Podcast appearances and mentions of george koster

"When the community comes together, organizes, advocates, makes noise, and has a plan, we can change systems” - Richard RayaJoin host George Koster for part two of our Arts for a Better Bay Area highlights as ten visionary guests tackle some of the big issues facing San Francisco and our arts organizations and creative workforce; Such as downtown vacancies, converting offices into affordable artist homes, changing Hotel Tax Funding of the arts via reforms ensuring transparent hotel‑tax dollars, and showcasing the impact of arts in economic development of neighborhoods like the Mid‑Market along with providing direct grants to artists that revive the city's cultural heartbeat.Guests:Joshua Simon, Senior Advisor, Community Arts Stabilization TrustKathryn Reasoner, Executive Consultant, Vital ArtsRichard Raya, Chief Strategy Officer, Mission Economic Development AgencyFernando Pujals, Deputy Director,Mid‑Market Business AssociationJacob Bintliff, Mgr of Economic Recovery Initiatives, SF Office of Economic & Workforce DevelopmentLaura Poppiti, Program Director, Center for Cultural InnovationMeredith Winner, Co-Founder & COO, Building 180/Paint the VoidJoe Landini, Director / Founder, SafeHouse ArtsVinay Patel, Executive Director, Asian Pacific Islander Cultural CenterDenise Pate, Director Community Investments, SF Arts CommissionDon't just be a listener; Be a doer!For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide todayMake a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events  Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

We must disrupt and rebuild; our task is to shift how society thinks through art” - Ralph RemingtonPart one of this special episode, in collaboration with Arts for a Better Bay Area, delves into the discussions and insights from the 2023 State of the Arts and Culture Organization Summit. Host Eric Estrada and summit reporter Isa Nakazawa bring you the voices of key panelists and attendees who are shaping the future of the arts in the Bay Area. Guests:Maria Jenson, Creative and Executive Director, SOMARTS Cultural CenterRalph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs, San Francisco Arts CommissionJonathan Moscone, Executive Director, California Arts CouncilJenny Cohn, Client Success Manager of TRGJeff Jones, Co-founder, Queer Cultural CenterVallie Brown, Director of the City of San Francisco's Grants for the ArtsCary McClelland,Chief Operating Officer & Registered In-House Counsel - YBCADon't just listen – get involved! For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide todayMake a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Newsletter: Sign up  to stay updated on future episodes and events  Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

Arts Equity, Advocacy, Impact"Artists, cultural bearers, creatives are essential contributors to the economy… so that arts are not a luxury, arts are not a hobby" – Ron MurieraThis episode of Where Art Meets Impact features Kristen Sakota, Michael Alexander, Ron Muriera, Meghna Bhat, and Josiah Bruny, discussing arts advocacy, economic empowerment, storytelling, arts and health, and youth leadership. They offer solutions including increasing arts funding, strengthening community engagement, advocating for policy change, empowering youth through creative leadership, and integrating the arts into healthcare. Tune in to learn how these leaders are shaping the future of arts and culture in our communities.For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page.  Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide todayMake a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events  Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

"Artists must be at the center of decision-making, shaping policies and funding structures that directly impact their work and their communities” - Nataki GarrettShow GuestsTiara AmarTitle: Advocate for Art Workers' RightsKey Points:Advocates for fair pay and professional protections for musicians.Highlights the Fair Play Initiative for setting pay minimums.Showcases transformative impact through grassroots campaigns and fellowship programs.Nurit SmithTitle: Executive Director, Music Forward FoundationKey Points:Stresses the importance of aligning education with industry needs.Advocates for holistic creative economy education, including entrepreneurship and business skills.Explores solutions for workforce development and advocacy.Nataki GarrettTitle: Keynote Speaker and Arts Policy AdvocateKey Points:Discusses sustainable funding models for arts organizations.Emphasizes access and inclusivity in creative spaces.Highlights the transformative role of artists in policy and advocacy.Three Ways You Can Support the Work of our Guests:Advocate for fair pay and professional protections for artists by engaging with local policymakers and supporting initiatives like the Fair Play Campaign.Partner with organizations championing creative economy education to help bridge the gap between education and industry.Support place-keeping initiatives by investing in community-based projects and amplifying the voices of local artists.For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page. Dive deeper into these vital discussions and access the California Arts & Culture Summit Resource Guide todayMake a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events  Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

“So, if people need potable water, then we need to provide them with that. Or if people are looking for a job that we don't need to categorize that. We can start to put away our own judgment and provide them with the opportunity that they're putting in front of us versus us telling them, no, no, you need to go get treatment before you get a job”- Mary CarlIn Part Two of our “Finding Home” Live Show, experts and those with lived experience discuss the complexities of homelessness in San Francisco; Along with solutions, focusing on the urgent need for safe housing, community collaboration, and long-term investment to create lasting impact and stability for those affected.Host: George Koster
Guests: Sammie Rayner - Community Forward, Meghan Freebeck - Simply the Basics, Lydia Bransten - The Gubbio Project, Mary Carl - Miracle Messages, Erica Kisch - Compass Family ServicesKey Highlights and Takeaways from the Panel Discussion:Long-Term Solutions: Experts emphasize the importance of long-term investment in stable housing and community services, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and older adults.Safety and Dignity: Safety is a central concern, with a focus on ensuring safe spaces for those experiencing homelessness, and not just offering shelter, but the right kind of support.Coalition-Building: Collaboration between organizations, government, and the community is essential for creating a comprehensive and sustainable approach to addressing homelessness.Three Things you can do to support our unhoused neighbors:Donate or Volunteer: Support the organizations featured in the discussion by donating or offering your time to help those experiencing homelessness Advocate for Funding: Encourage local policymakers to support and fund long-term housing solutions, like Proposition A, to create permanent housing and safer environments for all.Join Community Initiatives: Participate in local initiatives to provide services such as hygiene kits, food, and shelter for those in need, and help bridge gaps in services.Connect with us: Watch, Listen & Discover: Visit our Finding Home Series PageDonate to help us continue to make shows like this one:   Subscribe to our e-newsletter to find out more about each show topic and participating in live shows: YouTube: Watch this episode on our YouTube channelFeedback: Share your thoughts and show ideas at george@georgekoster.com Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

"For the first time, we are centering artists in our work with an equity-centered, artist-centered cultural plan... with a big emphasis on affordable housing and live-workspace for artists” - Jonathon Glus, City of San DiegoIn this engaging episode of Voices of the Community, we spotlight transformative policy wins and the visions shaping the future of California's arts and culture sector. Recorded live at the second annual California Arts and Culture Summit in Sacramento, this episode features highlights from a dynamic PechaKucha-style panel discussion moderated by Jennifer Laine, Executive Director of the San Benito County Arts Council.Jennifer and fellow arts leaders explore local and statewide victories, including Measure P in Fresno, the California Creative Corps, and pioneering collaborations with California State Parks. These stories showcase how advocacy, cross-sector partnerships, and data-driven strategies can elevate the creative economy and inspire meaningful change.Join us as we discuss key insights from the summit and actionable steps for empowering artists and cultural organizations to tackle pressing issues like equity, climate resilience, and workforce development.Watch, Listen and Discover how you can support and shape the future of the creative economy!- Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Stay Connected:- Participate: Join our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event.- YouTube: Watch this episode on our YouTube channel- Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events  Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

"Our philosophy is simple: without rest, there is no healing. We open our doors so that people can have a safe space to rest, restoring a basic dignity often lost on the streets.”- Lydia BranstenIn Finding Home, host George Koster speaks with leaders from San Francisco-based organizations committed to supporting unhoused residents. This insightful conversation highlights the unique challenges and solutions surrounding homelessness, especially in a post-pandemic environment.Featured Guests:  Mary Carl – Executive Director, Miracle Messages, Sammie Rayner – Co-Chief Executive, Community Forward SF, Erica Kisch – CEO, Compass Family Services, Meghan Freebeck – Director, Simply the Basics, Lydia Bransten – Executive Director, The Gubbio Project .Key Topics Discussed:  1. Innovative Programs - How these organizations are working on programs for family reunification, safe spaces for vulnerable populations, and essential resources like hygiene products.2. Post-Pandemic Challenges - The panel discusses increased demand, funding struggles, and legal changes impacting support for the unhoused.3. Successful Solutions - Efforts like "miracle friends" that connect housed and unhoused individuals, universal basic income (UBI) pilots, and the importance of basic income as a support tool for stability.Listener Actions:  - Volunteer in peer-support programs.- Advocate for policies supporting UBI and housing.- Support and expand safe spaces and shelters.Highlights and Takeaways:- Programs that restore dignity, offer stability, and strengthen community.- Community involvement is crucial for sustainable solutions.Connect with us:  - Watch, Listen & Discover: Visit our Finding Home Part 1 Episode Page  - Donate to help us continue to make shows like this one:   - Subscribe to our e-newsletter to find out more about each show topic and participating in live shows: - YouTube: Watch this episode on our YouTube channel- Feedback: Share your thoughts and show ideas at george@georgekoster.comThis episode emphasizes how local organizations and community members can work together to address homelessness and create lasting change. Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

"It's really important for arts advocates and tradition bearers, artists, and cultural organizations to participate in the visioning and guiding principle process in your community plan, to get named in the vision statement of the community" - Tracy HudakJoin Tracy Hudak, Director of Field Engagement for California for the Arts, and Jackie Melendez, Assistant City Manager of the City of Chino, for an insightful discussion in "Casemaking for Collaboration." This episode explores the intersection of arts advocacy, economic development, and urban planning. Discover how artists, cultural organizations, and advocates can effectively engage with local governments to ensure that arts are recognized as a vital part of inclusive economic development and community growth. You'll learn practical tools and strategies for making a compelling case for arts and culture as essential contributors to a region's economic vitality and quality of life.Watch, Listen and Discover how you can support and shape the future of the creative economy!- Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Stay Connected:- Participate: Join our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event.- YouTube: Watch this episode on our YouTube channel- Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events - Feedback: Share your thoughts and show ideas at george@georgekoster.com. Delve deeper into our Voices of the Community Series: explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources on our dedicated page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

"We're living through the greatest art heist of all time. Billions of images, data, and content were scraped illegally, impacting creative jobs, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation." - Nicole HendrixThe creative economy is at a crossroads, grappling with issues of fair pay, technological disruption, and access to resources. The panelists in this insightful discussion offer solutions and strategies for artists and advocates to navigate these challenges and build a more sustainable and equitable future for the creative sector. As part of our co-production partnership with California for the Arts 2nd Annual State of the Arts summit in April 2024 we bring you a panel of subject matter experts which features Moderator: Nurit Siegel Smith the Executive Director of the Music Forward Foundation with our Panelists: Nicole Hendrix the Co-Founder, BRIC Foundation & Concept Art Association, Marcus Mitchell Public Art Administrator, for the City of West Hollywood; and Tiara Amar the Advocacy & Fellows, of Whippoorwill Arts; along with Jamie Hand the Director of Strategic Impact and Narrative Change for Creatives Rebuild New YorkWatch, Listen and Discover how you can support and shape the future of the creative economy!- Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Stay Connected:- Participate: Join our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event.- YouTube: Watch this episode on our YouTube channel- Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events - Feedback: Share your thoughts and show ideas at george@georgekoster.com. Delve deeper into our Voices of the Community Series: explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources on our dedicated page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

“So if you have not tapped into community members that you are serving, that you are working with, then you are missing a large, piece of the solution to your problems”. - Heather HeslepGentrification, displacement, the struggle for ownership... these are the challenges faced by many communities today. But what if art could be the key to preserving cultural heritage and building economic resilience? The panel discussion features Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer, CEO & Founder of Studio T Arts & Entertainment, Arianna Chavez, Executive Director at Arte Americas, Roshaun Davis, Executive Director of CLTRE and Co-Founder of Unseen Heroes, and Heather Heslup, Director of Public Art Programs at Destination Crenshaw along with Nikko Kimzin, CEO + Lead Consultant at Kimzin Creative. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the arts and the importance of place keeping, ownership, and wealth redistribution. - Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Stay Connected:- Participate: Join our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event.- YouTube: Watch this episode on our YouTube channel- Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events - Feedback: Share your thoughts and show ideas at george@georgekoster.com. Delve deeper into our Voices of the Community Series: explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources on our dedicated page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

"At the structural level, we don't make decisions based on evidence. If we did, we would have universal healthcare and basic income. The arts can be part of this shift” - Tasha GoldenJoin Nefesha Yisra'el from California for the Arts as she introduces our second episode, featuring a powerful panel discussion on the intersection of arts and health. This episode is part of our exclusive interview series with California for the Arts and their second annual State of the Arts Summit.Featured Speakers:Moderator: Deborah Cullinan, Vice President for the Arts at Stanford UniversityPanelists: - Chris Appleton, Founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy - Dr. Tasha Golden, Director of Research at Johns Hopkins' International Arts and Mind Lab - Dr. Indre Viskontas, Cognitive Neuroscientist and Opera Stage DirectorEpisode Highlights:- Explore the transformative power of art on prescription.- Discover evidence-based impacts of arts on well-being.- Learn about innovative programs like Stanford's Art Pharmacy.- Gain practical insights into integrating arts into healthcare.Take Action to Support our Arts:- Watch & Listen Now: Don't miss this essential conversation for artists, healthcare providers, and advocates.- Support the Speakers: Learn more about their organizations and programs on our episode landing page [Eric, I will send you this as soon as Kasey brings the page live]- Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Stay Connected:- Participate: Join our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event.- YouTube: Watch this episode on our YouTube channel- Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events - Feedback: Share your thoughts and show ideas at george@georgekoster.com. Delve deeper into our Voices of the Community Series: explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources on our dedicated page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

 "Together we can create a world where arts and culture are recognized and invested in as essential to society, embedded in community life, and intersecting with broader policy change to reshape systems towards equity and justice." - Julie BakerJoin us as we kick off our second season, celebrating the vibrant and resilient arts and culture scene that shape our community. This season, we bring you highlights from the second annual California Arts & Culture Summit, organized by our partner California for the Arts, with the theme "Art Work is Real Work."In our premiere episode, don't miss the inspiring opening ceremony and keynote sessions with Nefesha Yisra'el the Director of Programs from California for the Arts, Leticia Rhi Buckley, the CEO for LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Julie Baker, the CEO for both California for the Arts and California Arts Advocates along with keynote speaker Nataki Garrett the Co-Artistic Director of One Nation / One Project Arts for Every Body. They delve into the critical topics of advocacy, cultural equity, artist support, and the transformative power of the arts in promoting health and empathy.Tune in and discover the economic significance of the arts and the urgent need for sustained funding. Be inspired by stories of how art addresses societal issues and fosters a more empathetic world.To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. And if you have been enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choiceWe welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube Channel and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.comPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one. Delve deeper into our Voices of the Community Series: explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources on our dedicated page. Watch and learn from all five series now!

Welcome to the finale of our series on affordable housing for the creative workforce, brought to you in partnership with Arts for a Better Bay Area and the State of the Arts Summit. This episode is the culmination of our journey, featuring innovative solutions and inspirational figures from the creative world.Join us as we delve into the heart of the ABBA summit with “Housing for the Artist Workforce: Revisiting Artists' Housing Solutions.” Discover a pioneering pilot program that empowers artist property owners to leave a lasting legacy for the artistic community through a novel real estate trust model.Meg Shiffler, the esteemed Director of the Artist Space Trust, graces us once again with her presence, offering profound insights into the Trust's mission, its vital role in protecting artists' legacies, and how creatives can actively participate in shaping their futures.But that's not all! Our exclusive interviews from the ABBA summit, conducted by our insightful reporters Isa Nakazawa and Eric Estrada, will transport you to the heart of the action. We'll revisit conversations with influential figures like Kathryn Reasoner, a visionary in the arts, and Chun Yu, a poet and co-founder of the Two Languages One Community project, who infuse the summit with their innovative spirits and groundbreaking work.Don't miss out on this captivating conclusion to our series – our co-production with Arts for a Better Bay Area through their State of the Arts Summit. a tribute to the power of creativity and collaboration in building sustainable futures for artists.To discover more about our guests and their impactful work, including programs, services, volunteer opportunities, and donation options, visit Voices Of The Community dot com. Navigate to the Arts and Culture Series page and locate Episode Ten. For additional insights on housing, revisit Episode Four of the arts and culture series to hear Meg and Kathryn discuss affordable housing for the creative workforce. You can explore the initiatives of Vital Arts and The Northern California Land Trust in Episode Seventy, from our special series focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on our nonprofit sector. And Don't miss Chun Yu's captivating poetry in Episode Two of our arts and culture series.Throughout this series, co-produced with Arts for a Better Bay Area, we've immersed ourselves in the challenges and triumphs of our arts and culture sector. From the lingering effects of the pandemic to inspiring stories of resilience, we've seen the struggles and the incredible solutions being forged.We hope you've gained a deeper understanding of the issues artists and organizations face: rising housing costs, lack of workforce support, and persistent undervaluing of their work. But we've also witnessed the power of creativity in driving economic revitalization, promoting health and well-being, and building stronger communities.The good news is, YOU can be a part of the solution. Here's how:Support Arts Organizations: Attend performances, exhibitions, and events. Spread the word about the incredible work they do.Advocate for Artists: Contact your elected officials and let them know that supporting the creative workforce is vital to a thriving community.Donate or Volunteer: Offer your time or resources to organizations making a difference in the arts and culture sector.Spread the Word: Use your voice on social media to amplify arts events and initiatives.The State of the Arts Summit sparked powerful dialogues. Let's keep the conversation going and work together to create a vibrant future for arts and culture in our communities. Because when the arts thrive, we all thrive. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we can make a difference.We welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube Channel and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one. Dive Into More Information on Each Episode, Speakers, Organizations and Resources at our Voices of the Community's Special Arts & Culture Series Web Landing Page

"The resilience that we have to live through booms and busts and pandemics and continue to serve the community, continue to drive foot traffic, continue to create economic opportunities for local people to have jobs and work and express themselves is just incredible. So if you're struggling with a storefront or a vacancy or empty space, just remember to think about the arts” - Julie PhelpsIn this episode, we delve into our special series that charts the resurgence of the arts and culture sector from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic. We're bringing together insights from the Co-Production of Arts for A Better Bay Area State of The Arts Summit, an event that unfolded at the Strand Theatre in San Francisco on June 28th, 2023. The summit cast a spotlight on revitalizing our communities through the lens of the arts. A standout session at the summit tackled a pressing issue: securing affordable housing for our artistic community.Emerging from the discussions at the ABBA summit on affordable housing and real estate was a captivating dialogue on utilizing the shifts in the market post-pandemic to enable arts and cultural organizations to secure their own venues for performances.To shed light on this promising avenue, we're joined by Julie Phelps, the Artistic and Executive Director of CounterPulse, and Joshua Simon, a Senior Advisor at the Community Arts Stabilization Trust. They will unpack an inventive real estate strategy that empowered CounterPulse to purchase their performance space—an approach that holds transformative potential for the arts sector across the country. Welcome to Voices of the Community, a platform where every conversation spark innovation, and every voice is valued.To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. And if you have been enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choiceWe welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube Channel and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one. Dive Into More Information on Each Episode, Speakers, Organizations and Resources at our Voices of the Community's Special Arts & Culture Series Web Landing Page

“It's about forcing the city to make sure that they build affordable housing. And there's lots of, programs that we have in the Citywide People's Plan that can make, huge steps towards, building affordable housing” - Dyan RuizThis episode is part of our ongoing Special Series on How the Arts and Culture sector is coming back from the covid 19 pandemic. In our co-production of Arts for A Better Bay Area's [ABBA] State of the Arts Summit on June 28th 2023 one of the breakout sessions was focused on the work in our community to develop affordable housing for our creative workforce.The summit breakout panel discussion on “Housing for the Artist Workforce: Revisiting Artists' Housing” is featured in episode four of this series. We received a lot of feedback from ABBA's State of the Arts Summit attendees that they wished the session on affordable housing was longer and they could spend more time diving into the work being done. Based on this feedback we have created three follow up episodes focused on three of the topics that were discussed in the arts for a better bay area's state of the arts summit affordable housing session. This episode is focused on the Race & Equity in all Planning of San Francisco [REP-SF] coalition's work to create the Citywide People's Plan for affordable housing in San Francisco and features the voices of ​​the co-founder and reporter of people power media Dyan Ruiz and the President and Resident Chair of Calle 24 Latino Cultural District Erick Arguello.To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. And if you have been enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choiceWe welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube Channel and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one. Dive Into More Information on Each Episode, Speakers, Organizations and Resources at our Voices of the Community's Special Arts & Culture Series Web Landing Page

"I think the action and the continuity of the coalition from Prop S to Prop E went from 40 organizations to 140 organizations. That was something that was huge” - Vin SeamanIn this seventh episode of our series focusing on the arts and culture sector's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, we bring you highlights from the Co-Production of Arts For A Better Bay Area (ABBA) State of The Arts Summit, held at the Strand Theatre in San Francisco on June 28th, 2023. The summit centered around rebuilding communities through the arts.This episode features a community conversation from the ABBA Summit, discussing the status of Proposition E from 2018, the Arts Impact Endowment, and Grants for the Arts. Our panel includes voices from:- Joe Landini, Founder and Director of Giving at Safe House Arts- Vinay Patel, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center- Denise Pate, Director of Community Investments for the San Francisco Arts CommissionThe second part of our discussion features an interview with ABBA Summit attendee, Shrey Purohit an artist and cultural worker at Arts Span; Along with a One on One Interview with Vallie Brown, the Director of the City of San Francisco's Grants For The Arts, along with our wonderful co-host Isa Nakazawa, the Director of Community Engagement of BAVC Media.To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. And if you have been enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choiceWe welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode on our YouTube Channel and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one. Dive Into More Information on Each Episode, Speakers, Organizations and Resources at our Voices of the Community's Special Arts & Culture Series Web Landing Page https://georgekoster.com/voc-series-arts-cultures

“Bringing the scale of human life to the community again so that we can kind of start seeing our humanity and our everyday Experiences” - Melissa AbercrombieThis episode is from our November 4th 2023 live event co-production with the Petaluma Arts Center, our broadcast partners KPCA 103.3fm and Petaluma Community Access TV and BAVC Media. This special event was focused on exploring the question, “How Do Community Based Arts Organizations Secure Sustainable Funding?”  Our wonderful panel and audience members covered sub topics such as Exploring Different Business Models, Hybrid Productions - Live and Streaming, bringing arts organizations and government committees to support artists along with ideas around creating a fund endowment. The event included our panel conversation along with questions and lively conversation with our audience, all with the focus of bringing our community together in support of the arts. The panel features the voices of:- Llisa Demtrios, the President of the Board Petaluma Arts Center;- Melissa Abercrombie, the Chair of the Petaluma Pubic Art Committee;- Diane Dragoine, the Executive Director of Cinnabar Theatre;- Juliet Pokorny, the co-founder of West Side Stories PetalumaTo find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. And if you have been enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choiceWe welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“I think really being open minded and also really trusting artists is a really big, important factor because. Artists know what they're doing, at least when it comes to making the artwork, that's why people hire them and allow them to have the most creative freedom as possible, really. Usually allows the project to be as best as it can be or as good as it can be” - Meredith WinnerThis episode is the long form of our one-on-one interview with Meredith Winner the COO and Co-Founder of Building 180 and Managing Director and Co-Founder of Paint the Void. Meredith shares how her team at Building 180 provides support agency services to artists to provide projects and good-paying work as well as through Paint the Void works with artists and local government to utilize art as economic and community development change agents. As part of our great roving reporter team of Isa Nakazawa and Eric Estrada at the Arts For A Better Bay Area State of The Arts Summit; this episode includes an interview with Lyzette Wanzer the author of Trauma, Tresses & Truth "Untangling our Hair Through Personal Narrative". Lyzette also was part of the planning and production team of the ABBA State of the Arts Summit. Lyzette shares with us about the planning of the Summit along with her insights into how both artists and arts organizations need the support of our government, funders, and each other. To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. And if you have been enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choiceWe welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"So of course, the pandemic was a struggle for all of us, and so we all know the arts organizations are the first to close and last open, especially the performing arts are really still struggling" - Rachel OsajimaThis episode is the long form of our one-on-one interview with Fernando Pujals, the Deputy Director of the Mid-Market Business Association & Foundation and a great deep dive into how he and his team our supporting artists, arts organizations and leveraging the power of the arts to help bring back the Mid-Market neighborhood in our post pandemic world. As part of our great roving reporter team of Isa Nakazawa and Eric Estrada at the Arts For A Better Bay Area State of The Arts Summit; this episode includes an interview with Rachel Osajima who serves as the Executive Director of the Alameda County Arts Commission, which is a division of the County of Alameda. Rachel provides us with some wonderful insights into how a funder has continued to support artists and arts organizations through the pandemic and in the post pandemic marketplace.To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. And if you have been enjoying the show please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choiceWe welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"There's been a lot of talk about, how do you make this sustainable, and there's not one answer, but one piece that is core to that, is really galvanizing and cementing around this notion that arts and culture is already right here and we need to lean into it and value it and uplift it. And in that way it won't be able to be ignored'“ - Fernando PujasThis episode is part of our special series on how the arts and culture sector is coming back from the covid 19 pandemic and features voices from the Co-Production of Arts For A Better Bay Area State of The Arts Summit held at the Strand Theatre in San Francisco on June 28th 2023. The focus of the summit was on rebuilding our communities through the arts. This episode features panelists from our breakout panel discussion “Regional Economic Recovery Through the Arts" on how the Arts are being utilized in economic and community development coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic. The panel features the voices of Laura Poppiti, the Deputy Director of the Center for Cultural Innovation, Richard Raya, the Chief Strategy Officer at Mission Economic Development Agency, Fernando Pujals, the Deputy Director of the Mid-Market Business Association & Foundation, Meredith Winner, the co-founder and COO of Building 180 and Managing Director and Co-Founder of Paint the Voice, and Jacob Bintliff, the Manager of Economic Recovery Initiatives at the City of San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development along with our co-host Susie McKinnon a Steward at Arts for a Better Bay Area.To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. And if you have been enjoying the show please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choiceWe welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. You can also watch this episode and please Sign Up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on future episodes and to participate in our next live show. We would love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"So looking at how do we build an ecology where affordable housing isn't just a place you stay, it's a place you stay and work and build a business and raise a family and, you know, build the economic resources,for the next step. " - Josh SimonThis episode is part of our special series on how the arts and culture sector is coming back from the Covid 19 pandemic and features voices from our co-production of Arts For a Better Bay Area's State Of The Arts Summit on June 28th 2023. The focus of the summit was how artists and arts organizations are adapting in a post pandemic marketplace along with the economic developmental power of our arts and culture economy in rebuilding our communities. This episode features our panelists from our breakout session “Housing for the Artist Workforce: Revisiting Artists' Housing Solutions” Kathryn Reasoner, Executive Consultant with Vital Arts, Mark Morrisette, the Facilities Director at Berkeley Repertory Theater, Joshua Simon, a Senior Advisor at the Community Arts Stabilization Trust, Ian Winters, the Director of Incubation and Special Projects at the Northern California Land Trust, and Meg Shiffler, the Director of Artists Space Trust, along with Julie Baker, the CEO of Californians for the Arts and California Arts Advocates.To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. We hope that you enjoyed episode four of our new seven-part series highlighting the issues and solutions of our arts and culture organizations and their workforce as they innovate to come back from the pandemic along with addressing the systemic racism in our performing arts ecosystem.,We welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event on November 4th at the Petaluma Arts Center from 2pm to 4pm. Register for FREE Y2 pm4 pmou can tune into our usual radio show, podcast, and television show with our friends at BAVC Media. Sign Up for our Newsletter to participate in our next live showPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“One of the things that I, would say to this community coming from a repressed community is let's turn to each other, not on each other. Let's bond together, and find our commonality, not our differences. Because the enemy, I've seen the enemy in Arizona, and it is not us. So when we have small differences with each other, let's recognize them for what that is, and let's stop this San Francisco bickering that we're famous for, and killing each other over really tiny differences. And let's bond together over the big stuff because the big stuff is coming and it's here and it's big and hairy and gross and we need everybody's power and participation to disrupt these evil forces.” - Ralph RemingtonThis interview with Ralph Remington is part of our co-production with Arts for a Better Bay Area of the re-launch of the State of the Arts Summit on June 28th, 2023. You can watch the wonderful interview conducted by our roaming reporter team of Isa Nakazawa our co-host and associate producer Eric Estrada.You can listen to the full episode features the opening and keynote speakers made up of community leaders, poets, artists, administrators, government officials, and representatives from arts and culture organizations; who share their wonderful insights and recommendations on the rebuilding of our communities through the arts. With Arts for a Better Bay Area's State of the Arts Summit theme, "Rebuilding Our Communities," our opening and keynote speakers below explore collective ways the arts community can develop and bridge supportive connections as we emerge from the pandemic. To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. We hope that you enjoyed episode two of our new six-part series highlighting the issues and solutions of our arts and culture organizations and their workforce as they innovate to come back from the pandemic along with addressing the systemic racism in our performing arts ecosystem.We welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. Our next community dialogue will be streamed as well as you can tune into our usual radio show, podcast, and television show with our friends at BAVC Media. Sign Up for our Newsletter to participate in our next live showPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"It's all about partnering artists with small businesses to create site specific installations and that way create more exposure both for the business and for the artists and also to revitalize those corridors" - Vanessa WilsonThis is our second episode from the co-production with Arts for a Better Bay Area of the re-launch of the State of the Arts Summit "Rebuilding Our Communities," on June 28th, 2023.The COVID-19 pandemic shined a spotlight on the importance of arts and culture and its impact on our communities and economy, as well as the under-funding and fragility of our sector. Our second episode is focused on how governmental support, funding, artists, and audiences have changed and what arts and cultural organizations are doing to support, reinvent, and invigorate the sector. Join us to learn about various angles of this work and how you can get engaged.This episode features Julie Baker, CEO - of Californians for the Arts; Vanessa Wilson, Deputy Director - of ArtSpan; Lauren Macmadu, Head of External Relations - of YBCA;  Jenny Cohn, Client Success Manager - of TRG Arts along with Cary McClelland, Chief Operating Officer - of YBCA.You can watch this episode as part of our television show with our friends at BAVC Media. To receive more information on the State of the Arts Series please Sign Up for our Newsletter to find out more about each episode as well as to participate in our next live show.We hope that you enjoyed episode three of our new six-part series highlighting the issues and solutions of our arts and culture organizations and their workforce as they innovate to come back from the pandemic along with addressing the systemic racism in our performing arts ecosystem. Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.If you've been enjoying the show please leave us a rating and review on the podcast platform of your choice and we'd love to hear from you with feedback and show ideas, so send us an email to george@georgekoster.com

“This is a time when the art community's creative expertise and skills and talents are being relied upon. And finally, really seen as major contributors to the local economy.” – Maria JensenThis interview with Maria Jensen is part of our co-production with Arts for a Better Bay Area of the re-launch of the State of the Arts Summit on June 28th, 2023. You can watch the wonderful interview conducted by our roaming reporter team of Isa NakazawaJensen Jensenand Eric Estrada. You can listen to the full episode features the opening and keynote speakers made up of community leaders, poets, artists, administrators, government officials, and representatives from arts and culture organizations; who share their wonderful insights and recommendations on the rebuilding of our communities through the arts. With Arts for a Better Bay Area's State of the Arts Summit theme, "Rebuilding Our Communities," our opening and keynote speakers below explore collective ways the arts community can develop and bridge supportive connections as we emerge from the pandemic. To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. We hope that you enjoyed episode two of our new six-part series highlighting the issues and solutions of our arts and culture organizations and their workforce as they innovate to come back from the pandemic along with addressing the systemic racism in our performing arts ecosystem.We welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. Our next community dialogue will be streamed as well as you can tune into our usual radio show, podcast, and television show with our friends atBAVC Media. Sign Up for our Newsletter to participate in our next live showPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.that

"A clean city is not what San Francisco is. San Francisco is a messy city. It's politically messy, it's diverse. It fights amongst itself. It is San Francisco and it's never not gonna be. So, let's lean into the right kind of messy of San Francisco and artists can get messy. So, let's get messy." — Jonathan Moscone, Executive Director,California Arts CouncilThis interview with Jonathan Moscone is part of our co-production with Arts for a Better Bay Area of the re-launch of the State of the Arts Summit on June 28th, 2023. You can watch the wonderful interview conducted by our roaming reporter team of Isa Nakazawa  and Eric Estrada. You can listen to the full episode features the opening and keynote speakers made up of community leaders, poets, artists, administrators, government officials, and representatives from arts and culture organizations; who share their wonderful insights and recommendations on the rebuilding of our communities through the arts. With Arts for a Better Bay Area's State of the Arts Summit theme, "Rebuilding Our Communities," our opening and keynote speakers below explore collective ways the arts community can develop and bridge supportive connections as we emerge from the pandemic. To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. We hope that you enjoyed episode two of our new six-part series highlighting the issues and solutions of our arts and culture organizations and their workforce as they innovate to come back from the pandemic along with addressing the systemic racism in our performing arts ecosystem.We welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. Our next community dialogue will be streamed as well as you can tune into our usual radio show, podcast, and television show with our friends atBAVC Media. Sign Up for our Newsletter to participate in our next live showPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“This is a time when the art community's creative expertise and skills and talents are being relied upon. And finally, really seen as major contributors to the local economy.” – Maria JensenThis is our first episode from the co-production with Arts for a Better Bay Area of the re-launch of the State of the Arts Summit on June 28th, 2023 . This episode features the opening and keynote speakers made up of community leaders, poets, artists, administrators, government officials, and representatives from arts and culture organizations; who share their wonderful insights and recommendations on the rebuilding of our communities through the arts. With Arts for a Better Bay Area's State of the Arts Summit theme, "Rebuilding Our Communities," our opening and keynote speakers below explore collective ways the arts community can develop and bridge supportive connections as we emerge from the pandemic. To find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit our episode landing page with links to resources for the arts and culture sector. Show GuestsHoney Mahoney / Co-Founder Compton's Transgender Cultural DistrictLyzette Wanzer / Writer/AuthorMichael Warr & Chun Yu/ PoetsSusie McKinnon/ Executive Director/ ABBAMaria Jenson / Creative and Executive Director, SOMArts Cultural CenterRalph Remington / Director of Cultural Affairs, SFACJonathan Moscone, Executive Director, California Arts CouncilWe hope that you enjoyed episode two of our new six-part series highlighting the issues and solutions of our arts and culture organizations and their workforce as they innovate to come back from the pandemic along with addressing the systemic racism in our performing arts ecosystem.We welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event. Our next community dialogue will be streamed as well as you can tune into our usual radio show, podcast, and television show with our friends at BAVC Media. Sign Up for our Newsletter to participate in our next live showPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"We wanna incentivize and give board love too. I think the board is often like the scary people or viewed as the scary people behind the curtains that are doing the work or maybe overseeing or assessing” - Michelle “Mush” Lee, Youth SpeaksOur first episode of the special series titled "Insights for Building Your Nonprofit Arts and Culture Board" features these three exceptional nonprofit arts and culture leaders, doing big ambitious things with their Boards:• Michelle "Mush" Lee, Executive Director, Youth Speaks• Julie Phelps, Executive Director, Counterpulse• Meredith Suttles, Managing Director/CEO,Marin Theatre CompanyIn addition, this episode also features Jay Mitchell, professor of law and the founding director of the Organizations and Transactions Clinic at Stanford Law School who shares his expert insights and advice on the best practices of nonprofit governance and my co-host Paula Arrigoni the Executive Director of BAVC MediaTo find out more information about our guests and their respective organization's programs, and services, how to volunteer and make a donation please visit their websites for Youth Speaks go to youth speaks dot org for Counter Pulse go to counterpulse dot org for Marin Theater go to marin theatre dot org and for the Organizations and Transactions Clinic at Stanford Law School go to law dot stanford dot eduWe hope that you enjoyed episode one of our new six-part series highlighting the issues and solutions of our arts and culture organizations and their workforce as they innovate to come back from the pandemic along with addressing the systemic racism in our performing arts ecosystem.We welcome your participation in our next virtual and live in-person community dialogue event that will be focused on audience development through exploring new and different business models that have come out of the pandemic. Our next community dialogue will be streamed as well as you can tune into our usual radio show, podcast, and television show with our friends at BAVC Media. Sign Up for our Newsletter to participate in our next live showPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"There's still a lot of public resistance to the idea of giving people in homelessness cash, because, the public doesn't trust people in poverty or people in homelessness, I think that has to be corrected and addressed" - Dr. Jiaying ZhaoOne of the topics we have focused on through our special Covid-19 series is our unhoused neighbors' lives by organizations and governments experimenting with providing cash transfers to unhoused community members. We are finishing up our special series on Covid-19's impact on our nonprofits, small businesses, and local governments with this very informative and insightful interview with Foundations for Social Change.  Foundations for Social Change were the first organization in North America to develop a research project to study the impact on our unhoused neighbors' lives by providing cash transfers to un-housed community members.In this episode, we feature the voices of the Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in the Department of Psychology Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the University of British Columbia Dr. Jiaying Zhao, along with the Director of the New Leaf Project Heather Hay and the LEAP Co-Chair and Peer Coordinator Ray BonnetrougeTo review the first study and to find out more and support the work of Foundations For Social Change please go to for social change dot org  You can find out more about the work of nonprofits working with our unhoused neighbors featured over the last 3 years in this series by going to our Covid-19 and San Francisco Nonprofits series. And to find out more information about the first program to provide cash transfers to community members in the United States the City of Stockton please go to our Stockton's Rise From Bankruptcy and go to Episode 12 The Rose that Grew from ConcretePlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“I volunteer at a safe sober space. I serve on the board of a retreat for healing that happens once a year. I serve on the Board of StartOut which helps LGBTQ + entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship and resources and fundraising to increase our representation as founders of companies. I will always do this work, because these are the same kind of organizations that empowered me to have the life I lead today.” Jugal Patel Throughout this special series on covid-19's impact on our nonprofits, small businesses and local governments we have heard from numerous voices who continue to show up in a pandemic to support our unhoused community members. They have shared with you all the wonderful solutions that our nonprofits and local governments are working on to help reduce the number of our neighbors who find themselves un-housed.As we enter 2023 and the third year of the covid-19 pandemic we wanted to hear from one of our government departments about the housing and wrap around support services they are providing to our unhoused neighbors. In this episode we feature the voices of the executive director of the  Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing for the City and County of San Francisco, Shireen McSpadden, the Manager of Housing Subsidy Programs at the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, Alan Guttirez along with a participant in the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing Flex Housing Pool program Jugal Patel as well as the Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco, Beth Stokes.To find out more about the flex housing pool program along with other housing and wrap around support services that the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing for the City and County of San Francisco provides please go to h s h dot org And for more information about all of the wrap around services that the Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco provides and to make a donation please go to e c s dash s f dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“It breaks my heart as a mother and a teacher almost the, majority of people who are unhoused are families with children. Sleeping in cars, sleeping in garages, and that these families, these moms and dads, aunts and uncles, they work, but again, they can't get enough together to secure safe and affordable housing”-Elizabeth SoftkyWelcome to our annual holiday show and fundraiser. As we bring this year and our special series on Covid-19's impact on nonprofits to a close, we wanted to go back to Episode One in the series when we introduced you to Miracle Messages and in Episode 75 when we introduced you to Miracle Message's Miracle Money.In our 102 episode of this special Covid-19 series we are featuring the voices of the CEO of Miracle Messages, Kevin Adler, and Miracle Messages general manager of Los Angeles Jenni Taylor along with Miracle Money Program participant Elizabeth Softky. Photo of Episode Note: The photo is Elizabeth and her Miracle Messages Phone Buddy JoanTo donate to the holiday miracle money fund to provide funds directly to our unhoused community members please go to miracle messages dot org forward slash donate and remember I'm matching up to $2,500.00, so you can double your donationYou can listen back to episode one in our special series to hear about the background of Miracle Messages with Kevin and to find out more about the success of the Miracle Money program and its impact on our unhoused community members please listen back to episode seventy-five of this series where we feature the voices of Ray, Jen and Kevin. Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"It's the chemistry of people, who come from very different backgrounds, you have gay, transgender, straight, and different talents and different abilities coming together and making this music and magic"-Shavonne AllenThis episode features the voices of the founder of ABD Productions and the Sky Watchers Ensemble program, Anne Bluethenthal, along with the members of the Sky Watcher Ensemble, Shavonne Allen and Joel Yates who share about the power of people, from very different backgrounds coming together to make music and magicTo find out more about Skywatchers ensemble annual homeless person memorial vigil, watch the trailer and setup a screening of the 10th anniversary documentary film, and make a donation along with volunteering please go to a b d productions dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“We provide education to encourage people to vote and participate in government”-Michelle MoritzWelcome to our 2022 Election Show. Given all the propositions on both a State of California level as well as the usual too many propositions to understand on the City of San Francisco level we wanted to bring together two wonderful subject matter experts to help us better understand both the Pros and Cons of both State and City propositions. Our Elections 2022 show features the voices of two wonderful subject matter experts to help us better understand both the Pros and Cons of both State and City propositions - Michelle Moritz the Speakers Bureau Chair of the League of Women Voters of San Francisco and Madison Alvarado a Reporter and the Co-Creator of the San Francisco Public Press Election Guide.In support of the wonderful insights of both Michelle and Madison we wanted to make sure you all had the following Election 2022 Resources to deep dive into the dozens of State of California and City/County of San Francisco PropositionsLeague of Women Voters - Resources -According to Michelle the League of Women Voters has provided a series of tools to help you get ready to vote for both the State of California and the City and County of San Francisco propositions. Please do a deep dive into these great resources to get out and vote.+ City and County of San Francisco Pro and Con Guide+ State of California Voters Edge Tool - Just type in your zip code or your address and provides information about propositions, candidates and allows you to create a test ballot to get organized and ready to actually fill out your real ballot.The San Francisco Public Press - Resources -According to Madison The San Francisco Public Press team has both written and audio versions of in-depth analysis of every San Francisco measure that's on the ballot. Please do a deep dive into these great resources to get out and vote.+ Nonpartisan Voter Guide Overview+ Voter Guide with audio interviewsPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“The Compton, Cafeteria Riots and Felicia Elizondo's life living in the Tenderloin in the 1960s and trans sex workers who were fighting for their right to survive, connected with the ideas that were coming out of my mind”-Adrienne PriceIn this our one hundredth episode of our special series on the impact of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic on our nonprofit's small businesses and local government, we reached back out to folks at Z Space to share with you how they have struggled through the pandemic to bring you a very unique show The Red Shades: A Trans Superhero Rock OperaIn this episode we feature the voices of Adrienne Price, the writer and co-composer of The Red Shades: A Trans Superhero Rock Opera along with Rose Oser, the Interim Producing Director of Z Space and Lead Producer of The Red Shades who share with us their 7-year journey to bring The Red Shades to Life at ZSPACETo find out more about the Red Shades show, to purchase tickets, and make a donation please go to z space dot org forward slash red shades. You can find out more about ZSPACE and Word for Word by listening to Shafer Mazow and Rose Oser in episode 12 and to find out more about the work of Word for Word hear from the co-founders Susan Harloe and JoAnne Winter in episode 8Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“I think the, first one that stood out to me is unlike some other cities, the San Francisco city government, is not pushing for these downtown office to housing conversions”- Sarah WrightThis is part three of our three episodes exploring how the Covid-19 pandemic is impacting San Francisco's downtown neighborhood and economy along with the efforts to address the issues in the reinvention of downtown San Francisco. As downtown San Francisco continues to struggle to come back from the Covid-19 pandemic one of the ideas that is being discussed is to convert office buildings into housing to address San Francisco's decades long affordable housing crisis.We wanted to dig deeper into this idea of converting offices into housing and explore all of the issues of making this happen in San Francisco along with examples of other cities who have actually converted offices to housing. Our guests also tell us about the State of California's pressure on San Francisco's government to build more housing since according to California's Department of Housing and Community Development, San Francisco is the slowest jurisdiction in the state to move housing projects to construction.In this episode we feature the voices of two local reporters Sarah Wright and Kevin Truong from the San Francisco Standard who have done in-depth reporting on the office to housing conversion along with issues facing our housing, and business sectors.To read Sarah Wright's reporting on housing and transportation please go to sf standard dot com / author / sarah-wright/And to read Kevin Truong's reporting on both business and recovery policy please go to sf standard dot com / author / kevin-truong/To hear part one of our three stories on downtown San Francisco which featured the voices of Christ Wright from Advance SF and Jeff Bellisario from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute please listen to episode 95 . And to hear part two of the series which features the voices of Noah Arroyo from the San Francisco Chronicle and Anna Tong from The San Francisco Standard please  listen to episode 98Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“San Francisco's tax structures are incentivizing companies to, in some cases just move entirely out of San Francisco”-Anna TongThis is part two of the three stories we are covering on how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the downtown of San Francisco and the efforts to address the issues and the reinvention of downtown San Francisco.In this episode we feature the voices of two local reporters Anna Tong from the San Francisco Standard and Noah Arroyo from the San Francisco Chronicle who are doing some interesting and informative reporting on all of the issues plaguing downtown San Francisco as well as some of the efforts by business, nonprofits and the government to address the issues.To read Anna Tong's great reporting on downtown san francisco as well as her other reporting on the many issues and topics impacting san francisco please go to sf standard dot com / author / anna-tong/And to read Noah Arroyo's great reporting on both downtown and what is next for san francisco through the SF Next series please go to sf chronicle dot com / author / noah-arroyo/To hear part one of our three stories on downtown San Francisco which featured the voices of Christ Wright from Advance SF and Jeff Bellisario from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute listen to episode 95Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“I always say that music is a healthy thing that we do. It's something that we strongly believe that even the flowers and the plants and the trees really enjoy having music being played for them”-Mauro ffortissimoOne of the topics we've covered in our two plus years of producing this special series on the Covid-19 Pandemic's impact on our community is the impact the pandemic is having on our live performing arts organizations. This episode features the voices behind the annual Flower Piano show in Golden Gate Park's Botanical Garden.Our featured voices are the Gardens of Golden Gate Park CEO Stephanie Linder along with the Co-Founders of Sunset Piano Dean Mermell and Mauro ffortissimo. To find out more about the flower piano show, and, to become a sponsor or just buy tickets for the ticketed events please go to s f b g dot org. And to find out more about Sunset Piano and their wonderful documentary film twelve pianos please go to sunset piano dot comPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“We heard of neighbors helping neighbors, of people dropping off food on their friends' doorsteps, of mutual aid groups, of people becoming champions and ambassadors in their community and, showing the way to access resources and support”-Elena FairleyAs millions of families accessed and received billions of dollars of financial support from the US Federal Coronavirus Relief CARES Act Fund, millions of immigrant families were excluded from federal COVID-19 relief. Find out in our latest episode about how Mission Asset Fund [MAF] stepped up to create financial programs and support to help stabilize thousands of immigrant families in our community.In this episode our featured voices are the co-founder and CEO José Quiñonez, Elena Fairley, Director of Programs and Efrain Segundo, Financial Education and Engagement Manager from Mission Asset Fund. They will share with us how their community-centered approach works to meet clients where they are and create programs that build on what is good and true in their lives.To find out more about Mission Asset Fund's services and to support their work that provides financial services to the thousands of un-banked families and micro-enterprises in our community please go to mission asset fund dot orgYou can also find out more about how the city of San Francisco is supporting our un-banked community members by visiting the San Francisco office of financial empowerment at s f gov dot org forward slash o f e Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"I think that there is a recognition that we're all interconnected and that this area is important. It's essential for, the City and the region. I think that there is a, great opportunity for all these groups to come together and to build something great." - Chris WrightThis episode focuses on the impact the COVID 19 pandemic is still having on the city of San Francisco's downtown community area. Along with this businesses workers and visitors, the city of San Francisco, along with businesses and community leaders have developed studies plans and funding to attempt to reinvent the downtown San Francisco community. We've invited two thought leaders to share with you their work to address these issues and how you can get engaged.Our guests for this episode are the Vice President of Advance SF, Chris Wright, and the Executive Director of The Bay Area Council Economic Institute Jeff Bellisario.You can read copies of both the Middle Wage Jobs Report and the recommendations along with the results from the San Francisco Survey at advance sf dot orgTo read all of the research and recommendations from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute research and policy documents go to bay area economy dot orgFor more information about the city of san francisco's economic core recovery initiative go to s f mayor dot org Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"We are taking charge of our community. And Dr. Aboelata has coined this phrase years ago, healing our community from within. And we do have to look into ourselves to help heal what ills our communities"-Aquil NajiOver the past two-plus years, our community health care centers have faced many challenges in an ever-changing landscape, forcing them to adapt and evolve their outreach and delivery of both health care and comprehensive wrap-around support services to the most at-risk members of our community. Welcome to our hour plus special discussion on the importance of our community health care centers and how they are being impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In this episode we are featuring the voices and work of the award-winning Founder Noha Aboelata, MD, Chief Operations Officer Aquil Naji, and staff member Ky'Tavia Stafford-Carreker of Roots Community Health Center. They will share with us how their work addresses the root causes of health and economic disparities for people impacted by systemic inequities, as well as how their work is improving outcomes for people impacted by these systemic inequities.You can become a volunteer, mentor, or employer by emailing admin at roots clinic dot org. To find out more about Roots Community Health Center's services, along with the impact of their work in our community and to make a donation please go to roots clinic dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“Zoe is grappling with how to be an adult or starting to be an adult in a world in which she feels, there's not really a space for her to imagine a future”- Alicia MP Nelson as ZoeIn this episode, we are following back up with The San Francisco Mime Troupe who we interviewed two years ago in episode four. Back in June of 2020 with the beginning of the pandemic, Michael Gene Sullivan shared with us that the San Francisco Mime Troupe was canceling its annual summer live show performances in public parks and their work to create and launch a series of radio plays which air on KSFP 102.5FM.  Michael also participated in our virtual live group discussion with 6 performing arts organizations about the production of live shows. This was in episode eighty-three in September of 2021 when the Covid -19 Delta variant was waning, and the hope was bringing back live performances. We all know what happened with the wave of omicron that hit our performing arts organizations.Join us now as we check back in with Michael and Alicia to tell us about the new Musical show "Back to The Way Things Were" and bringing back live performances at our public parks.  Here is the schedule of summer shows. Get engaged with the San Francisco Mime Troupe as a volunteer, and funder to support their work by going to their web site S F M T dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"CalNonprofits was pushing for relief for the sector and contract flexibility so that we could be as responsive as possible to our communities while they were dealing with the pandemic”- Lucy Salcido CarterWe know from our interview in January 2021 with Jacob Harold and Anna Koob of Candid that from their extensive study they estimated that over 4 thousand nonprofits in California could go out of business from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This conversation led us to wonder want the status and health of nonprofits were in California and in turn our interview in May 2021 with Lucy Salcido-Carter and Christina Dragonetti with CalNonprofits to share with us their work to support nonprofits. Given all of the federal and state funding flowing through the State of California Legislature and the Governor's offices, we wanted to check back in with Lucy Salcido-Carter to update us on all of their public policy work to assure that our nonprofits secure funding and resources to enable them to both stabilize and recover stronger as we come out of the pandemic economy.To become a member and make a donation to support the work of CalNonprofits please go to cal non profits dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“First responders save lives; second responders help put people's lives back together. Artists are essential workers in our society and our economy, helping us recover, reflect, and rebuild”-Julie BakerThis episode is focused on the importance and economic impact of the arts, culture and artists on both our economy and our communities.  We are hosting a panel of guests from the San Francisco Arts Commission, Californians for the Arts and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.According to a March 2022 report by the the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, in 2020, arts and culture added $876.7 billion, or 4.2 percent, to our national GDP.  With the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, between 2019 and 2020, the U.S. arts economy shrank at nearly twice the rate of the economy as a whole: arts and cultural production fell by 6.4 percent when adjusted for inflation, compared with a 3.4 decline in the overall economy. Between 2019 and 2020, the arts economy shed more than 604,000 workers—not counting self-employed artists and other cultural workers. On a state level, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report, arts and cultural production accounts for over $225 billion dollars of value to the California economy or around 7.5% and contributes over 680 thousand jobs.On a local level, the findings from the March 2021 study conducted by the Bay Area Council economic institute on the economic and social impact of the arts in San Francisco; [pause] found that in fiscal year 2019, San Francisco  nonprofit arts organizations generated $945 million in economic output, which supported 9,657 jobs.To make a donation, volunteer, and support the work of Californians for the Arts please go to californians for the arts dot org. To find out more about the San Francisco Arts Commission's work to support our arts economy through grants, bid opportunities, becoming an art vendor, and Ralph's work to diversify the commission's work please go to s f arts commission dot orgAnd to find out more about the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts along with  Jason's community investment work through the Artists Power Center please go to y b c a dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

It's just understanding that, life is tenuous. Life is hard and, sometimes people need help and it's all okay - David GoodmanOver the past two years of producing this special series, we have brought you stories from nonprofits working on some of our long-term social issues such as homelessness, housing, hygiene, and mental health.  In this one-hour-long special show, we wanted to turn our focus back to food insecurity for children families, and seniors. Since the Covid-19 pandemic breakout in March of 2020, food insecurity has increased dramatically. According to Feeding America, in the state of California, the overall food insecurity rate for 2021 was projected to be 12 percent which is four hundred and eighty-four thousand people who are food insecure on any given day. CalFresh is the California version of the old federal food stamp program and their numbers show that CalFresh recipients in San Francisco increased by 42% from November 2019 to November 2021. This episode is focused on the work of the Redwood Empire Food Bank which provides one of the most basic needs food, along with wraparound services to our San Francisco North Bay and Northern California community members. Our featured guests are: Chief Executive Officer, David Goodman, Director of Programs, Alison Goodwin along with food bank services, recipient and volunteer Sam Cagle, as well as Programs Coordinator, Juana Renovato. To make a donation, volunteer, and support the work of the Redwood Empire Food Bank please go to R E F B dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“They want housing to allow them to build their lives up from there…” - Poly Pop-TartAt the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, we featured Sammie Rayner and Community Forward SF's work in episode 5 and with our unhoused trans-gender, LGBTQ, and people female-identify community members.In this episode, we bring Sammie back along with Felicia Torrez from Community Forward SF and Poly Pop-Tart a Drag Queen, Stand Up Comedian & Performer to focus on Community Forward SF's upcoming Drag Show to End Homelessness“Stepping Out”According to a 2020 National Alliance to End Homelessness point in time count The number of adult transgender individuals experiencing homelessness increased 88 percent since 2016 and the number experiencing unsheltered homelessness increased 113 percent during the same period.  Transgender individuals are disproportionately unsheltered.  Sixty-three percent are living in such situations. For comparison, 49 percent of cisgender people experiencing homelessness are unsheltered. The National Center for Transgender Equality estimates that one in five transgender individuals have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor for the Drag Show to End Homelessness “Stepping Out” go to community forward sf dot org and click on get involved. You can make a donation and find out more about Community Forward SF's housing, programs and services at community forward sf dot org Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"We have to give them something to do. You know, if you're just sitting there and this is what you see, this is who you become..." - Phyllis OparaWelcome to our one-hour special on the importance of education especially to the low income youth in our communities. We explore how the combination of the covid-19 pandemic and economic meltdown has impacted the support services of an Oakland legacy education organization the Oral Lee Brown Foundation.In this episode our featured voices are the Executive Director Phyllis Opara and Board of Directors member Philip Palmer along with foundation Alumni members Rotha So and Albert Jenkins. Our guests share how Miss Brown's promise to Oakland's most at-risk youth if they stayed in school and got admitted to college she would pay for their college education has changed the lives of hundreds of children over the Oral Lee Brown Foundation's 30 plus years of operation.We hope that you enjoyed this One Hour Special Show focused on education and the importance of one person's vision to help youth to go to college and how this help in turn changes their lives. To make a donation, volunteer, and support the work of the Oral Lee Brown Foundation please go to oral lee brown foundation dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"I think that housing is just fundamental and it's, unfortunately, not really a right, right now in our country" - Dan Sawislak Since 1970 California has not been building enough housing especially affordable housing.  The latest estimate of California's housing shortages ranges from 3 to 4 million housing units. This decades-long lack of housing impacts both the estimated 160 thousand unhoused Californians and the 7 million Californians living in poverty because they spend over 50 percent of their paychecks to pay for rent. This week's episode is focused on the importance of providing affordable housing along with wrap around support services and resident empowerment to both change the lives of our fellow community members and our neighborhoods. This episode features the voices of the Executive Director of Resources for Community Development Dan Sawislak and the Director of Community Development, Breann Gala, along with resident and Secretary of the Resources for Community Development Board of Directors, Kattye Giles. To find housing, volunteer, and make donations please go to R C D Housing dot orgPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"We believe in investing in the real potential of every individual in the community" - Joe WilsonIn this episode our featured voices are the Executive Director of Hospitality House Joe Wilson, the Director of Community Engagement of Hospitality House Windy Click and the Manager of Hospitality House's Community Arts Program Janet Williams.Hospitality House is a San Francisco based nonprofit that is focused on working with our un-housed community members through providing wrap around support services staffed with formerly un-housed and incarcerated persons. In addition to highlighting their work and solutions we wanted to feature their unique Community Arts Program which sees art as both an agent of healing and change.  To find out more about Hospitality House, to sign up to become a volunteer, donate funds and art supplies please go to Hospitality House dot org.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

"It's really about connecting with your community and knowing the people around you that want you to survive and in turn supporting those other small businesses". Kristin Houk, All Good Pizza, Taco, Cafe AlmaIn our October 2021 One Hour Special Show co-produced with the American Marketing Association SF Chapter hear from small business owners, Michelle Pusateri (Nana Joes Granola) and Kristen Houk (All Good Pizza,TATO & Cafe Alma), and community and economic development lead, Pooja Rajani (En2Action), on what has worked, what hasn't, and what marketing questions are still top-of-mind during this unprecedented time.We also hear from Digital Marketing Specialist, Rebecca Bertoldi, (Rebecca Bertoldi Marketing Company) and Valerie Camarda, (Marketing Sense) Marketing Consultant with the City of San Francisco's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), who answer audience questions and share cost-effective, digital marketing best practices that any small business owner and nonprofit executive director should consider and implement.For more information about each of the small business organizations featured in our October 20201 One-Hour Special virtual live panel discussion you can listen to the in-depth interviews of our panelists, starting with Michelle of Nana Joes in episode 22, Kristin of All Good Pizza in episode 41, and Pooja from En2Action in episode 23. While you are on our web site please go to episode 84 to find out more about Valerie and Rebecca's extensive backgrounds along with their business, marketing, and ecommerce consulting services and the digital marketing and e-commerce resources page.Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

For all of us remembering that the performing arts is kind of like the town square, that everyone comes to better understand their humanity, whether it's through music or dance performance, to interpret the world as it is. And as they want it to be, and they want to see themselves.” - Michael SullivanWelcome to our September 2021 virtual live panel discussion show. Given the fourth wave of COVID 19's Delta variant and the ever-changing City, County, and State protocols, we wanted to check back in with six of the performing arts organizations from our series and have them share how each of their organizations is bringing back live performances or not, for the 2021 fall performing arts season.In this episode our featured voices are the Executive Director of San Francisco Performances, Melanie Smith, the Design and Communications Director of City Arts & Lectures, Allie Washkin, the Managing Director of the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, John Caldon, the Executive Director of Music at Kohl Mansion, Patricia Kristof Moy, and the Board Member, writer, director and performer of The San Francisco Mime Troupe, Michael Gene Sullivan as well as co-researcher and co-author of the nation's largest survey of performing arts workers Return to the Stage, Meg Friedman.For more information about each of the nonprofit organizations featured on today's one-hour special virtual live panel discussion please go to our Covid-19 special series page to listen to the in-depth interviews of our panelists, starting with City Arts and Lectures in episode 13, San Francisco Performances in episode 18, the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center in episode 17, Music at Kohl Mansion in episode 40, the San Francisco Mime Troupe in episode 4 and the Return to the Stage national survey of our performing arts work force in episode 56. Also, Please sign up for our newsletter so we can keep you in the loop and you can participate in the next virtual live panel show. Please consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.

“I feel like George has brought together the pieces of a puzzle of equity with people, your organizations are approaching it from the arts, and from hygiene and literacy, it's just, lovely to see these different nonprofits surviving in this very difficult time and doing such great work”- RisaOur featured voices are Executive Director of Simply the Basics, Meghan Freebeck, Interim Executive Director, of the San Francisco Girls Chorus Adriana Marcial, the CEO of LavaMaeX Kris Kepler, Word for Word's Youth Arts program coordinator Amy Prosser and the President of the Board of the Children's Book Project Risa Schwartz.Welcome to our one-hour special show. Going into the fall we will be producing virtual live panel discussions on a monthly basis for these one hour special shows. We are bringing together both our past guests and new guests to update our community on their latest efforts to deal with the ongoing and ever changing covid-19 pandemic's impact on their operations and survival as well as how the community can get engaged in supporting their work.For more information about each of the nonprofit organizations featured on today's one hour special virtual live panel discussion please listen to the interviews with word for word in episode 8, simply the basics in episode 16, lava mae x in episode 3, children's book project in episode 6 and the san francisco girls chorus in episode 30We really want to hear from you in our short listener survey. Please provide us your feedback and insightsPlease consider donating to Voices of the Community - Voices of the Community is now fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one.