the building's 100 years of history started by the First Christian Church of Oakland before sharing their feedback. To get updates about future meetings and the development progress, sign up here. Email us if you would like to schedule a briefing to learn more. |
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Annual Report for 2023 - 2024 |
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Check out our 2023-2024 Annual Report! The report notes what Oakland Peace Center was working on during 2023-2024, where we are now, and what's in the works. Thanks to community support, OPC hosted some great nonprofit partners leading different aspects of peace building while navigating the complex process of planning for affordable housing. We look forward to increasing our staffing and programming for a more peaceful Oakland. |
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Peace begins with You. Violence, hate, and injustice end with Us. |
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Many government, foundation, and corporate funders are cautious to issue grants as they are also navigating political changes. Your support is greatly appreciated and impactful for our mission of building peace.
Your donation supports a community of artists, activists, cultural workers, educators and non-profits collaborating to bring about a city of hope, justice, nonviolence and compassion. |
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