Nonprofit Recruitment & Retention Learning Community: Apply by December 16th
As part of the Thriving Nonprofit Workforce Initiative, Thrive is launching a Learning Community designed to strengthen the capacity of San Mateo County small to mid-sized nonprofits in recruitment and retention. In partnership with Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Thrive will provide tailored training, practical resources, and facilitated opportunities to connect with staff and board candidates. In addition, we will gather data and best practices from the Learning Community to share more broadly with the local nonprofit community.
If your organization has an annual budget under $5 million and would benefit from the support provided by this Learning Community, we encourage you to apply. Please visit TNWI for more details and fill out our online application by 4pm PST December 16th to be considered.
COAD Announcement: COAD Issue Area Committees Open for Participation
Thrive recently received a grant from the Sequoia Healthcare District to develop COAD Issue Area Committees that will support planning and risk reduction initiatives in the areas of Children and Childcare; Older Adults and Access and Functional Needs (AFN); Mental Health and Spiritual Care; and Food Security. We are grateful to the Sequoia Healthcare District for their generous support in making this initiative possible. Nonprofits, congregations, community organizations, and agencies with expertise or interest in these issue areas are encouraged to join these committees either as members or chairs. Interested in joining a committee?
Call for Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Speakers
Thrive Alliance & SVCN are looking for experienced professionals to support the capacity building of the Racial Equity Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Hub in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties' nonprofit sector.
Thrive & SVCN are inviting speakers -- panelists, presenters, trainers, and facilitators -- to submit proposals on topics including but not limited to:
Racial Justice
Race and Identity
Organizational Culture
Governance and Nonprofit Boards
REDI Metrics and Accountability
Support System
Healing and Wellness
We encourage submissions from speakers who represent a wide range of backgrounds and we welcome speakers from outside Silicon Valley.
Thrive is committed to highlighting the incredible organizing power of our local nonprofit and partner communities always and especially during this time. We have created a new Post-Election Resources section to Thrive Weekly to do just that. By working collectively and shining a light on our sector's collaborative, caring power, we will lighten each others' loads as we renew ways to safeguard our diverse communities.
ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN: BUT WHAT DO THEY MEAN FOR CALIFORNIA?
Check out United Way Bay Area's latest blog post on the recent election results and their implications for our communities. As they discuss the outcomes of key state propositions, it becomes clear that while some victories reflect progress, there remains a critical need for ongoing advocacy. United Way Bay Area is committed to promoting equity and empowering individuals and families, ensuring everyone has the chance to build a better future.
For a deeper dive into their insights and analysis, be sure to read the full blog here.
California Budget & Policy Center: Understanding the Process and What’s to Come in 2025
Join California Budget & Policy Center for 'Dollars and Democracy,' a premier state budget training in California aimed at navigating the evolving budget landscape and the impact of recent ballot measures as 2025 approaches. Designed for both newcomers and seasoned advocates, this training will offer valuable insights led by Budget Director Scott Graves, who will explain the state’s budget process and the critical roles of various stakeholders in driving community investments. Following the training, a panel of budget and election experts will provide practical advocacy tools and insights. This is a great opportunity for participants to prepare themselves and their communities to make a significant impact on the California budget—registration is now open to secure a spot!
Empowering Our Community: Immigration Rights and Resources Forum
Today, there is a community event focused on immigration, featuring experts from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) as well as elected officials, including the Chief of Police and representatives from various agencies. This event aims to educate attendees about their constitutional rights, regardless of immigration status. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 10th, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Municipal Center, located at 2415 University Ave, East Palo Alto. Attendees can expect a bilingual presentation, refreshments, informative resources, and engaging cultural presentations. Community members are encouraged to participate and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn and ask questions.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters is dedicated to defending democracy. Here are a few ways they will be leading the charge in the coming months:
In response to the growing uncertainty and challenges stemming from the recent elections, El Concilio is hosting the first annual Fiesta De Salud in partnership with Redwood City Together and CARON. This free community event aims to promote health and wellbeing as the new year begins. It provides an opportunity for community members to come together and access vital resources, including flu and COVID vaccinations, Medi-CAL enrollment, and more. The celebration will also feature festive surprises, such as Santa and toys for children under 12, making the day even more special. To ensure the success of this initiative, El Concilio welcomes donations, as every contribution helps build a healthier, more informed, and united community. Community members are encouraged to join in this exciting day of connection, celebration, and support for one another!
Comprehensive Immigrant Legal Resources and Support Services in San Mateo County
The County of San Mateo Office of Community Affairs is addressing community concerns about safety and anxiety related to public charge and mass deportations by providing updated resources on their revamped website. They will continue to share information via social media and keep partners informed about available County resources.
Find Legal Assistance | County of San Mateo, CA - Free and low cost immigration service providers, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) resources, housing legal services, employment legal services, DACA resources and more.
Keep your Benefits - Get the facts about public charge & immigration, including a guide to see if public benefits could affect different immigration options.
Immigrant Services Resources and Information - Includes community and mental health resources, translation & interpretation services and information about the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA).
LIBRE — The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County - Linking Immigrants to Benefits, Resources & Education (LIBRE) LIBRE provides legal advice and representation related to: Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), CalWORKs, Social Security/SSI/CAPI, U Visa (immigration relief for crime survivors), VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), SIJS (immigration relief for minor survivors of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment) and certain other immigration cases.
Community Announcements
CORA's Statement to Address the Silent Crisis: How Disconnection Fuels Domestic Violence
In San Mateo County, six domestic violence-related deaths this year underscore a tragic pattern that requires urgent attention. CORA believes that one of the root causes of these incidents is disconnection—a growing issue influenced by technology, economic pressures, and harmful societal expectations. This disconnection not only isolates victims but also normalizes unhealthy dynamics that can escalate to violence.
To combat this silent crisis, CORA offers programs like To Do At Home (TDAH), which provide activities to promote healthy communication and bonding within families. By fostering genuine connections, CORA aims to prevent domestic violence and build a stronger community. The organization invites individuals to support their efforts through participation in programs, advocacy, or by challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence. Together, they hope to create a future where families thrive and domestic violence is eradicated.
To learn more about CORA's work please click here.
Peninsula Family Service: Got Wheels! Service has Expanded
The Got Wheels! program offers transportation services to older adults aged 70 and above, as well as individuals under 70 with disabilities, in San Mateo County. Members can access up to six one-way rides per month for $5, plus optional tips. The rides, provided by Serra Yellow Cab, include curb-to-curb service with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and must be within San Mateo County. The service covers various cities and unincorporated areas, including Daly City, San Bruno, Redwood City, and more.
Merit America: Bay Area IT Support Training Cohort
Merit America is launching a Bay Area IT Support training cohort in January 2025, offering local residents a pathway to economic mobility. The program is completely free for participants (a $5,700 value) and allows them to earn up to $550 as they progress. Merit America is seeking community partners to help recruit learners and is offering a performance-based referral bonus of $500 for each learner who completes the first 5 weeks. This 14-week program offers both technical and professional skills, culminating in a Google IT Support Certificate, with flexible learning options and 1:1 coaching support. Eligible applicants must be 18 or older, proficient in English, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and possess a high school diploma or GED. Applications are open now and must be submitted by January 9, 2025, with the program starting on January 21, 2025.
Learn more about heat pumps, which are a clean and efficient way to heat and cool a house. Whether you are planning to install air conditioning, remodel, replace an old furnace, or switch from methane gas, you should consider a heat pump heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, as it provides both heating and cooling. Heat pumps are clean, safe, and all-electric. Peninsula Clean Energy offers a $2,500 rebate to help customers make the switch to a heat pump HVAC system.
San Mateo County is offering a free webinar on Winter Storm and Earthquake Preparedness. This informative session is designed to provide practical tips for safeguarding your family. You will discover tools for emergency preparedness and learn about available retrofitting grants. The webinar will be offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
LCI & SGC Catalyst Convenings: Help Shape 2025 Roundtables in Your Region
Fri, December 13, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Virtual
The California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) invite you to a virtual workshop on December 13th from 10:30am to 12:30pm to help shape regional roundtables for 2025. As California faces complex challenges, it is vital to adapt to new federal priorities through collaboration among diverse stakeholders—state and local, urban and rural, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Ensuring everyone has a seat at the table will foster engagement and innovative problem-solving for a sustainable future that we can pass on to future generations.
Acterra: EV Financial Incentives Clinic/ Incentivos Para Vehículos Eléctricos
Thur, December 19, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Virtual
Join Acterra for the EV Financial Incentives Clinic / Incentivos Para Vehículos Eléctricos to learn how electric vehicles (EVs) can fit your budget. Discover financial assistance programs for income-qualifying residents, including the EV Federal Tax Credit and local grants in the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants can request a free consultation through the post-event survey for further assistance. Sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Please note that by attending, you consent to audio and video recordings for promotional purposes. You may choose to remain off-camera if you prefer. This event will be conducted in English and Spanish.
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