Community Leaders in Action

Cultivating community residents to become leaders… 

Valley Onward seeks to bring equity to all neighborhoods so that all Californians can enjoy the benefits of healthy communities to live long and prosper.

Valley Onward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating new leaders in California's Central Valley and organizing around issues impacting women and disinvested communities across rural areas. With roots in the highly successful Building Healthy Communities Initiative (BHC), Valley Onward leverages over a decade of experience in community organizing, fostering equity, and empowering marginalized communities to create lasting change.

This Months focus

Emergency Preparedness

Valley Onward’s Listos team is committed to sharing emergency preparedness across our community through strong partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross. We offer step-by-step family safety plans, install smoke alarms, and engage youth in building emergency “go bags.” We also educate community members on earthquake safety and provide vital preparedness information to essential field workers who may not have the time to access these resources. Together, we ensure our communities are informed, equipped, and ready in the face of emergencies.

  • CHW/ Promotora Network

    Valley Onward supports Promotoras to connect families with vital resources through culturally relevant outreach and education. Through this grassroots work, we strengthen community trust and engagement.

  • Civil engagement

    Valley Onward mobilizes community members to actively participate in the democratic process and local decision-making. We provide education, resources, and support to encourage voting, public participation, and leadership development.

  • Advocacy

    We advocate for policies that address the social and economic challenges facing our community. Valley Onward amplifies the voices of residents by organizing campaigns and building relationships with policymakers.

  • Convener & Coalition Building

    Valley Onward brings together diverse community groups, leaders, and organizations to foster collaboration and collective action. We create inclusive spaces for dialogue, resource sharing, and coordinated problem-solving.

Our Promotoras

Much of the impactful work carried out by Valley Onward is made possible through our dedicated team of contracted promotoras, who are the heart and soul of our mission. These trusted community leaders bring passion, cultural connection, and deep local knowledge to every effort, whether it’s sharing life saving preparedness information or supporting families through outreach. Their commitment allows us to build stronger, safer communities, and their work truly embodies the spirit of empowerment and equity that drives everything we do.

  • The human quality of their leadership, their dedication and passion is contagious and truly admirable. Their openness in providing us with training and sharing knowledge makes our work much easier.

    Promotora

  • Valley Onward gave me the confidence and skills to speak up and become a leader in my neighborhood. Through PLTI, I found my voice and a network of support.

    PLTI Alumni

  • Attending community events and discovering places I had never seen before has allowed me to connect with others in meaningful ways. These events open the door to a generous world full of opportunities, where we can both learn and share with one another

    Promotora

  • I would absolutely recommend Valley Onward because of the learning experience it offers, its constant growth, and its pursuit of new things, innovation, and more.

    PLTI Alumni

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