In celebration of Black History Month, Thrive is proud to recognize and honor some of our local Black-led organizations. We encourage everyone to take a moment to explore the important work these organizations do and the positive impact they have in our community! This list is not comprehensive, and as always, we invite you to email us with suggested additions.
Join us for an essential update from the Elections Office as we delve into the details of Measure A—a proposed amendment that will temporarily alter our County Charter. Measure A would empower the Board of Supervisors to remove the current Sheriff from office.
This event will provide an overview of the pros and cons of Measure A We encourage community members, stakeholders, and anyone interested in the interplay of governance of the Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Supervisors to attend and bring their questions as to implications of this unusual County charter.
Mark your calendars and attend this critical dialogue on the future of our country's leadership and accountability measures.
This meeting is proudly co-chaired by San Francisco Peninsula People Power, the County Elections Office, and Thrive Alliance. We look forward to your active involvement.
Thrive Alliance is hiring for a Community Resilience Manager to lead the Thrive RISE program and oversee other Thrive initiatives and projects focused on disaster risk reduction. Thrive RISE (Resilience in Shared Emergencies) is a coalition of Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) for San Mateo County. Thrive RISE enhances community resilience and facilitates communication, coordination, and collaboration among nonprofit and faith-based organizations, government agencies, and the private sector during all phases of a disaster. An ideal candidate for this role is a community organizer, committed to cross-sector collaboration, with experience in emergency management and response.
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?
Nonprofit Recruitment & Retention Learning Community
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.
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.
San Mateo County's Critical Vote: What You Need to Know
On Tuesday, February 18, at 7:00 pm, a nonpartisan informational event will be held on Zoom regarding a crucial upcoming vote in San Mateo County. The event will provide insights into the implications of the March 4 decision, empowering the Board of Supervisors to remove the Sheriff if necessary. This discussion is particularly timely, as it aims to clarify the motivations behind the vote and its potential impact on the community. Participants will also have access to Spanish translation, ensuring the information is accessible to a wider audience.
Upcoming Trainings on Know Your Rights and Immigration Support
Comité Latino and collaborating organizations are hosting ongoing training sessions and networking events focused on constitutional rights and immigration topics to support immigrant communities and vulnerable populations. Monthly gatherings will continue on the second Tuesday of each month, covering topics such as Labor Rights, Law Enforcement, and Health Services. Additionally, there is a Rapid Responder Training organized by the Santa Clara Rapid Response Network, aimed at equipping participants to serve as legal observers during ICE activities, and resources like Red Cards and Know Your Rights handouts are available through the San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs. For registration or more information, contact Ruben Abrica.
As the 119th Congress considers important tax and spending decisions, charitable nonprofits are facing critical implications for their work in 2025. The policies legislated could significantly affect how local organizations operate and their capacity to enhance lives, build stronger communities, and promote the public good. To address this, the National Council of Nonprofits has initiated a letter aimed at unifying the nonprofit sector in conveying key priorities to lawmakers in Washington. By signing on to the Nonprofit Community Letter, organizations can collectively emphasize the essential contributions charitable organizations make to their communities and ensure that elected officials understand their importance in supporting constituents’ needs.
To sign the Nonprofit Community Letter click here.
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.
From the Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Please join the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) for Immigration Briefings 2025. The ILRC will host one-hour briefings every other week during the first six months of 2025 to provide legal service providers and advocates updates about changes to immigration policy and practice. Register here.
Know Your Rights: A California Train-the-Trainer Toolkit: this resource from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center is aimed at providing community organizations and partners with the tools to provide valuable know your rights (KYR) information. This toolkit will teach you how to do a KYR presentation, including everything from the logistics of organizing an event to the substantive topics you should cover.
Everyone Belongs Here: this is a new resource to help California health care providers, settings, and systems to provide care that is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for immigrants and refugees. Learn more and access the toolkit here.
Rapid Response Hotline: If immigration comes to your home, work, or neighborhood, or if there are ICE raids nearby, call the San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline at 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA). Learn more and get printable materials at this link.
Family Preparedness Plan (English/Spanish): this resource from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center helps families prepare for immigration-related emergencies. The toolkit goes into detail about different childcare options available in case of an absent parent, where to find trusted immigration services in your community, and how to prepare to assert your constitutional rights in the presence of an immigration officer. Download a copy in English or Spanish on this page.
We Have Rights: these multilingual videos show how community members can respond in a variety of scenarios involving immigration enforcement officials.
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
Get Involved in Your Community: Apply to Serve on a Board or Commission
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is seeking applications from residents to serve on various boards and commissions, including the Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and several Design Review Committees. These positions provide valuable guidance and representation in local governance. Key openings include a vacancy on the Planning Commission for a District 1 resident and three vacancies on the North Fair Oaks Community Council. Interested individuals can find more details and apply online or by mail.
Deadline Extended: Participate in the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey
The 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey for Northern California nonprofits is now open for participation, with new job categories in Development, Education/Recreation, Housing, and Social Services/Behavioral Health. This year’s survey includes an updated section addressing the economic environment, focusing on employee engagement, retention, and contract adjustments due to inflation. By participating, organizations will gain access to critical data on compensation, employee benefits, and workplace policies that can assist them in navigating the challenges posed by low unemployment and high costs.
Conducted by Nonprofit Compensation Associates, the survey covers 48 counties in Northern California and garnered participation from 794 nonprofits last year, making it the largest in its history. Organizations can benefit from discounted report prices based on their annual operating expenses, with various tiers available.
To participate in the 2025 survey (and acquire the 2024 survey report via our “2-for-1” offer, if you don’t already have it), visit www.nonprofitcomp.com, email Nonprofit Compensation Associates at survey@nonprofitcomp.com or call 510-645-1005.
Community Events
Restoration Through Reparations: A first look into the legislative fight for repair underway in California
Thur, February 20, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm, Virtual
ABFE, in partnership with the Black Funders Network of the Bay Area and the California Black Freedom Fund, is hosting an exclusive webinar titled "Restoration Through Reparations," which will delve into the legislative efforts for reparations in California. The event features a notable panel including Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, alongside experts and activists from various fields. The discussion aims to highlight the significance of reparations, the ongoing journey toward restoration, and the collaborative strategies necessary to address historical injustices. Additional speakers are expected to be announced soon.
Sanchez Art Center: Throughlines looking back, reaching forward
Fri, February 21, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, In-Person
Join the Sanchez Art Center in Pacifica for the opening of three new exhibitions on Friday, February 21, with a public reception. The Main Gallery features William Rhodes' exhibition "Throughlines, looking back, reaching forward," curated by TaVee Lee, which delves into themes of African culture, migration, and community resilience. In the West Gallery, members of the Art Guild of Pacifica present a group show titled "Lost in the Weeds," while the East Gallery showcases the annual Fog Fest Invitational Photography Exhibition, highlighting works by contest award winners and judges. Don't miss the gallery talk with a photographer and judge on Sunday, March 9, and the closing program with Rhodes and Lee on March 23.
Daly City Partnership: Exclusive Early Screening of "no address"
Thur, February 27, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, In-Person
The film screening, hosted by the Daly City Partnership (DCP), presents a powerful drama inspired by true events that explores the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, highlighting their resilience and struggles. The characters, including a teenager escaping an abusive home and veterans adjusting to life post-service, represent real challenges faced by many in the community. DCP, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those in need, aims to raise awareness and support for homelessness through this event, with proceeds directly funding vital resources and services for affected individuals and families. By attending, participants not only enjoy a compelling film but also contribute to a meaningful cause.
Join Art Bias for an afternoon of creativity, inspiration, and engaging conversation, where everyone is welcome and donations are appreciated. Discover a variety of artistic styles while celebrating the opening reception of a special exhibition honoring a year-long partnership with One Step Beyond. This month’s pop-up features innovative businesses focused on reclaiming, recycling, and reusing, including Cocoplum sunglasses made from recycled pill bottles, Rubbish Bags offering unique designer bags crafted from 95% recycled materials, and LeighLee's Garden, which creates one-of-a-kind birdhouses from reclaimed materials.
Joint Venture Silicon Valley: 2025 State of the Valley
Fri, March 7, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, In-Person
The State of the Valley is a traditional town hall meeting organized by Joint Venture, bringing together a diverse group of participants, including citizens, thought leaders, journalists, students, elected representatives, and business leaders. The meeting fosters dialogue on regional challenges and opportunities, using the Silicon Valley Index—a respected publication since 1995—that provides critical data regarding the economy and community health, aiming to inform decision-making.
Explore the world of Electric Vehicles (EVs) at an upcoming event where attendees can test drive or ride various models. You’ll have the chance to experience multiple vehicles, learn about charging and financial incentives, and enjoy e-bikes. To participate, simply reserve a time slot and present your license upon arrival. After your test drive, complete a post-survey to receive a food voucher for the taco/burrito truck on-site. Walk-ins are welcome, but drivers must be 21 or older to drive, while riders of any age can join. Check out the latest EV offerings and engage in fun activities like the scavEVenger hunt!
Dementia Friendly Cinema at Fox Theatre in Redwood City
Tues, March 18, 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm, In-Person
There is FREE Dementia-Friendly Film Screening of the musical "HAIRSPRAY" on Tuesday, March 18, at 1:30 PM. The event will take place at the Fox Theatre, located at 2215 Broadway in Redwood City. While this screening is especially well-suited for individuals affected by dementia, it is open to everyone.
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