Welcome to a brand new edition of NextGen Policyâs Whatâs Next newsletter, the best way to get updated on the latest happenings in and around the California State Legislature, learn about NextGenâs advocacy and policy work, and collaboratively engage with others to take meaningful actions on pressing issues plus plenty more. As we bundle up and prepare for the brisk November weather, we also find ourselves having to prepare for another chilling reality â the results of the federal elections. Itâs clear the nation is still processing and trying to understand the implications of the Presidential and Congressional election outcomes â many questions remain about what will happen next and where we will go from here as a state and country.
We want to start off this edition of Whatâs Next by reminding you that you are not alone in feeling a deep sense of angst and uncertainty â we are all in this together. Youâll hear more about NextGenâs response to the election results later in this issue with a word from our Executive Director, Arnie Sowell Jr., a recap of our recent School Nutrition Legislative Briefing, which we co-hosted with our partner organizations and Senator Monique LimĂłn; a look at the special Legislative session that Governor Newsom has called in an effort to safeguard the rights of Californians against the incoming administration; and other items for you to check out and have on your radar!
Letâs jump into this weekâs edition of Whatâs Next at NextGen Policy:
â Election Response from NextGenâs Executive Director: As a Black-led nonprofit, the NextGen team remains fully committed to driving change to advance equity and justice â we will never let fear, division, or hatred define who we are or what we are capable of accomplishing for the greater good. Thereâs no denying that the months and years ahead will be full of adversity, unforeseen challenges, and pronouncements completely antithetical to NGP values as we navigate the road ahead under the new administration. Here at NextGen, however, we remain unwavering in our belief that the pursuit of equity and justice, uplifts and unifies communities around a common good. Remember â we are all in this together!
Our team stands undeterred and is ready to navigate the rough waters ahead, and we promise to push forward with undaunted determination to advocate for a more equitable, prosperous, and climate resilient California for all. Read the entire response to the Presidential election results from NextGenâs Executive Director, Arnold Sowell Jr.
â Our School Nutrition Legislative Briefing was a Big Hit:Â On Wednesday, November 13th, NextGen co-hosted a legislative briefing in partnership with Senator Monique LimĂłn (SD 19) focused on building Californiaâs school nutrition workforce! During the webinar, we took a comprehensive look at obstacles facing school nutrition departments and steps California is taking to address these challenges. We also discussed ways the state could continue its visionary leadership in school nutrition so that healthy, locally procured, freshly prepared school meals can be made available for all students. Weâd like to thank our partners who co-hosted this legislative briefing with us from the Chef Ann Foundation and Food Insight Group. In addition, we would like to give a big thank you to Senator Monique LimĂłn for joining and speaking on the importance of building a school nutrition workforce for the future! Take a look at the resources provided during the briefing (including our slideshow) and watch a full recording!
đ€ 2024 was a big year for NextGen and our advocacy work, but we couldnât have done it without your support! Letâs keep the momentum going!
As we chart a bold course for progress and opportunity, despite potential threats from the incoming Presidential administration, NextGen Policy remains focused on solutions that strengthen California and open doors to opportunity. Join us in driving change and making a lasting impact â your donation powers the critical work we do every day.
â Did You Know? With all of the uncertainty and questions our nation is working through after the election, itâs encouraging to see that here in California our leaders are acting quickly to safeguard our rights! Governor Newsom has called a special session of the Legislature to get started on developing Californiaâs defensive efforts against future federal policies that may have harmful repercussions. Specifically, the special session will center around how California can best protect civil rights and the rights of immigrants, ensure healthcare and reproductive freedoms remain accessible, how the state can continue its work addressing climate change and economic inequality, and plenty more. Rest assured that NextGen will keep you updated on Californiaâs ongoing efforts to continue prioritizing and protecting those who call the Golden State home!
â Member Spotlight: This week, weâre shining a spotlight on Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, who represents Californiaâs 5th Senate District. The NextGen team commends Senator Eggman for her distinguished career of ongoing service to California. Senator Eggman was elected to the State Senate in November of 2020, after having previously served in the State Assembly from 2012 to 2020. We thank Senator Eggman for her ongoing work in Californiaâs mental health and veteransâ services spaces, as well as for her work as Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.
â Our Mission: NextGen Policy fights for progressive policy change to address environmental, social, racial, gender, and economic inequities through justice-centered legislative advocacy, grassroots partnerships, and democratic civic engagement.