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Dear Equity Ally,
In these times of uncertainty and change, the Board of Supervisors prioritized reaffirming their commitment to serving our most vulnerable populations. Introduced by Supervisor Corzo and Supervisor Mueller, the Board unanimously voted to assure the public that their support for vulnerable communities and local protections have not changed in the face of new federal priorities. The video is available to watch here.
The Board affirmed their past and current commitments and investments to ensure populations such as immigrants, people of color, LGBTQIA+, women, and those with disabilities feel welcome and protected in San Mateo County. The resolution was introduced at the January 28, 2025 Board meeting and provided new Supervisors Lisa Gauthier and Jackie Speier the opportunity to voice their support for the Boards previous commitments.
A key commitment that was highlighted in the resolution was San Mateo County’s recognition in January 2024 as a “Certified Welcoming County” — a first for any county in the country. We wanted to correct a mistake in the November 2024 Community Bulletin where we noted the Board had designated the county as a Sanctuary County. The Board has emphasized its support to ensure immigrants are supported and welcomed, and specifically voted in April 2023 to restrict the use of County resources to assist federal immigration authorities. The Board called all residents, “valued and integral members” regardless of their status.
We appreciate the leadership of the Board while we all navigate continued changes and unknowns. We hope this newsletter will be a valuable source for information, resources, and information sharing. If you would like to share news, tools, events, or volunteer/job opportunities in a future newsletter or have ideas on what you would like featured, please get in touch with us at equitysmc@smcgov.org.
In solidarity,
Office of Racial and Social Justice,
Andrew Knaack, Equity and Belonging Associate
Shireen Malekafzali Taidi, Chief Equity Officer
Belén Seara, Equity and Belonging Manager
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As a Welcoming County, our Office of Community Affairs (OCA) is sharing critical information and resources to our communities. We encourage you to share the information available on their website with interested communities; they include the following:
- Know Your Rights Toolkit
- Rapid Response supports
- Immigration Preparedness Toolkits and Plans
- Legal Assistance
- Pathways to Citizenship
OCA is also sharing up-to-date information and resources on immigrant services via social media to be shared with our communities and trusted leaders:
- People can subscribe to email updates and notifications from Immigrant Services:
- Community members can follow OCA in the following ways:
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Instagram: smc_commaffairs
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Facebook:Facebook.com/CountyofSanMateo
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X:@SMC_CommAffairs
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The San Mateo County Pride Center is a critical resource creating a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and affirming community climate that fosters personal growth, health and opportunities to thrive for all individuals, gender identities, sexual orientation through education, counseling, advocacy, and support.
The Pride Center and Coastside Pride have received many questions about what is in store for the LGBTQ+ community since the 2024 election. In response, they’ve created a list of commonly asked questions and answered along with a linktree of related resources.
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 The mission of the San Francisco Foundation’s Multicultural Fellowship Program is to equip emerging leaders with the experience, knowledge, and network to increase racial and economic equity in the Bay Area. For more than 30 years, the Multicultural Fellowship has been a career accelerator for leaders who are motivated, creative agents of change.
The Multicultural Fellowship Program is a transformational two-year, full-time program that offers experiential learning opportunities, personal and professional development, insider access, and a meaningful network.
Applications are open for the 2025–2027 Multicultural Fellowship Program cohort.
 Starting March 15, the Institute for Families and Nannies (TIFFAN) invites you to high-quality training programs designed for nannies and caregivers to build confidence, skills, and career opportunities. Choose from:
- Health & Safety Certificate: Learn to prevent risks and respond to emergencies.
- Nanny Pro Professional Pathways: Gain the tools and strategies for a rewarding childcare career.
- In-Person Training: Perfect for aspiring and experienced nannies to refine skills and connect with mentors.
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 Kickstart your financial future with a series of financial workshops by the Redwood City Library. Dinner is included for participants. Register here to attend. This program is intended for adults ages 25-35 (others may apply as room permits). Preference will be given to participants who can attend all six sessions.
- Session 1: Building Savings & Wealth (March 10)
- Session 2: Increase Cash Flow & Manage Debt (March 17)
- Session 3: Preparing with Proper Protection (March 24)
- Session 4: Your Health & Wealth (March 31)
- Session 5: Understanding Asset Accumulation Strategies (April 7)
- Session 6: Fulfilling Long-Term Goals (April 14)
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March 27, 2025
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Join us for an informative workshop designed to help local small businesses navigate the State’s small and micro business certification process.
The State’s Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services will share how to become certified and gain access to government contracts.
Workshop Highlights:
- Understanding Small Business Certification
- Benefits of Certification
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Key Requirements & Eligibility
- Resources & Support Available
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A moment of centering: The term inclusion is used to describe the active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity -- in people, in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities (e.g. intellectual, social, cultural, geographic) with which individuals might connect.. source: George Washington University
Have feedback? We would appreciate feedback about what information you most want to hear from us. For feedback, please email us at equitysmc@smcgov.org.
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