Message from the Director, September 2021

Writer James Baldwin once said: "I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually." As someone who has worked as a community organizer for over 20 years, I can't tell you how often these words come to mind. To love your home doesn't mean that you think it's perfect; it might mean that you want to lift up the best of it, and improve upon its challenges.

That's how I've come to feel about Fresno.

If there is one thing that I have learned to be true about people who live here, it is that they care deeply about Fresno- they care enough to love it, criticize it, and fight for a better future for it. It's easy for some to fall into a pattern of cynicism and dissatisfaction, but for those of us who work in the non-profit, education, health, and public sectors, we are taking the harder road of fighting like hell for this place that we love. 

This year, The Children's Movement of Fresno has leaned into that fight by staking a claim and building the future that we all want for our children. 

The Fresno Residents Council

One key example is a very special project that TCM Fresno has launched this year called the Fresno Residents Council. We are creating a deliberate space where residents from all walks of life and from all parts of Fresno County can directly debate, negotiate, propose, and advocate for policy solutions to some of our community's greatest problems. 

With the help of over 12 community-based organizations, we were able to identify and recruit over 100 resident leaders from across the county, who now form the Fresno Residents Council of 2021. This council has agreed to work together towards forming a policy agenda for Fresno County by the end of this year. These are the first steps in- what we hope will be- a long and permanent shift in how public policy is made in Fresno County. Stay tuned!

TCM Action Forums

Back by popular demand, TCM will begin reconvening our Action Forums, scheduled for November 12th! We, like most of you, miss these amazing gatherings, and with all the incredible work happening in Fresno County, it is important that we begin convening these meetings once again. Join us as we discuss the numerous initiatives focused on community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and greater funding opportunities. Mark your calendars and be sure to register in advance by selecting the button below!