To bolster your efforts during this critical time, we urge you and your collegues to register for the Nonprofit Advocacy Series: Launch Pad – Basics to Impact on Wednesday, November 19. This hands-on training will strengthen board and staff advocacy skills, clarify legal guidelines, and help build effective coalitions. Join us to connect with peers and sharpen your strategy.
We also want to take a moment to thank Skye Hathaway, Policy and Equity Coordinator, for his dedicated service at Thrive. In the photo below, Skye is pictured during a presentation on civic engagement during election cycles, alongside Voter Education and Outreach Advisory Committee (VEOAC) Co-Chair Diane Leeds and Rafael Avendaño, Executive Director of Redwood City Together. Skye has been a steady partner to our VEOAC network and across our policy and advocacy work.
To continue advancing language equity across San Mateo County, Thrive Alliance encourages nonprofits to apply to Thrive's Translation Services Hub, which offers free translation and interpretation in Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino to organizations that may not have these resources in-house. The Hub is also expanding its team and is seeking experienced translators and interpreters who are passionate about language justice. By joining the network, you can help ensure every resident can access information and services in the language they trust. If you are interested, complete the online form.
Most recently, Thrive's Translation Services Hub collaborated with community partners to provide Spanish translations of candidate biographies and recorded statements for the Forum for Candidates for Appointment to the Office of San Mateo County Sheriff, ensuring broader public access to essential information during this process. These translated materials can be downloaded and shared widely using this link. Partners are encouraged to share them widely within their networks to support community access and engagement.
In partnership,
Yajaira Ortega, Policy and Equity, Senior Manager
To view Thrive and community events or to submit an event, visit Thrive's Event page.
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Senator Josh Becker shared an update on the district’s emergency food drive, announcing that the community has donated more than 8,000 pounds of food and essential supplies. With CalFresh benefits beginning to be restored, the district is now encouraging residents to continue supporting the effort by donating directly to local food banks, pantries, and nonprofit partners. Senator Becker emphasized that hunger is a year-round challenge and urged the community to stay engaged, support local organizations, and help spread the word about CalFresh resources.
To connect with community services for food, shelter, job services, child care, senior services, counseling, and much more, dial "211" or visit SMC Connect!
​Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; multiple languages are spoken.
State Updates
Passed: Proposition 50
California voters approved Proposition 50, which authorizes the Legislature, rather than independent commissions, to redraw congressional district maps through 2030. Supporters view the measure as a tool to address national redistricting disparities, while critics express concern that it may reduce the role of independent commissions and affect long-term accountability and representation. Read more here.
County Updates
Process Update for New Sheriff Appointment
San Mateo County is moving forward with a public process to select its next Sheriff, and the Board of Supervisors has named three finalists: Kenneth Binder, David Lazar, and Brian Wynn Huynh Travis. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged by attending upcoming public meetings, learning about each finalist’s background, and submitting questions for the moderated Public Candidates Forum on TODAY, November 10, at 6 p.m. All meetings will take place at 500 County Center in Redwood City, with Spanish interpretation and accessibility accommodations available. Full details and the county’s question submission form can be found at smcgov.org/ceo/new-sheriff.
Rapid Response Efforts in San Mateo County
Faith in Action Bay Area has shared an update on the October 2025 ICE detentions involving San Mateo County residents, along with additional resources that include a summary of September detentions, an overview of the San Mateo Rapid Response Hotline, and “Orange Cards” for community distribution. The Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 is available for emergency legal assistance when someone is detained by ICE, to verify reports of ICE activity, or to request accompaniment for immigration-related appointments in San Francisco. Verified information is posted on Faith in Action Bay Area’s social media platforms. Periodic updates on immigration enforcement trends are available through a sign-up form for email notifications.
HLC's Measure K Report
Housing Leadership Council’s new Measure K report highlights major local progress on affordable housing, showing thousands of homes created or preserved and sustained investment across the county. As housing costs continue to rise, this analysis highlights the need for sustained local funding and collaborative solutions. Community members are invited to register for a 45-minute webinar on Friday, November 21 at 12 p.m., where housing experts will break down the report’s findings and discuss what lies ahead for renters and families in San Mateo County.
Thrive Updates
Nonprofit Advocacy Series
Launch Pad: Basics to Impact
Wednesday, November 19, 10:30 - 2:30 pm, In-Person
Join Thrive Alliance and Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits for the Advocacy Series Launch Pad. This streamlined all-day session is a crash course in nonprofit advocacy, summarizing the 101 series and preparing you for the upcoming 201 deep dive. Whether you are brand new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your strategy, this session grounds you in the fundamentals, gives you hands-on practice, deepens your bag of tricks, and connects you with peers who are building power across our community.
This session will be taught by the experienced staff at Thrive and SVCN, listed below in more detail, who have been working hard to bring the Advocacy Series 101 curriculum in a clear and accessible format. Register to learn more.
Part 1: Nonprofits & Advocacy + Building a Campaign Learn how to frame your mission in advocacy terms, understand where your voice matters most, and map out a campaign step-by-step—from power mapping to media strategy.
Part 2: Charting the Legal Lobbying Waters Get clarity on what nonprofits can and cannot do in the advocacy space. This session covers lobbying rules, compliance basics, and space for your pressing legal questions. A concise session designed to get you the essentials fast.
Part 3: Coalition Catalyst + Community Organizing Discover how to turn shared values into collective power. Explore coalition dynamics, community-based organizing, and practical strategies for building sustainable alliances.
This workshop is a part of Thrive's and SVCN's Nonprofit Advocacy Training Series.
This past week, Thrive co-hosted the AI4NP Learning Lab with Jobtrain, CEN,and StartupUniverse, bringing local nonprofit leaders together to advance their AI skills. Speakers discussed the responsible adoption of AI, utilizing AI effectively, and leveraging it to free staff time for mission-driven work. If you're looking for more AI tips for nonprofits, we are offering an upcoming training session focused on the first steps for implementing AI in your organization. cindy@thrivealliance.org for details.
Thrive RISE
Throughout October, the Thrive RISE COAD committees have continued to work on developing their Disaster Readiness Snapshots (DRS). The snapshots are being developed by each of the four committees: Children & Childcare, Mental Health & Spiritual Care, Older Adults & Access and Functional Needs (AFN), and Food Security. The snapshots provide an overview of emergency preparedness in San Mateo County within their respective committee areas, enabling nonprofits to identify resources and assess their capacity for preparedness. These snapshots will be finalized by December and presented at the next all-COAD meeting. Please email betty@thrivealliance.org for more information.
Civic Threads
We’re excited to introduce Civic Threads, a new way to stay connected through quick updates and timely alerts about what’s happening in our community and how you can get involved. Think of it as your direct line to important civic news, opportunities to take action, and ways to stand in solidarity with nonprofits and community members.
This alert system is designed to keep you informed and engaged. We look forward to weaving our community together through Civic Threads and keeping you connected to the issues and opportunities that matter most to you.
If you have content that you would like to share with us through our Civic Threads, please send it directly to Yajaira Ortega.
If you'd like to stay informed and receive notifications in the future, simply click the link below to subscribe.
Apply to Thrive Alliance’s Translation Services Hub to receive free translation and interpretation support that your organization may not be able to provide independently. Our goal is a nonprofit sector where language is never a barrier—so every community member can access services and participate fully, regardless of the language they speak.
The Hub offers free translation and interpretation services in Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino for eligible nonprofits.
If you have any question, feel free to email Yajaira Ortega.
We are seeking skilled translators and interpreters to join our Translation Services Hub, a network that helps San Mateo County nonprofits expand meaningful language access. Our goal is to ensure every resident can receive information and services in their native language.
By joining, you will help nonprofits better serve diverse communities and strengthen equity across the country. If you are passionate about language justice and have experience in translation or interpretation, please complete this form. Together, we can break down barriers and ensure all community members have access to vital information and support.
Please contact Yajaira Ortega if you have any questions.
Join the County of San Mateo! Election Materials Proofreader
The San Mateo County Registration and Elections Division is seeking Election Materials Proofreaders to ensure voters receive clear, accurate, and accessible election information in English, Spanish, and Filipino. This role extends beyond proofreading and supports language access, strengthens inclusion, and enables residents to participate confidently in the democratic process.
Please share widely to help make elections more equitable and accessible for all.
Transform
Fair and Accessible Fares
Thursday, November 13, 3:00 pm, Virtual
A new webinar will highlight Transform’s report “Fair and Accessible Fares” focusing on economic justice in transit. Policymakers and experts will discuss open payment systems, transit benefits, and improving access for unbanked riders, along with a brief overview of the report’s findings. Register here.
Sips and Civility: An Evening with the ACLU San Mateo Chapter
Friday, November 14, 5:30 - 7:00 pm, In Person
Join LWV South San Mateo County for an evening of conversation, connection, and civic engagement with the ACLU of San Mateo County, featuring light refreshments and opportunities to learn about the organization’s work to protect civil rights and liberties. Chapter Leaders Ligia Andrade Zúñiga and Robin Motaya will share their journeys in activism, current initiatives, and ongoing efforts in immigrant and civil rights advocacy. RSVP here.
De-Escalation Training: How to Safely Handle Challenging Interactions
Wednesday, November 19, 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Virtual
The ACLU San Mateo County Chapter is hosting a virtual, interactive training to help participants navigate difficult interactions in meetings, protests, and everyday conversations with people who may not share the same values. Register here.
Rise Against Hunger
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, In-Person
Rise Against Hunger is bringing together community volunteers to assemble thousands of meal kits for families facing hunger around the world. Anyone interested in contributing to this hands-on, high-impact effort is encouraged to register and share the opportunity with others. Register here.
Resources
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government
The latest PPIC survey finds Californians remain broadly pessimistic about government performance and economic prospects, with fewer than half approving of the state legislature or governor. At the same time, many residents report low confidence in federal institutions, a widespread belief that large interests dominate the government, and a strong concern about cost-of-living issues and future financial conditions. Read more here.
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