Soul of the City

Oakland's Well-Being is in Your Hands.

Soul of the City places the well-being of Oakland directly in the hands of the community. We honor the important role that each person plays in creating a vibrant and thriving city.

Soul of the City believes that shovels and paintbrushes, ballots and marches are all important tools for achieving change in Oakland. Currently we:

  • Build the emerging leadership of young adults through Reclaim to Future and political education events to guarantee a socially just and sustainable Oakland.
  • Mobilize voters of color to be directly involved in elections and policies that impact their lives.
  • Promote community solutions through community service projects including Throw Down for the Town, our annual city-wide Service Festival. 
  • Are exploring how worker-owned businesses and alternative economies could promote prosperity in Oakland.

Learn More.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Door Knock for an Equitable Oakland
Come out to talk to voters and make a difference. We need your help spreading the word about progressive revenue creating solutions that will provide more funding for schools, health clinics, libraries and roads.
An Attack on Ranked Choice Voting is an Attack on Democracy
Ranked Choice Voting is good for democracy in Oakland. So why is City Council considering putting a ballot initiative to repeal RCV?
I love my Town. So I'm Gonna Throw Down!
I love Oakland. It is my city-- the city that has helped me grow, explore my passions, flirt with the idea of love, experience life, but most importantly— it has made me feel like I can achieve anything, all the while, showing me that my dreams have no limitations.
Celebration and Unveiling of Oscar Grant Mural
Join us for a celebration and unveiling of the Oscar Grant Ribbon Mural on Saturday May 12th. Come honor the memory of Oscar Grant with activists, supporters and volunteers who helped create the mural.
Party for a Purpose with Soul of the City
Come party with us whether you're a veteran organizer, want to deepen connections in the community, or just interested in learning more about the Ella Baker Center and Soul of the City.
From Millionaires Tax to the 1% Tax
Over the last month and a half, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and the Millionaires Tax Coalition tirelessly collected signatures to qualify the Millionaires Tax initiative for the November 2012 ballot. We and our partners supported this initiative because  it was the most progressive tax proposal that wouldn’t cost a single penny for anyone making less than $1 million per year.
Reclaim the Future Workshop
Want to see change in your community? This workshop highlights ways that communities across the country are coming together to solve some of our biggest challenges. Attend one of our workshops to learn more about how you hold the answer to bringing that change to your own neighborhood.
Throw Down for the Town
Do you want to help Oakland blossom into a vibrant and thriving city? Join Soul of the City for our second annual day of service and community building. The day will feature over 30 community-hosted service projects followed by a festival in Snow Park. Interested in hosting a project?
Soul of the City Book Club
We will be discussing Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan, Ph.D. & Cacilda Jethá, M.D.This book was one of NPR's favorite books of 2010. Contact Alicia for the location info.
Help Gather Signatures with the Soul of the City
We will be learning how to gather signatures to put the 1% Tax on the ballot in November. .  We only have a few weeks to qualify. It is now or never -- California and Oakland needs YOU!

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