My name is Richard Raya, and I am a life-long progressive and an Oakland resident for 25 years. In 2010, I learned about the groundbreaking voter engagement work that Oakland Rising was doing in low-income communities of color. Since then, I have seen the organization tackle Oakland’s most pressing issues, including the need for a living wage, housing affordability, community benefits such as local hire for development projects, and police accountability. Oakland Rising’s work on the ground has given it the ability to hold our elected leaders accountable to the community.
I decided to join the Co-Host Committee this year because Oakland Rising leads the fight for all Oakland residents to be included in the benefits of the rising economic tide that the Bay Area is experiencing, and it does so by keeping the faith that low-income communities of color have the solutions to the challenges they face. I want to be a part of this. As someone who experienced childhood homelessness during the times my mother couldn’t find work, I have to be a part of this.
Thanks to everyone on the Co-Host Committee as well as our progressive elected and organizational sponsors, Oakland Rising has raised a whopping $14,495 to date! But in order to fulfill our audacious goal of $25,000, we need to pull out all the stops. While tickets are only $40 (and we want you to buy a ticket!), I am writing to ask you to go above and beyond to support this powerful organization.
Here’s some extra motivation to give big to Oakland Rising:
* Give $150 today and you will receive a limited edition “We Run The 510” running jacket and 2 tickets to the OPP & Townie Awards.
* Give $250 today and you will receive limited edition Oakland Rising zip-front hoodie and 4 tickets to the OPP & Townie Awards.
Oakland needs Oakland Rising. And now is our time to step up and show how much we support their mission. Give big today! Can you reach a little deeper into your pockets and add $25, $50 or $100 to what you were originally planning to give? Help Oakland Rising raise $25,000 before the end of the fiscal year and make sure that Oakland’s democracy supports all of us – one vote at a time.
Richard Raya
Oakland Parent and Community Activist
Oakland Rising OPP Co-Host