Act now to support to CA Office of Safe and Healthy Communities!

We can still establish a statewide Office of Healthy & Safe Communities this year, but need to act now
This year, a bill that would create a statewide Office of Healthy and Safe Communities to fund and coordinate effective solutions to prevent violence and promote safety, healing, and racial equity has been making its way through the California legislature.

This bill now risks stalling out in the Senate Appropriations Committee after being held in the suspense file. Senator Portantino, the Chair of Senate Appropriations, and Senate President pro Tempore Atkins need to hear from you by this Wednesday August 28th at 5pm to ensure the bill moves forward.

Our partners at the Alliance for Men and Boys of Color created an online letter of support  so that you can quickly contact the Senate Appropriations Committee and urge them to vote AB 656 out of the suspense file and to the Senate floor for a vote.  

Please send a letter of support today and share this call to action with your colleagues and friends.
 
Send Letter
If AB 656 passes, the Office of Healthy and Safe Communities would be tasked with developing, implementing, and monitoring a statewide vision and plan for violence prevention, safety, and healing by: 
  • Expanding community-based solutions to ending violence and bringing effective prevention programs to every community;
  • Prioritizing prevention and interventions that address the root causes of violence and connect people with the supports they need to flourish;
  • Creating a community engagement strategy that lifts up the voices of people directly impacted by violence who are leading efforts to promote peace and healing at the community level;
  • Advancing racial equity by ensuring communities that have the resources they need to care for the health and wellbeing of those most vulnerable to experiencing violence. 

Thank you for taking the time to contact Senate Appropriations Committee today!

Need Our Help?

We’ve got more than 25 years of experience supporting community collaboratives, practitioners, funders, and jurisdictions. Check out our services and reach out.

get in touch