As the Republican-led government shutdown drags on, the effects go beyond political maneuvering to real impact on people’s lives. This shutdown means kitchen tables, empty pantries and people unable to feed their families. With the disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, millions of Americans are wondering how they’ll make it through the month if their benefits aren’t restored. It’s time to pause and acknowledge what’s happening. While we know mutual aid alone can’t stand in the gap of government failure, we got us – as we always do.

Here’s some helpful info:

    • Check your local SNAP office for updates.
    • Call 211 to locate resources in your area. 
    • Food banks & community pantries can help fill the gap.
    • Find nearby resources at Feeding America: feedingamerica.org or use websites like FoodFinder.us 
    • In the Bay Area, check out these list of resources from KTVU and The City of Oakland,  

No matter who we are, we’re united by the simple truth that every person deserves to eat, every family wants to feel safe, and every community counts. 

 

In Community, 

Bilen M. Packwood – Founder and CEO

 

CLIENT NEWS: 

 

“While millions of families face uncertainty and hunger, Trump and his allies are prioritizing the interests of billionaires, making life harder and more expensive for working-class people. Their reckless actions disproportionately harm Black communities. ” Alexsis Rodgers, Political Director at Black to the Future Action Fund, emphasizes in The Grio that the government shutdown’s consequences are not accidental but intentional – and worsening racial inequities in access to food and economic stability. Read more here. 

 

Latinos, who make up about 40% of California’s population, played a pivotal role in the recent vote on Proposition 50, which authorizes temporary changes to California’s congressional district maps to counter partisan redistricting efforts in Republican-led states like Texas, Missouri and North Carolina. Polls had shown that Latino voters were slightly leaning in favor of the measure, though opinions varied by party, gender, and age. Latino Democrats largely supported it, while Latino Republicans mostly opposed it, and a significant portion remained undecided. Our partners at We Are California, mobilized voters through a series of community events, under the banner “Can’t Stop CA,” to energize and encourage Latino turnout. Learn more in this article in the Los Angeles Times and here. 

 

“The crisis we’re in presents an opportunity to work with the community. Last week, we realized we have a city of people dedicated to helping our immigrant neighbors in material ways. … This is a good time for an agenda to pose proactive measures to support our immigrant community.” San Francisco Rising and Executive Director Celi Tamayo-Lee are among the Bay Area immigration advocates who are urging local leaders to strengthen protections for undocumented residents in response to federal threats. SF Rising shared a 10-page letter calling for proactive measures including a community safety plan, improved communication between police and rapid-response networks, expanded legal defense resources, and strict enforcement of sanctuary city policies that prevent local law enforcement from assisting ICE. Read more in this article with the San Francisco Chronicle. 

 

The Black Collective Foundation Minnesota is hosting the first-ever Collective Sum, a three-day multicultural gathering in Minneapolis from November 18–20. Designed to advance racial justice and celebrate Black culture, the summit will welcome 300 changemakers for workshops, art, wellness, and strategy sessions. Keynote speakers for the event include Brandon Blackwood and Tricia Hersey, who will inspire creativity, rest, and bold action. “We’re building an institution that loves Black people every day, not just when it’s trending,” said Lulete Mola, co-founder and president of the Black Collective Foundation MN. Registration closes today. Click here for more information.

 

As our longtime partner Akonadi Foundation celebrates 25 years, it highlights learnings from its All in for Oakland (AIO). Launched in 2020 with a $12.5 million investment, AIO supported community-led organizations to end the criminalization of Black and brown youth in Oakland, strengthen youth justice, and reimagine school safety. Through this initiative, Akonadi reinforced the importance of long-term, flexible funding, centering those most impacted, supporting culture and healing, and building strong networks. AIO helped achieve major wins, including removing police from schools and advancing youth decarceration efforts, while strengthening Oakland’s movement ecosystem. Though AIO concluded in 2024, its lessons continue to guide Akonadi’s work in Oakland for All, deepening investments in community-led movements and advancing systemic change for generations to come. Read more here.

 

Congratulations to UnCommon Law on celebrating their 2025 UnCommon Heroes! This year’s honorees included Amika Mota with Sister Warriors and Tinisch Hollins, Executive Director for Californians for Safety and Justice. 

The changemakers inspired the evening with their leadership, wisdom, and steadfast support. Change was thrilled to support the event as a sponsor and excited to be a part of this amazing celebration.

 

CHANGE NEWS: 

 

Change Consulting is seeking a Graphic Designer with strong project management skills to support our Digital and Content team and our agency with ongoing graphic design and creative services. The ideal candidate is a visual storyteller who sits at the intersection of strategy and craft. They will craft impactful creative across social, web, email, and campaign collateral. Learn more here.