LA Forward Institute

In the wake of the devastating national election, we met on November 12 to process the results and got energized to fight back together. We have a ton of opportunities to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or are just curious about how you can make a change locally and nationally, this is the place for you. You’re invited to attend 1 of the 7 regional gatherings we're holding across LA County, so we can build community and power as we fight Trumpism, work to make LA County a fair, flourishing place for everyone, and begin our next cycle of organizing. RSVP at laforward.org/calendar (scroll to December).

Join us for an election debrief and processing session on Tuesday, November 12th. We will gather on Zoom and talk about what happened on the local, state, and federal level – how to make sense of it all and where we go from here. There will be opportunities to share how you’re feeling and a chance to learn about ways to get involved and deal with the frightening prospects on the horizon. Whether you have never been to an LA Forward event, or are a long-time member of the community, we welcome you to process with us. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gzDrC5wY

There are ten state propositions on the ballot and dozens more measures for LA County and its many cities. It’s a LOT to keep track of— don't worry, we are here to help you make sense of it all! Join LA Forward Institute Executive Director, David Levitus, as he breaks down the key props and measures for you. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gZnYVRVk

??? Ballot parties are back! ?? We’re hosting 7 ballot parties across the county— from Culver City to Covina. Bring your mail-in ballot and fill it out in community (with appetizers and refreshments!). If you’ve got questions, there’ll be people around you to help you figure out how to navigate your ballot and its many choices. Join us and bring your friends/family/neighbors for this informal, fun, and surprisingly productive way to participate in our democracy! ???Oct 10 - Highland Park ???Oct 15 - Culver City ???Oct 15 - On Zoom with?@swingleftsgv ???Oct 16 - Pasadena ???Oct 22 - Pomona ???Oct 24 - Covina ???Oct 24 - North Hollywood *Keep your eyes peeled for an additional ballot party happening in Long Beach - more info soon!* Find more information and RSVP at https://lnkd.in/gUb5CsJb

We want your feedback on the future of LA Forward! As we launch our strategic planning process, it's really important to us that we get input from our community to see what we’re doing well and how we can improve and grow. It's easy at https://lnkd.in/gdYcgz3y. As a small token of gratitude, we’re offering a brand-new shiny, sturdy LA Forward mug (pictured below) to the first 30 LA County residents who complete the survey by Tuesday, 10/1. Thank you for your time!

We are hiring! https://lnkd.in/gUpwnevd

In partnership with Housing Now! CA, LA Forward Institute is excited to be hosting a non-partisan, non-endorsing candidate forum for the two candidates running to replace current Assembly District 44 Assemblymember Laura Friedman: Nick Schultz and Tony Rodriguez. In particular, candidates will be asked to share their commitments and policy proposals to address urgent issues related to housing and unarmed crisis response in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. Food?and beverages will be provided. RSVP for location details: https://lnkd.in/g_2gPZeZ

Join us tomorrow 9/5 for a conversation with journalist Alissa Walker and LA Forward Institute Executive Director David Levitus. They'll be discussing the Vienna social housing model, spotlighted in the August 2024 issue of Report Forward. Social housing is a “public option” for housing — it’s permanently affordable, under community control, generally mixed-income, and outside the speculative real estate market.?In Vienna, about 40 percent of the housing stock falls under the broad definition. And over the last two years, dozens of LA elected officials, nonprofit leaders (including David), and housing policy experts have traveled to Vienna to tour some of the most famous examples. Join us to learn from?David’s experiences visiting Vienna social housing last Spring, and the exciting new possibilities for social housing in LA County. RSVP for the Zoom at?https://lnkd.in/gDuEVNA5

We have exciting news! LA Forward is teaming up with Mike Bonin’s podcast “What’s Next, Los Angeles?” On WNLA, Bonin – a writer, teacher, progressive activist and former LA City Councilmember – looks at the issues and problems facing Los Angeles, examines ideas, and talks with the people who will lead us to a brighter future. He’s kicking off a new season today by interviewing Marqueece Harris Dawson, the newly elected President of the LA City Council. You can listen here: https://lnkd.in/g29Wvi-c, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Social housing is a “public option” for housing — it’s permanently affordable, under community control, generally mixed-income, and outside the speculative real estate market. And we need it in Los Angeles! Over the past two years, dozens of LA elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and housing experts have visited Vienna— a global leader in social housing— to explore how we can implement social housing in LA County. Read about the opportunities and challenges they discovered in our latest issue of Report Forward: https://lnkd.in/ga-mcU2q