SLO EQUITY
Diversity Coalition’s Newsletter
PRESIDENT INTRO
By Cornel N. Morton, Ph.D.
Dear Friends,
As spring unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting, recalibrating, and grounding ourselves in the purpose that guides our work. We exist because too many in our community continue to face barriers based on race, gender, disability, immigration status, and more.
From the beginning, our core focus was education, rooted in the belief that understanding could spark meaningful change. But over time, it’s become clear that while education is foundational, education alone isn’t enough. To truly shift systems and outcomes, our efforts especially in advocacy have expanded, becoming a vital force in pushing the work forward.
In this moment, our mission calls us to show up with greater urgency and unity. We must coalesce around those most vulnerable, amplify voices that are too often overlooked, and continue building toward a Central Coast that reflects justice, inclusion, and equity for all.
We want to hear from you what issues matter most, and where should we deepen our collective efforts? Please don’t hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts.
ENERGY EQUITY WITH PROMOTORES
2025 SPRING CLASS: BIPOC BOARD LEADERSHIP TRANING DIVERSITY COALITION MERCH ADVOCACY UPDATES FROM OUR PARTNERS
YEAR RECAP - MIGRATION: HUMANITY IN MOTION
This year, our Community Education Program, through the Fostering Understanding series, launched Migration: Humanity in Motion a five-part community event series rooted in our mission to build and sustain a coalition that seeks a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community through advocacy and education. In a time when immigrant communities are increasingly targeted, politicized, and racially profiled, deepening our collective understanding of the people behind the headlines is not just important it’s essential
The series explored the lived experiences of our immigrant neighbors some refugees, some citizens, and some undocumented whose diverse stories reflect both remarkable contributions and the harsh realities of navigating our immigration system. We heard from individuals directly impacted by immigration policies, as well as from organizations providing vital services and advocacy. Through these stories, we created space for honest dialogue, collaboration, and community connection. We’re grateful to everyone who attended and engaged each event sold out, showing just how much our community is ready and willing to learn, connect, and take action together.
2025 FOSTERING UNDERSTANDING INOURCOMMUNITY
MIGRATION:HUMANITYINMOTION
JANUARY 16 - STORIES FROM SYRIA
Featuring Nour and Rawan Makhoul, two sisters and Syrian refugees who endured the hardships of Syria's civil war before finding a new home in San Luis Obispo County.
JANUARY 19 - FILM SCREENING: SIMPLE AS WATER
Syrian families filmed over the course of 5 years in five countries including Turkey, Greece, Germany, Syria and the US. Simple As Water explores the impact of war, separation, and displacement.
FEBRUARY 13 - SUPPORTING OUR SPANISH & MIXTECO SPEAKING COMMUNITIES
Join us for a meaningful event dedicated to uplifting our Spanish and Mixteco-speaking neighbors This event will also provide an opportunity to connect with organizations serving immigrant communities and explore ways to foster greater inclusion and support
MARCH 13: ESCAPING THE TALIBAN
Living through war, helping US troops in Afghanistan, leaving everything you know behind Join us to hear from Abdullah, and Sophia, a couple, who despite all odds, made it out of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US troops in 2021. Learn about their journey and their life here in San Luis Obispo.
APRIL 10: SEEKING SAFETY – A UKRAINIAN REFUGEE’S
JOURNEY
Facing displacement, watching your homeland suffer from afar. Arsen and his family fled the war in Ukraine after their home city of Kharkiv was devastated. Facing impossible choices along the way, Arsen was separated from his family, and after a long journey ended up in SLO County thanks to a Humanitarian Parole visa, a program now suspended
YEAR RECAP - SCHOOL SPEAKER PROGRAM
So far this year, we ’ ve been able to expand our School Speaker Program to new schools and additional regions across San Luis Obispo County and we couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our donors and sponsors. Your investment helps us provide this impactful program to local schools at no cost, ensuring more students can engage with real-world stories that enrich their learning and connect deeply with the human experience.
As the program grows, we ’ re thrilled to be adding new local speakers who reflect the richness of our community and bring powerful lived experiences into classrooms These speakers help bring curriculum to life bridging the gap between textbooks and the realities students see in their world. We’re also grateful to the teachers and principals who make these visits possible, and to the students across SLO County whose curiosity and thoughtful questions remind us why this work matters. Their insights and engagement continue to inspire us.
Nour Makhoul, Syrian Refugee, at Morro Bay High School
Rita Lurie, Holocaust survivor, and daughter Leslie Gilbert-Lurie at Judkins Middle School and Paso Robles High School
Arsen Safarian, Ukrainian Refugee, at Santa Lucia Middle School in Cambria
Abdullah and Sofia Hazrati, Afghan Refugees, at Mission College Preparatory in San Luis Obispo.
ENERGY EQUITY WITH PROMOTORES
Diversity Coalition’s Executive Director & Promotores conducting climate equity research.
We’re thrilled to share that Promotores Collaborative has officially joined our climate equity program!
Two years ago, the City of San Luis Obispo, CAPSLO, and Diversity Coalition came together to investigate the barriers to mobile home electrification as part of a project called Green & Healthy Homes That foundational work laid the groundwork for where we are today.
This year, we ’ re proud to lead an equitable research initiative focused on tracking local energy use and the bill impacts of electrification specifically in mobile homes. This kind of work is crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind in the energy transition.
Community-based organizations with deep experience addressing social inequities are uniquely positioned to advocate for vulnerable communities. That’s why we ’ re so excited to welcome the expertise of Promotores Collaborative to this trailblazing project!
Equitable programs, policies, and investments don’t just happen they require consistent advocacy and collaboration. We’re honored to do this work in coalition with such dedicated partners.
Green and Healthy Homes team visiting residents.
Diversity Coalition facilitating community engagement townhalls with local mobile home parks.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! BIPOC BOARD LEADERSHIP
TRAINING - CLASS #4
We’re proud to announce that registration is now open for our Spring 2025 BIPOC Board Leadership Training Cohort #4!
Reaching our fourth cohort is a powerful milestone, especially in a time when BIPOC communities, DEI efforts, and fair representation initiatives are being directly targeted and underfunded across the country. Against that backdrop, this program stands as a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and collective progress.
Taking place May 29 and 31, this two-day training is built specifically for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color
Interested in taking the training?
You’ll join a network of 32 graduates already trained in Nonprofit Governance, Strategic Leadership, Fundraising & Networking, and Nonprofit Finance and benefit from Board Placement Assistance to help match you with impactful local organizations ready for your voice and leadership. Scholarships and employer reimbursement letters are available.
Learn more and register today at diversityslo org/training
WE’RE LAUNCHING SOME MERCH!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our online store an exciting new way to live our values out loud and support the work that drives them forward
As we continue to face growing national pushback against inclusion and representation, we ' re doubling down on building something rooted in community. This online store gives us a way to sustain our efforts with the support of those who believe in what we do.
Our soft launch begins with a limited run of yard signs, now available at diversityslo.org/merch. Items will be available for local pick-up, but if that’s a barrier, a volunteer will help coordinate delivery. We invite you to check our store out and share widely.
Why start with yard signs? Because visibility matters A public display of support sends a clear message: inclusion is not up for debate, and our communities deserve to feel seen, safe, and respected Whether it’s a neighbor, a passerby, or a young person looking for hope these signs can be a quiet but powerful reminder that there’s a network of people here who care.
This is just the beginning. While we continue pushing for long-term change, we hope you’ll join us in this simple yet meaningful action. Visit diversityslo.org/merch to get a sign.
Follow our website for more products!
ADVOCACY UPDATES
Advocacy is not just part of our mission, it’s a necessary tool for creating systemic change This year, we ’ ve partnered with local organizations to support key issues that directly impact our communities. We’re not waiting on change we ’ re helping shape it.
Below, you’ll find issues we ’ re actively supporting or opposing, and how you can take action with us.
STANDING WITH LOCAL TRIBES
Last month the yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe (ytt Tribe) shared concerns about proposed amendments to Assembly Bill 52 (AB52). As currently written, AB52 requires the State of California to consult with all California Native American Tribes, both federally and non-federally recognized, regarding policy concerning cultural resources, environmental protection, and more. The ytt Tribe is a non-federally recognized California Native American Tribe and newly proposed amendments would threaten the ytt’s sovereignty by excluding all non-federally recognized California Tribal Nations.
As of May 1 , opposition to these amendments have accomplished a reprieve, but the bill could return at a later date More updates here
PROTECTING ETHNIC STUDIES
Local and state organizations like the California Teacher’s Association have opposed Assembly Bill 1468 (AB1468), a bill that would limit the scope of Ethnic Studies as it was originally intended.
Diversity Coalition has engaged with Ethnic Studies experts and agrees on legitimate concerns on these limitations. The bill is presented as to adopt standards around the Ethnic Studies curriculum, but in the process it introduces a concept of “domestic experiences” that we believe will limit educators and contradicts the initial intent of Ethnic Studies.
Learn more in our letter to Assembly Member Dawn Addis here
THE IMPORTANCE OF IMMIGRATION DATA
For the last few months Diversity Coalition has been working with The Community Foundation of SLO County, First 5, Must! Charities, and the County of San Luis Obispo sharing data from “The Fabric of SLO County: Understanding the Diversity and Contributions of Our Immigrant Community", a report that consolidates local data to support policymakers, nonprofits, businesses, and other local organizations in understanding the composition, challenges, and needs of the immigrant community in SLO County.
To learn more watch here the latest presentation made by Diversity Coalition’s Executive Director, Rita Casaverde, at Good Morning SLO, a SLO Chamber monthly meeting Report available at diversityslo org
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Here’s what’s happening in the community. Please support and share!
Annual AAPI SLO Festival
May 4th, 12pm-3pm at SLO Public Market!
Come support local AAPI businesses ranging from a diverse selection of AAPI delicious foods, beautiful art and jewelry, and exciting interactive performances!
More info at: aapislo.com
Pride Month is Here!
Multiple events in May and June
Pride in the Plaza - May 31, 2025
Trans Pride in the Park - June 1, 2025
Art After Dark at GPDC - June 6, 2025
Paddling with Pride - June 7, 2025
Atascadero Pride - June 14, 2025
Pride Prom - June 24, 2025
Cambria Pride - June 28, 2025
Swim With Pride - June 28, 2025
Pride Family BBQ - June 28, 2025
Cambria Pride - June 28, 2025
And more!! Check out all the events at: galacc.org/events
Mindful Kindful YOUniversity
"Sweet Lullabies" Perinatal Sound Journeys
for prenatal and postnatal mamas, caregivers, and babies up to 1 year. A nourishing space for deep relaxation, bonding, and well-being for both you and your precious little one.
Alternating Tuesdays:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Coast Yoga & Movement, Los Osos
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM SYYNC Studio / SLO Ranch Marketplace, San Luis Obispo
More info here: mindfulkindfulyouniversity com/calendar
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Here’s what’s happening in the community. Please support and share!
Insight Studio | Employer Strategies for Navigating 2025 Uncertainty: Immigration, Diversity, and the Economy
May 6, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Evolving federal policies, increased immigration enforcement, tariffs, and other changes in the last few months are creating significant uncertainty for employers. Our expert-led session will provide practical strategies for risk mitigation, compliance, and preparing your business for change in this dynamic environment.
Free event, register here: slochamber.org/events/insight-studio
Be an Ally ❤ The LGBTQ+ community needs you at Lucia Mar School Board meetings
May 6, 2025
Rally starts at at 6PM . School Board meeting starts at 7PM Public comment might happen as late as 8PM or later
The Lucia Mar School Board has faced an increase of public comments with discriminatory language towards an LGBTQ student. Join allies to say: EVERYONE is welcome here Address: 602-G ORCHARD ST, ARROYO GRANDE
Mindful Kindful YOUniversity
"Sweet Lullabies" Perinatal Sound Journeys for prenatal and postnatal mamas, caregivers, and babies up to 1 year. A nourishing space for deep relaxation, bonding, and well-being for both you and your precious little one.
Alternating Tuesdays:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Coast Yoga & Movement, Los Osos
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM SYYNC Studio / SLO Ranch Marketplace, San Luis Obispo
More info here: mindfulkindfulyouniversity.com/calendar
FROM OUR PARTNERS
FROM OUR PARTNERS
