NEWS FLASH: TOLA, The Organizing and Leadership Academy, based in the San Francisco Bay Area is now accepting applications! The program starts in July 2013, and the application deadline is Friday, June 14, 2013. The Organizing and Leadership Academy is proud to have graduated 29 fellows in two years, who continue to work and apply the...
The following post was written by Karina Rivera. Karina was a graduate of TOLA’s second class in 2011. She is currently working and organizing for County Supervisor Wilma Chan. I joined TOLA with the hope of learning what it takes to become an effective organizer and leader. Both my mother and sister have done organizing...
In keeping to our promise of service through action, TOLA is joining forces with local leaders to help make Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood cleaner, safer and more beautiful! Oakland’s new District 5 Councilman, Noel Gallo, introduced the Service Day program that takes Hon. Gallo’s staff and community members to clean the dirtiest blocks in his district....
The following post was written by Dariana Naveo. Dariana was a graduate of TOLA’s fourth class in 2012. She is currently organizing with AnewAmerica, an organization that works to promote the long-term economic empowerment of new Americans – new citizens, immigrants, and refugees – and to encourage their full participation in the political, social and...
The following post was writen by Ben Dalgetty. Ben was a graduated from TOLA’s first class in 2010. He is currently organizing with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. I joined TOLA for the chance of on-the-ground grassroots organizing experience and mentorship by recognized political strategists and community organziers. After months of hard work and long...
The Following post is writen by Melquis Naveo, a TOLA Alumni. Melquis was a part of TOLA 3 and a leader in the effort to bring two citizen driven initiatives to Oakland in 2011. In 2012, I had the distinct pleasure of coordinating the fundraising effort for a local tax measure campaign. Our goal...
The Organizing and Leadership Academy (TOLA) was founded to inspire and teach effective, non-ideological community organizing skills to a new generation of leaders. These skills are taught throughout the fellowship, but afterword’s TOLA alumni go on to careers in various fields, but they continue their commitment to community service. TOLA fellows and Alumni regularly participate...
As we welcome the new year, it is important to remember the year past. To commemorate all that was 2012, we here at TOLA have put together a series of photos that best demonstrate what 2012 was for TOLA. Watsonville Retreat Every TOLA class goes on a retreat after the first week of in-class training,...
After two years TOLA continues strong with it newest edition of organizers. TOLA 4 just concluded its journey. These phenomenal young leaders hit the ground running from day one and made MAJOR electoral changes in the East Bay. Through their work on local causes, with candidates, and local revenue measures they have gained immense support...
Last TOLA Session we discussed the various elements of great leaders. Below are the notes from our conversation: 1. Character a. It is who you are at your core. b. You create who you are, what you care about, and what you want to do. c. “Talent is a gift you...
What is Oakland Is Beautiful? Well, I can tell you what OIB is not – It is not a simple statement that hasn’t any validation; it is not a cliché or trite idea that people utter and is left hanging in the air. The phrase Oakland Is Beautiful is always said with passion and true...
Recently, I was on the sidewalks of the Las Palmas neighborhood (103rd and Foothill) in Oakland surveying residents about local school and neighborhood issues.. I love surveying work because it requires you to listen. By listening you learn a lot and you learn it quickly. During my walk, I met Mr. Sanders, a retired custodian...
