Catalyst California is a part of several large coalitions, each with their own big ambitions. We often play a behind the scenes role building the collective analysis that undergirds collective action. 

This work is not always the most visible, and it can include: 

• Doing the research and GIS mapping so that advocates can show up to a city council meeting with maps and data that prove their claims of harm and support their requests for redress; 
• Doing systems level analysis of budgets and resources so that parent organizations meeting with school board members have proof that their children’s school needs more programs and resources; 
• Doing a global analysis of policies across localities so that local organizers hold a protest demanding policy changes that have been proven effective in other places; and 
• Supporting organizations and everyday people to build lasting relationships grounded in shared interest and multi-racial solidarity, so coalitions can move forward powerfully as more than the sum of their parts. 
  

This work requires ability in a wide range of fields – capacity building for advocates, convening disparate groups, data, data visualization, database design, public budgets, public policy processes, legislative practices, strategic communications – some of which are not common in the nonprofit sector. And, perhaps most importantly, it takes people invested in building strong relationships across difference and a deep commitment to multiracial solidarity.

The combination of seemingly disparate skills and expertise – from organizing data to organizing coalitions – is rare, and we have spent 25 years building both.

To learn more about our coalition work check out these examples:

1. We Are California
2. Budget Power Project
3. Dena Rise UP