Orange County Communities Organized For Responsible Development

OCCORD’s mission is to build the power of historically marginalized communities in Orange County. OCCORD utilizes community organizing and policy research as strategies to build leadership and a collective voice. We pursue policy changes that lead to an inclusive economy, community-driven education, and responsive democracy.

OCCORD envisions an awakened and organized community with responsive local government, building systems and policies that lead to a community-centered, economy, neighborhoods, and schools. Founded as a community-labor alliance in 2005, Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development (OCCORD) combines community organizing, civic participation, strategic research, and advocacy to engage residents, workers, and stakeholders in local government decisions that impact economic opportunity, community health, and overall quality of life.

OCCORD promotes inclusive public decision-making in a region where a profound civic disconnection exists between our region’s governing class and the increasingly diverse constituent base it seeks to represent. We concentrate our efforts in communities such as Anaheim and Santa Ana where working families and immigrant communities have not fully participated in government decision-making processes and long-standing community needs have gone unaddressed.

We have big dreams for Orange County and will keep pounding
the pavement until they are realized. Ultimately, we measure
our success by the trust we build with our members who see
OCCORD as a political and cultural home. Together we achieve so
much. In recent years, OCCORD has:
• Assisted more than 3,000 residents in securing citizenship
and engaged over 14,000 residents in voter registration
and elections.

• Organized to develop The People’s Map and put district-
based elections on the ballot leading to greater

accountability and representation on the Anaheim City
Council.
• Protected our community during the pandemic by
distributing PPE, helping folks access rental assistance,
and hosting vaccination and testing clinics.
• Hosted public education clinics, town halls, and teach-ins
so that our neighbors know their rights related to housing,
immigration, employment and more.

OCCORD is at the forefront of empowering Orange County’s immigrant and working-class communities, advancing equity, and fostering civic participation. In today’s political climate, where the rights and dignity of marginalized communities are under attack, your support is more critical than ever. Our top priorities include:

Expanding Naturalization and Leadership Programs ($30,000): As anti-immigrant policies persist, we must equip more community members with the tools to naturalize, advocate, and lead. Each $100 helps a family on the path to citizenship or equips a resident with critical leadership skills to organize and fight for justice.

On-the-Ground Support and Resources ($20,000): Strengthen our rapid-response efforts to connect residents with vital resources, such as housing rights, workers’ protections, and emergency support. Your contributions enable us to mobilize quickly in times of crisis.

Technology and Operational Capacity ($15,000): Upgrade our systems to ensure staff and volunteers can efficiently provide services to meet the growing needs of the community. Modern tools mean faster, more effective support.

Digital Outreach and Community Connection ($10,000): Increase our online presence to reach more families who are often excluded from critical information. Your gift ensures underserved communities stay informed and empowered.

Volunteer Support and Training ($5,000): Build the capacity of our incredible volunteer base with essential training and supplies to amplify their impact in citizenship fairs and grassroots advocacy.

Your support directly impacts families working tirelessly to secure their futures, protect their rights, and uplift their communities. In these urgent times, every dollar propels us closer to building a more inclusive, just, and equitable society. Together, we can make lasting change.