Change can happen when we follow the Faith in Action East Bay organizing model. Leonor has seen it work.
Leonor Godinez knows firsthand that the Faith in Action East Bay (FIAEB) organizing model works. Through her parish, San Antonio Church/Mary Help of Christians, she became involved with FIAEB and started working with the the San Antonio Neighborhood Coalition (SANC), which follows the FIAEB organizing model.
Beginning in fall of 2022, SANC addressed the problem of sex trafficking along a neighborhood corridor with a high concentration of families. In May of this year, the City of Oakland implemented a SANC recommendation (which originated from the residents) for traffic diverters along this corridor. The plan proved to be a success and SANC held more research meetings in 2023 addressing sex trafficking in neighboring areas.
“It’s a night-and-day difference from last year,” Leonor said. “I have seen things happen, change, turn around for the better.”
“It’s a night-and-day difference from last year,” Leonor said. “I have seen things happen, change, turn around for the better.”
Leonor first became involved with faith-based organizing 20 years ago. The local organizing committee at St. Anthony’s held a forum for candidates running for mayor. When the chair of the meeting was unable to make the event, Leonor stepped in. Soon she was advocating for the inclusion of affordable housing in a nearby development project now known as Brooklyn Basin. They were able to ensure that 465 of 3100 units or 14% of the total units were designated as low- and very-low-income housing. The LOC also worked on a training program so that locals would be trained and hired for construction projects resulting in over 300 local residents joining construction trade unions.
Leonor was born and raised in Oakland by parents who set examples for community engagement. Her dad was involved in the establishment of the Spanish-Speaking Unity Council and the Spanish-Speaking Citizens Foundation. Her mom was active in church ministries and worked as an aid for the Alameda County Health Department. Leonor has two sons and four grandchildren.
While she has always been involved with the issues relevant to her neighborhood, Leonor’s focus is now on public safety. She serves on the FIAEB Public Safety Committee. “Crime in Oakland troubles me” she said. “I love my city and I’m troubled by how it has changed particularly in the last five years. People shouldn’t need to be in fear of walking their streets, using their parks, or even driving.“
Leonor‘s faith and witnessing of past successes gives her hope. “I am very optimistic. My glass is always have full. I have a lot of faith. I have seen things get better and I have seen solutions work. There is possibility and we can affect change when we stay with process.”