The San Joaquin Valley Organizing Project (SJVOP)
The San Joaquin Valley Organizing Project (SJVOP) is
an inclusive community and faith-based network for supporting
and linking community development and grassroots organizing
efforts throughout the Valley (Kern, Kings, Tulare,
Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Stanislaus counties). The
network is dedicated to partnering with immigrant and
low-income communities in urban and rural areas to develop
and sustain community leadership and organizational
capacity that can address concerns around health, housing,
education, employment, and other important issues. Its
long-term goal is to improve the social, economic, physical,
and spiritual health of the Valley.
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Strategy. A key strategy involves the
discovery and connecting of local congregations and
other mediating institutions that have a passion for
their communities. An essential component is capacity-building
and leadership development within such institutions,
leading to strengthened internal relationships and greater
external community engagement and partnership.
•
Methodologies. Asset-based community
development, appreciative inquiry organizational development,
and interest-based relational organizing are the guiding
methodologies for achieving greater and more meaningful
civic participation within and among communities and
community-based institutions.
•
Resources. The SJVOP directly provides
and links network partners to research, planning, training,
organizational and community development consulting,
and strategic relationships for community engagement
and action.
•
Network partners. The SJVOP partners
consist of congregations and faith communities, educational
and health associations, neighborhood and parent groups,
labor unions, youth networks, community-based nonprofits,
and local businesses.
The SJVOP is built on relationships developed through
face-to-face meetings, small group discussions, larger
network convenings and trainings. Trainings are focused
on leadership, effective communication, public negotiation,
community-based research, and community organizing.
These skills and connections lead to accountable relationships
and the building of relational strength (power with)
required for broader participation in decision-making
about the future health of the Valley.
In working to establish a relational culture throughout
our region we are moving toward a new reality for the
Valley—one in which we find meaning through faith,
health, diversity, respect, and active participation
in the building of our future together.
Office Address:
3485 W. Shaw, Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93711
(O) 559-276-2304 (F) 559-276-2304
RCI@relational-culture.com
Contacts:
Keith Bergthold
Organizational Development Coordinator
email: keith@relational-culture.com
cell: 559-250-1902
Nate Fast
Organizer-Trainer
email: nate@relational-culture.com
cell: 559-906-9236
Deborah Bernal
Fellow Organizer
EMAIL: dib02@csufresno.edu
CELL: 559-349-2297
David Lighthall, Ph.D. (July 1, 2002)
Community Research Coordinator
email: david@relational-culture.com
cell: 530-867-2737
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