Rising Communities is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering South LA residents through grassroots organizing, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives that transform neighborhoods. The organization operates key youth-focused programs including What’s Good South LA, a paid creative youth program where young people use art and storytelling to highlight healthy living and social justice, and serves as the backbone organization for Best Start South LA (First 5 LA initiative), which provides early childhood development resources, family support services, and community-driven advocacy for children prenatal through age 5. Through these initiatives, Rising Communities creates pathways for youth and families to build power, access resources, develop skills, and drive systemic change in their communities. The organization centers community voices and cultural wealth, fostering leadership development and collective action for health equity and social justice in South LA.

SCOPE LA is a community organization that builds grassroots power to achieve economic, racial, and gender justice through leadership development, community organizing, and policy advocacy. The organization engages youth and young adults in campaigns addressing issues like affordable housing, workers’ rights, and environmental justice. SCOPE provides training in community organizing, civic engagement, and leadership development that empowers young people to advocate for their communities.

Concerned Citizens of South Central Los Angeles is a grassroots community organization dedicated to advocacy, civic engagement, and improving quality of life for residents of South Central LA. The organization works on issues including education equity, violence prevention, environmental justice, and community safety. Youth are encouraged to participate in community meetings, advocacy campaigns, and leadership development activities that empower them to become active voices for change. The organization provides opportunities for young people to learn about civic participation and organize around issues that matter to their community.

The mission of Southern Area Community Outreach Project is to provide programs to the under-served residents of the South Los Angeles community that are designed to enhance their social, economic, and educational opportunities by providing resources and referrals to collaborative partnerships that will allow program participants to fulfill their goals.The following is a short list of services that we have provided to the community:

■ Providing Supportive Services inside of Re-Entry Program Referrals
■ Mentorship Support: Encouraging a positive outlook

■ Decision Making & Problem Solving I Curriculum
■ Basic Career Services I GED/High School Communication & Social Skills
■ Conflict Resolutions Skills

Esperanza Community Housing is a social justice non-profit that achieves long-term, comprehensive community development through affordable housing, health equity, economic development, arts and culture, and environmental justice. Youth can participate in cultural festivals, art exhibits, workshops, music and dance performances that celebrate South LA’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions. The organization provides opportunities for young people to engage in environmental justice campaigns, community-led research, and policy advocacy. Through programs like Mercado La Paloma and community health initiatives, youth develop leadership skills, cultural pride, and civic engagement while contributing to building healthier, more sustainable communities.

South LA Eco-Lab is a community-driven initiative focused on transforming South Los Angeles into a sustainable, climate-resilient community through economic development and environmental action. The initiative brings together residents, small businesses, community-based organizations, and public agencies to create green spaces, improve air quality, develop renewable energy solutions, and enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit infrastructure. Youth can engage in environmental justice projects, learn about climate action, and participate in community meetings and planning efforts that shape their neighborhood’s future. The Eco-Lab provides opportunities for young people to develop environmental literacy, leadership skills, and civic engagement while working toward a more sustainable South LA.

LAFLA provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families across Greater Los Angeles, helping with housing, family law, immigration, consumer rights, and public benefits cases. Youth can benefit directly from LAFLA’s services when facing legal issues affecting their families, including eviction defense, immigration relief, and access to public benefits. Youth 18+ can gain meaningful volunteer experience through LAFLA’s volunteer program.

SAJE is a community organization fighting for economic and racial justice through tenant rights advocacy, community organizing, and policy change. Their youth program engages young people in learning about housing justice, tenant rights, and community organizing through workshops, campaigns, and leadership development opportunities. Youth participate in real-world organizing efforts, learn advocacy skills, and connect housing issues to broader questions of economic justice and equity. The program empowers young people to become advocates for their families and communities while building critical thinking and organizing skills.

ACCE Action Los Angeles is part of a statewide multi-racial grassroots organization fighting for economic and racial justice through community organizing and advocacy. ACCE LA has an Education Chapter and a Home Defenders Chapter, organizing on neighborhood levels across Council Districts 8, 9, 10, and 15, as well as communities in South LA County. Youth can participate in campaigns focused on fair housing policies, tenant rights, neighborhood investment, and community empowerment. The organization provides tenant clinics (online in Spanish every Tuesday 6-8PM, online in English every Thursday 5-7PM, and in-person every last Wednesday of the month) and leadership development opportunities where young people learn organizing skills while working alongside families to create systemic change.

TRUST South LA is a community-based organization focused on environmental justice, health equity, and youth leadership development in South Los Angeles. The organization engages youth through environmental education programs, community organizing training, and campaigns addressing issues like air quality, green space access, and climate justice. Youth participants develop leadership skills while advocating for healthier, more sustainable communities through youth-led research, policy advocacy, and community action projects. TRUST South LA creates pathways for young people to become environmental justice leaders and change-makers in their neighborhoods.