Valley Forward is a youth leadership organization dedicated to advancing social and economic justice initiatives in the San Joaquin Valley.
influencing future valley leaders
351 fellows and counting
Empowering future leaders with experience and skills to push their community in a positive direction.
our purpose
Influence the future
Valley Forward’s purpose is to organize neighborhoods around civic participation by mentoring young leaders to communicate with Valley residents.
Our Valley
Their future
The San Joaquin Valley (Central Valley) of California is often considered ground zero for many of the most pressing health crises in the United States. Valley neighbors lack clean water access, clean air to breathe, clean recreational parks, adequate funding for educational institutions, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and quality employment opportunities. Our region hosts dozens of the most impoverished census tracks in the nation, made up of hundreds of residents on government assistance programs for their most basic needs. To begin addressing these issues, Valley residents must be organized around shared local values and engage in grassroots advocacy.
our solution
community engagement
Valley Forward’s program is designed to give local students the tools to inspire grassroots advocacy in rural communities, where civic participation is at record lows. We know that increased civic participation results in accountable and reflective representation in local government and can increase resource allocations in small communities. Students at Valley Forward are introduced to the political process and gain meaningful experience through conversations about local issues with neighbors at their doorstep. By listening to Valley neighbors, rather than soliciting to them, our program captures the collective voice of each community, while giving our team the best possible introduction to civic education. Ultimately, our goal is to illustrate a pattern of needs for the Central Valley and to give neighbors, and students, the direction needed to be permanently proactive in their own communities.
We cover ground
one door at a time
Our fellows rapidly distribute stories and information, door to door.
75 students per year
20k fellowship hours
50K conversations
success stories
Reyes Uviedo
Reyes Uviedo, raised in Visalia, CA, attended the College of Sequoias in Tulare County and earned an Associate of Arts to Transfer degree, and subsequently graduated from CSU Fresno with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Reyes is a first-generation immigrant passionate about community mobilization and advocating for systemic change around social and economic justice issues.His involvement with Valley Forward was serendipitous. While attending CSU Fresno, he was offered a paid internship with Valley Forward to conduct community canvassing. This internship was the support needed to get him through college. After graduating, he accepted his new-found passion for community and has since placed his original career plans on hold. Valley Forward's profound story is from student canvasser to field manager to Program Director. He has managed dozens of community outreach programs in his leadership with Valley Forward. He has brought Valley Forward to be amongst the top education and outreach organizations in the Central San Joaquin Valley.Reyes’ mission is to continue providing the support that Valley Forward provided him as a student to hundreds of immigrant college students and foster tomorrow's young leadership.“Coming to Valley Forward was the defining moment that led me to this newfound passion and leadership of community activism.”
Brenda Cabrera-Basurto
Brenda Cabrera-Basurto, a Sanger and Parlier, California native, graduated as Valedictorian from Parlier High School in 2017 and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration from Fresno State.Initially planning to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer, her aspirations shifted after discovering Valley Forward. While at university, she joined Valley Forward as a student canvasser, progressing to Project Manager. She actively participated in various campaigns, including the 2020 Census and California Worker Outreach Program.Her Valley Forward experience led to her current role as Programs Manager at the Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Central Labor Council. This position allows her to contribute to the labor movement and work with unions.Brenda's time with Valley Forward highlighted the importance of grassroots organizing and community engagement. She valued every aspect, from interacting with residents to training students, recognizing the profound impact of empowering underserved communities.“Helping underserved communities was a profound and rewarding experience.”
More funding
More fellows
We rely on various funding sources to further our mission, you could play a part in multiple students' paths by donating today. Let's build together.
Experience gained
Fellow
benefits
Our fellows grow in the fact that they receive crucial, hard to find, work experience. They take these skills with them for the rest of their personal and professional life.
Ready to get involved?
Volunteer
We can always use a hand canvassing, or making calls at our various phone banks. You can make a difference by contributing to ValleyFWD with your time and experience. Let's work together and get things done!
success stories
Reyes Uviedo
Reyes Uviedo, raised in Visalia, CA, attended the College of Sequoias in Tulare County and earned an Associate of Arts to Transfer degree, and subsequently graduated from CSU Fresno with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Reyes is a first-generation immigrant passionate about community mobilization and advocating for systemic change around social and economic justice issues.His involvement with Valley Forward was serendipitous. While attending CSU Fresno, he was offered a paid internship with Valley Forward to conduct community canvassing. This internship was the support needed to get him through college. After graduating, he accepted his new-found passion for community and has since placed his original career plans on hold. Valley Forward's profound story is from student canvasser to field manager to Program Director. He has managed dozens of community outreach programs in his leadership with Valley Forward. He has brought Valley Forward to be amongst the top education and outreach organizations in the Central San Joaquin Valley.Reyes’ mission is to continue providing the support that Valley Forward provided him as a student to hundreds of immigrant college students and foster tomorrow's young leadership.“Coming to Valley Forward was the defining moment that led me to this newfound passion and leadership of community activism.”
Brenda Cabrera-Basurto
Brenda Cabrera-Basurto, a Sanger and Parlier, California native, graduated as Valedictorian from Parlier High School in 2017 and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration from Fresno State.Initially planning to pursue a career as a corporate lawyer, her aspirations shifted after discovering Valley Forward. While at university, she joined Valley Forward as a student canvasser, progressing to Project Manager. She actively participated in various campaigns, including the 2020 Census and California Worker Outreach Program.Her Valley Forward experience led to her current role as Programs Manager at the Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Central Labor Council. This position allows her to contribute to the labor movement and work with unions.Brenda's time with Valley Forward highlighted the importance of grassroots organizing and community engagement. She valued every aspect, from interacting with residents to training students, recognizing the profound impact of empowering underserved communities.“Helping underserved communities was a profound and rewarding experience.”
2024 General Election
Voter Guide
Discover key voting information, important dates, and candidates who stand up for working families. Access the full guide as a PDF here.
Voter's choice act:
More Days, More Ways to Vote
Vote by Mail
If you prefer a mailed ballot, fill it out and return it early to ensure it’s postmarked by Election Day. No stamp is needed for the provided return envelope.
Use a Drop Box
Ballots returned at a secure ballot drop box must be deposited before 8pm on Election Day. Visit vote411.org to view drop box locations and hours in your county.
Vote Center
You can vote in person or drop off your ballot at any Vote Center in your county up to 10 days before the election. Same-day voter registration is available. Find your nearest center at vote411.org.
Key dates
Oct 7
Ballots Mailed & Drop Boxes Open
Oct 26
Vote Centers Open
Nov 5
Election Deadline
Recommendations
| California State Assembly |
|---|
| State Assembly District 27: Esmeralda Soria |
| State Assembly District 31: Joaquin Arambula |
| Fresno County |
|---|
| Fresno Supervisor 2: Garry Bredefeld |
| Fresno Supervisor 3: Luis Chavez |
| Fresno City Council 6: Roger Bonakdar |
| Selma City Council 1: Jim Avalos |
| Selma City Council 4: Santiago Oceguera |
| Sanger City Council 1: Esmeralda Hurtado |
| Sanger City Council 3: Daniel Martinez |
| SCCCD Trustee Area 2: Pablo Villagrana |
| SCCCD Trustee Area 3: Danielle Parra |
| Board of Education Trustee Area 3: Itzi Robles |
| Fresno Unified Trustee Area 2: Elizabeth Jonasson |
| Fresno Unified Trustee Area 5: Neutral / No Position |
| Fresno Unified Trustee Area 6: Dan Bordona |
| Central Unified Trustee Area 3: Natalie Chavez |
| Central Unified Trustee Area 5: Jaspreet Sidhu |
| Kerman Unified Trustee Area 3: David Vasquez Gutierrez |
| West Hills Community College, Area 6: Omar Hernandez |
| Fresno Unified Measure H: Support |
| Central Unified Measure X: Support |
| SCCCD Measure Q: Support |
| Madera County |
|---|
| Madera City Mayor: Santos Garcia |
| Madera City Council, District 5: Anita Evans |
| Madera City Council, District 6: John Jasper |
| Tulare County |
|---|
| Tulare City Council, District 1: Jose Sigala |
| College of the Sequoias, Ward 4: Connie Diaz |
| Visalia Unified, Gov Bd Member Area 5: Megan Casebeer Soleno |
| Visalia Unified, Gov Bd Member Area 6: Randy Villegas |
| California Props | |
|---|---|
| Prop 2: Vote Yes | $10 billion K-14 school facilities construction bond |
| Prop 3: Vote Yes | Repeals ban on same-sex marriage in the California Constitution |
| Prop 4: Vote Yes | $10 billion climate resiliency bond |
| Prop 5: Vote Yes | Allows local bonds for infrastructure and affordable housing with 55% voter approval |
| Prop 6: Vote Yes | Prohibits mandatory prison labor |
| Prop 32: Vote Yes | Raises the minimum wage to $18/hr |
Donate Today
Grassroots support powers grassroots organizing!
We rely on various funding sources to further our mission, you could play a part in multiple students' paths by donating today. Let's build together.
About Us
Organized neighbors make better communities
Empowering future leaders with experience and skills to push their community in a positive direction.
Empowering Youth Leaders
Valley Forward organizes neighborhoods for civic participation by mentoring young leaders to engage and communicate with residents.
Influence the Future
The San Joaquin Valley faces severe health crises, lacking clean water, air, housing, and quality jobs, requiring grassroots advocacy.
Community Engagement
Our goal is to identify Central Valley needs and empower neighbors and students to be proactive community advocates.
Donate Today
Grassroots support powers grassroots organizing!
We rely on various funding sources to further our mission, you could play a part in multiple students' paths by donating today. Let's build together.
We cover ground
one door at a time
Our fellows rapidly distribute stories and information, door to door.
3/15/2020 - 8/31/2020
2020 Census
In 2020, Valley Forward conducted education and outreach services for the decennial Census Cout. We recruited and trained 25 bilingual college students to inform our most rural communities about the Census. The Student Interns helped fill out their household census application to bring needed resources to their neighborhoods. Valley Forward was the first Central San Joaquin Valley organization to resume in-person outreach after the COVID-19 Pandemic started. Our Student Interns braved the pandemic and extreme wildfire air quality. We adapted, strategized, and persevered to ensure our most vulnerable communities were counted on the Census to receive their share of resources for years to come.
25 Students
4 Months
100,000 doors knocked
65,000 individual text messages sent
980 census applications completed
~$55M in resources secured for the neighborhoods where we completed the census applications
Winter 2020
Public Lands Advocacy
In winter of 2020, Valley Forward partnered with the Central Valley Partnership and Alianza Ecologista, two environmental justice non-profit organizations, for our Public Lands Advocacy research. Our team of five Student Interns collected surveys to understand the relationship between San Joaquin Communities and Public Lands and how to strengthen advocacy efforts to protect those lands. The target communities were low-income residents and college students. The outcome presented that transportation and costs were the main barriers to accessing public lands such as lakes, rivers, parks, and forests.Click here to view media coverage
5 Students
One month
520 conversations
Fall 2019
2019 Schools and Communities First Signature Collection
In Fall 2019, Valley Forward significantly advocated for the Schools and Communities First ballot initiative for the 2020 elections. Our precursor role involved collecting signatures from registered voters to help this initiative qualify for the 2020 election. We also conducted education and outreach about this to our communities to raise awareness of the importance of this initiative because of the resources it would bring to our education system and K-14 students. We recruited a team of 10 bilingual student interns to collect the signatures.
10 Students
3 Months
2,700 signature collected
Thank you
We look forward to meeting you!