Why Advocacy?

(Scroll down for actions you can take)

As we continue to engage volunteers to meet the needs of our neighbors affected by the fires we realize that this is a critical moment to demand the policies, resources and commitment needed to ensure a recovery that is both sustainable and just.  That’s ADVOCACY!

For those of you interested in advocating for our neighbors who struggle economically, here is your page for action that is within the Volunteer Collective's mission of helping our neighbors who struggle economically.

Advocacy activities vary as the issues emerge. Sometimes it is calls, meetings, email campaigns or showing up at city council, but it is always being part of a group that cares about neighbors and neighborhoods. If there is something coming up we will put in a link, or you can sign up with the group and they will let you know what is coming down the pike. 

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ACTION ITEMS

  • YMCA care package assembly

    YMCAs are helping with distribution of food and supplies, free mental health support, and New American Welcome Center resources.

    If you are looking to support our communities, donations of the following are needed:

    Non-perishable food items (canned goods, rice, pasta)

    Personal hygiene items

    Household essentials (toilet paper, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies)

    Baby and children's items (formula, diapers, wipes, snacks)

    Items can be brought to the following Y centers: Anderson Munger, Ketchum-Downtown, Mid Valley, San Fernando Gardens, Southeast-Rio Vista, Weingart East Los Angeles, and Wilmington

    If you are looking to volunteer to support contact Volunteer@ymcaLA.org.

  • No Kings Day

    Multiple nationwide “No Kings Day” demonstrations are planned for June 14, which is also Flag Day and when the Trump administration will stage a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.

    June 14 is also President Donald Trump’s birthday.

    The “No Kings Day” demonstrations planned will protest Trump and his administration’s policies.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    What is “No Kings Day”?

    Organizers describe “No Kings Day” as “a nationwide day of defiance.”

    “From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like,” the organization’s website said. “We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind. The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.”

    Are there “No Kings Day” events planned for California?

    All the demonstrations are planned for Saturday, June 14.

    Long Beach — 9 to 11 a.m. at Bixby Park Annex

    Pico-Robertson — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The location will be shared once attendees RSVP. 

    Glendale — Noon to 2 p.m. at Glendale City Hall

    Studio City — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location will be shared once attendees RSVP. 

    Whittier — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Whittier City Hall. 

    Malibu — Noon to 1 p.m. at Malibu Library

    Santa Ynez Valley — 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall,

    Antelope Valley — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10th Street West and Rancho Vista Blvd in Palmdale.

    Brentwood — 1 to 3 p.m. at CA-4 Highway Pedestrian Overpass

  • Rapid Response Network

    If you have encountered an ICE raid or checkpoint, call your local rapid response network.

  • LA Times - Daunted by our nation’s big problems? Start local.

    The secret to building back trust in government and other institutions is not centered on what’s happening in Washington, but in our own communities

  • Spreadsheet Brigade

    Chelsea Kirk of Strategic Action for a Just Economy has encouraged volunteers to become the “spreadsheet brigade,” tracking rental price gouging in the city.  You can help!

Know your rights!

What can you do if ICE knocks on your door?

If you’re home alone or with family members and you hear a knock at the door, check the window, security camera or peephole so you can identify if ICE agents are outside.

When you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to keep your door closed and locked, advised advocacy groups and legal experts.

You must open your door and allow agents inside your home if they present a valid search warrant.

Advocates say agents must identify themselves and show you the warrant by putting it against the window or slipping it under your door.

A valid warrant must be:

Issued by a court.

Have the correct name and address of the person being seized.

Signed by a judge or magistrate judge.

An invalid warrant would be:

Issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

An ICE administrative document (Form I-200 or Form I-205).

Signed by an Immigration officer