CULTIVATING COMMUNITIES 2022 ANNUAL GIVING LETTER

When it comes to leadership, Dolores Huerta, a lifelong activist and advocate for workers’ rights and social justice, once said: “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” Her words highlight the importance of leadership and community engagement in improving our world. HOPE and Dolores Huerta understand that progress requires societies to work together to achieve common goals, and their work aligns directly with SoCalGas’ values of Doing the Right Thing, Championing People, and Shaping the Future.

HOPE’s commitment to community is mirrored in the actions of other Los Angeles organizations like the LA Urban League, whose workforce training programs provide career opportunities and increased earning potential for Angelenos. Covenant House California helps at-risk young adults experiencing challenges related to housing and provides educational and vocational support, and the American Red Cross: Los Angeles Region is boosting emergency preparedness, customer safety education, resilience, and response efforts.

With the many challenges facing us as a society, community giving is more important than ever. Donating time and resources to local organizations helps support communities and creates a more just and equitable society.

All around us, Southern California organizations are doing outstanding work for local communities. Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), the subject of this issue of Empower’s cover story, is elevating Hispanas to positions of influence to give them a voice regionally, statewide, and nationally. HOPE’s sustained efforts are paying off, as 70 alumnae of the HOPE Leadership Institute (HLI) have held or are currently holding public office, and over the last 25 years 1,600 alumnae have held nonprofit board and statewide commission positions.

SoCalGas is proud to support these organizations and others in many ways, including initiatives like the SoCalGas Climate Champions, which spotlights nonprofit organizations working to clean the air, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide organic waste diversion solutions. The Climate Champions are part of the nearly 1,000 nonprofits SoCalGas supports to help create a future of opportunity, prosperity, and a deep sense of belonging.

The work being done by these outstanding organizations to promote customer safety, social justice, and sustainability is inspiring and humbling, and SoCalGas is honored to support them. Together we are building a better California.

Scott Drury / CEO