An Act of Bravery

Sharing Our Community Organizing Stories

Authors

  • Maria Avila Center for Community Engaged Teaching and Research, California State University Dominguez Hills
  • Ray López-Chang United States Obama Leader, Obama Leaders Program at the Obama Foundation
  • Aixle Aman Rivera CSLX
  • Matias G. Flores Cornell University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71057/xh50va39

Keywords:

community, organizing, engagement, stories, reflection

Abstract

This is a reflective, narrative essay about community organizing. The paper is written collaboratively by a community engaged scholar, two community partners, and an international doctoral student. In alignment with narrative format, the authors reflect about their community organizing work in connection with their personal and professional journeys. They conclude with lessons learned through this reflective, collaborative writing experience. While acknowledging the challenges of sharing vulnerable parts of their lives, the authors conclude that this level of vulnerability is essential for long-term sustainable organizing for a better world. Ultimately, they see this as work that feeds their souls.

Author Biographies

  • Ray López-Chang, United States Obama Leader, Obama Leaders Program at the Obama Foundation

    Ray López-Chang is Director of Advocacy and Planning at GPSN, a non-profit intermediary organization exclusively focused on improving Los Angeles public education. He identifies himself a a Queer organizer, native Angeleno, urban planner, and proud product of a Central American-Chinese family of immigrants and refugees. 

    United States Obama Leader, Obama Leaders Program at the Obama Foundation

  • Aixle Aman Rivera, CSLX

    Aixle is a practitioner, former educator, community organizer, and policy advocate with a focus on intentional, collaborative partnerships to support youth, communities, and systems. She currently serves as the Director of Learning Partnerships at the CA Community Schools Learning Exchange (CSLX). 

  • Matias G. Flores, Cornell University

    Matias is a Ph.D. Candidate in Development Sociology at Cornell University and Chair-Elect of the International Association for Research on Service Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) Graduate Student Network.

Published

2025-03-03

How to Cite

An Act of Bravery: Sharing Our Community Organizing Stories. (2025). Community Organizing Journal, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.71057/xh50va39