May 2020 Newsletter
WELL 2020 Annual Conference: A New Date in a New Paradigm
Save the date! WELL unfortunately had to postpone its Annual Conference scheduled for March 20-21 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited to announce that we will be hosting this year’s Annual Conference virtually on Friday, November 13, 2020. Stay tuned for more details and registration.
Letter from the Executive Director
During these turbulent times with COVID-19 pandemic still on the horizon and the recent events that have transpired because of the death of George Floyd, we at WELL stand in solidarity with the world in supporting a peaceful resolution to the civil unrest and are hopeful that there will be a vaccine to curve the pandemic.
We are excited to continue serving our constituents with online programs on the horizon. Come be part of our virtual webinars and conferences to learn more about water topics and how to prepare for uncertain times. To express interest in our WELL UnTapped Program for 2021, please fill out this form. I will personally contact you to follow up with you. More information on our upcoming webinars will be released soon on our website. I urge you to stay involved and connected.
Thank you.
Alma Marquez
Executive Director
In Solidarity
WELL stands with black lives in solidarity and sadness at the senseless death of another unarmed Black citizen at the hands of a police officer.
The death of George Floyd is not in isolation. Unfortunately, many others have lost their lives as victims of violence and racism.
Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. Tamir Rice. Philando Castile. Eric Garner. Sandra Bland. Michael Brown.
The list goes on.
At WELL, we are committed to working, partnering, and leading that change among Latino leaders and beyond. We stand with all black lives. We stand with all of you dedicated to action and dismantling systemic racism in your communities.
As local elected leaders, we hope you continue to be role models for your community and work together to end violence against black people and all people of color.
With Respect and In Solidarity,
The WELL Team
WELL UnTapped Online!
Although the UnTapped Fellowship Program has moved online, it is better than ever! This month, WELLos explored water as it relates to farmers and the agricultural sector in California. They had the opportunity to interview Joe Del Bosque, former Commissioner of the California Water Commission and current Fresno farmer. They discussed sustainable farming practices, issues at the labor-water nexus, and the future of farming in the Central Valley. Although our UnTapped Fellowship Program for elected officials moved online, the water education and leadership development is moving forward.
WELLos interviewing Joe Del Bosque
Session 5 group photo!
Consider Supporting WELL
In California, one out of every four jobs is in the nonprofit industry. Nonprofit organizations keep our communities active, safe, engaged, and empowered. Nonprofits like WELL are especially vulnerable to the economic fallout of this pandemic, as much of our revenue comes from in-person events, programs, and conferences that can no longer take place as planned. In order to keep providing water education to Latino leaders across the state, we ask that you consider donating to WELL. Every dollar counts, and every dollar goes back into empowering elected officials throughout California to better serve their communities. A donation of even $50 today will go a long way. We thank you for your continued support and consideration.
Donate Here.
WELLo Spotlights: Leadership During the Pandemic
Many of our WELLos have stepped up their leadership to respond to the many consequences of the coronavirus in their communities. We commend these WELLos for their dedication to the cities and communities they serve.
Carmen Montano, Council Member for the City of Milpitas, has been working hard making and distributing masks to front line workers in her community. From her sewing machine to the hands of essential workers, Councilmember Montano is ensuring that her at-risk community members have the support they need.
Olivia Trujillo, Council Member for the City of Arvin, UnTapped Class of 2020, has been on the front lines with United Way and the Department of Aging Services to serve her community of those over 60. At a recent food distribution event, Councilmember Trujillo and her colleagues delivered meals to over 600 Arvin residents. For Kern County overall, the United Way team intends to distribute 60,000 meals in 30 days. The WELL community salutes the Councilmember for her hard work and dedication to her city!
WELLo Highlight: Marta Cruz
Councilmember Marta Cruz, UnTapped Class of 2020 and Councilmember for the Town of Cloverdale, was recently appointed to the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. Congratulations to her! The purpose of the Commission on the Status of Women for the County of Sonoma is to promote equal rights and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all women and girls, and to address issues of discrimination and prejudice that negatively affect women in Sonoma County. We wish Councilmember Cruz the best of luck in her new leadership position!
Follow WELL on Social Media!
Follow WELL on social media to get current California water news and updates about WELL programs and events:
Water Education for Latino Leaders
@LatinosForWater
Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) educates local Latino elected officials on California water policies to promote timely and equitable actions that strive to develop a robust economy, healthy communities, and a resilient environment for all Californians. Visit our website: www.latinosforwater.org.