THEME 4
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I want to be connected to a strong community network.

Those who are physically or socially isolated from strong personal and professional networks miss out on vital information, resources, and support.

What we heard:

• Finding a job depends on who I know

• It really does take a village

• Together, our voices are amplified

• I want ways to make my community stronger

Across the state, we heard about the importance of strong formal and informal networks. A network describes the people, institutions, places, and resources individuals contribute to, and leverage, to get by.

For our participants, formal networks like unions, associations, and congregations were critical resources — or delivered access to critical resources. For example, some participants found that unions gave them a way to learn about their rights as workers, meet other workers in their field, and provide a platform for their voice to be heard.

Informal networks, like family and friends, help supplement formal networks and were cited as critical for daily life. Family, friends, and neighbors provided childcare, rides to work, food, and other help. They also provided much needed empathy and emotional support.

We discovered resilient, reciprocal, and trusted networks across the communities we visited. However, many Californians were looking for ways to make them even stronger. For some, “strong” described a diverse network that connected individuals or families to people and resources outside of their extended family or neighborhood — like a job training center or English as a Second Language (ESL) class across town.

For others, “strong” described a tight-knit community where people knew and cared for each other. Community leaders we spoke to emphasized the importance of feeling like you are a valued member of a network. Individuals need to have confidence they have something to contribute to the greater good.

Networks produce positive results. Participants from across California repeatedly described experiencing strength in numbers. In East Oakland, single mothers shared contact information so they could forward website links to local childcare.

In Salinas, young adults described being energized by seeing other community groups come out to march for immigration reform. And in Los Angeles labor union halls, the power of being a member of an organization fighting for worker rights was palpable. When Californians band together, their individual voices and assets are amplified.

WE HEARD

FINDING A JOB DEPENDS ON WHO I KNOW
 

When looking for work, many of our participants told us, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” That sentiment rang especially true for young adults just starting out, new immigrants, as well as more seasoned workers without a strong network in place. We met a number of participants who found much needed work through friends and family. Migrant workers in several regions described the importance of having a family member already working at a farm in order to get a job.

Having a strong network in the context of work meant knowing enough people who are currently employed, knowing people who are well-connected to other networks, and knowing those who have influence in their own workplace. Even those who were able to land entry-level positions faced barriers to advancement due to on-the-job favoritism — they were often passed over for opportunities because their immediate supervisor was not well-connected.

When you apply for work, they ask if you have any family working there. It shows you’re a good worker.

— Participant, El Centro

WE HEARD

IT REALLY DOES TAKE A VILLAGE
 

It’s no surprise that our listening session participants felt that their greatest support system was family and friends, neighbors, and church. A strong “village” unit created a safe haven when times were tough. Young mothers talked about banding together to provide childcare. A table of migrant workers talked about sharing food and offering rides to work for those who had fallen on hard times. In Los Angeles, we heard how churches in the community provided spiritual and emotional support, as well as hot meals and clothes.

When communities come together they are more resilient. Many were able to derive energy from sharing their expertise and helping others. However, the definition of the village is changing. Traditionally, the village referred to family and friends who were physically close to one another. While this is still true for some Californians, many were forced to move to find better jobs. We heard from young families and immigrants who “don’t know anyone” in their new community and, as a result, feel isolated.

It really does take a village. My whole family helps. If I had to raise my three kids and help with my nephews by myself, I would be overwhelmed.

— Home Healthcare Worker, Lancaster

Tell the teachers of Mendota Elementary and those who had my children for the last two years, ‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.’ I know my kids wouldn’t be where they are now if it wasn’t for your patience and guidance.

— Mobile Research Participant, Firebaugh

WE HEARD

TOGETHER, OUR VOICES ARE AMPLIFIED
 

Many of the Californians we met felt their voices were magnified when they came together. Speaking out as part of a group helped build confidence when taking on difficult political or community issues. It was a way to distribute responsibility and create momentum.

Seeing all of these different groups come together to protest was so powerful.

— Participant, Salinas

Unite as a family and as a community, that’s what makes strength and hope.

— Participant, Oakland

One participant expressed a desire for a community center to bring everyone together to create a more beautiful community—similar to how a mandala is made up of many pieces coming together to create a beautiful image.