Larry Tramutola is part of the Fred Ross Organizing Tree, whose branches include Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Gilbert Padilla, Marshall Ganz, Eliseo Medina and many others.
“I began organizing fresh out of college. I was full of idealism but lacking any practical experience or the discipline necessary to be effective. I was eager to make a difference in the world, but I had no idea where to start. It wasn’t until I met Fred Ross and volunteered to help the United Farm Workers union (UFW), led by Cesar Chavez, that I really learned the skills and developed the discipline necessary to make change. The lessons I learned in the UFW from Fred Ross and other organizers provided the foundation for my career as an organizer.
When I joined the UFW, it was struggling for survival in its attempt to improve the lives of America’s poorly paid agricultural workers. My contribution to the cause in the first few months was standing out in front of grocery stores asking people not to purchase grapes or lettuce. It wasn’t organizing, but I learned a lot. For hours on end, we would talk to shoppers, hoping we could convince some of them to support the farm workers. It was hard work, but I learned how to approach people, how to express passion in a few moments, and how to be positive when you are tired. I learned the importance of incremental progress and discipline. While others went to graduate school or law school, I learned about people on the sidewalks in front of supermarkets and in the homes of people I was trying to persuade to become involved.”
Larry is an expert on tax elections, grass roots organizing, and political strategy. His work has led to the passage of billions of dollars in additional local funding for public schools, colleges, parks, libraries and hospitals; recent landmark victories against Big Soda and Big Tobacco with the passage of the first in the nation successful taxes on sugar sweetened beverages and the first in the country prohibition of sales of flavored tobacco products; and the election of hundreds of candidates from school boards to national elected offices. Larry is the author of three books on organizing and is the founder of The Organizing and Leadership Academy, a rigorous “hands-on” training program for individuals interested and motivated to pursue a career in organizing. TOLA is built around the organizing lessons of Fred Ross, applied to current and real life problems.
Melisa Martinez
“I am the daughter of two immigrant parents. I grew up in San Leandro, California and attended San Leandro High School. At the age of 12, my mother lost her job as a factory worker, and then in the 2008 recession, my family lost our home. My father, a landscaper, struggled to make ends meet.
Getting a good education has always been important to my parents. They made many sacrifices in order to be able to send me and my two sisters to college.
My first job was working for the City of Oakland where I worked directly in my community. I met people of all different backgrounds. Upon graduating from UC Davis, I worked for a nonprofit where I helped students of all ages learn how to read and to become better students. The students impacted my life in a way that goes well beyond my career. The students were all extremely smart and talented, but many of them were dealing with issues at home that went far beyond the classroom. As a result, their education was being impacted. I learned that students need to be supported in school settings to be successful. School should be the one place where kids can go and truly feel safe.
Working with TOLA allows me to help bring lasting change to people’s education and opportunities that they otherwise might not have. I believe that having a quality education and opportunities to succeed should be accessible to everyone.”
Christian was born and raised in a farm labor camp in Watsonville, California. His parents and two older brothers emigrated from Jocotepec, Jalisco in the late 1980s. The first of his family to graduate from college (CSU Chico), Christian was part of the first TOLA class and then worked for The Unity Council in East Oakland. He returned to TOLA as the first Executive Director, where he was instrumental in developing the curriculum and organizational structure.
For over a decade Christian has been coaching new organizers and providing direction, training, and strategic advice on voter engagement and community outreach for healthcare districts, school districts, community-based organizations, cities, candidates and other causes.
Fluent in Spanish, Christian believes in supporting and training community members who don’t typically engage in the political process so they can become more active. He has learned that collective community and group action cannot be successful unless we create the space for people to share their personal stories, core values, and passion for change. Christian is committed to working with people who are passionate about people and making changes that give people a more equal voice in their communities.
