For a time after the founder of Los Osos Cares mutual aid organization resigned it appeared that services to help people experiencing poverty or homelessness in the towns on the Estero Bay of the Central Coast of California would cease to exist. However, the Board of Directors recognized one person who had the education and experience and who had been volunteering with Los Osos Cares to be the perfect person to take over. Thus, Angela Frank, a local Central Coast resident became the new Executive Director of this important community aid organization. In this talk Angela and Ruth Ann Angus of Yes We Can Peacebuilders explore in depth the workings of a humanitarian/mutual aid service. They explain the geography, history of the organization, and the societal and political environment and how it has brought about the need for assistance to community members who are struggling with the economic injustice of poverty. Frank gives details on the operation of the organization, outlines the assistance of accompanying groups, and speaks to the societal challenges facing the community, and how political changes have affected what aid is available. Angus asks, “Are we just giving band aid service without solving the issues that are causing the problems?” Answers to questions and defining what challenges Los Osos Cares will face as we head into an unknown political climate are part of the discussion.

Resurrection of a Mutual Aid Organization

Ruth Ann is a writer/photographer and peace activist working on the Central Coast of California. She is Director of Yes We Can Peacebuilders in Morro Bay, CA doing educational workshops and discussions groups on living the nonviolent life. Peacebuilders collaborates with the humanitarian organization Los Osos Cares. 
www.yeswecanpeacebuilders.org

New tracks tagged #Societal Injustice