OCO is a federation of 40 congregations and allied community organizations representing 40,000 families from East, West and North Oakland. Our members include African American, Latino, Asian and Caucasian families from Baptist, Catholic, African Methodist Episcopal, Reformed Church, Christian Methodist Episcopal, non-denominational, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist, and Church of God in Christ. People of all faiths participate through neighborhood organizations, charter and public schools, village centers, agencies, and labor unions, demonstrating a democratic power that strives to make equal the voice of the voter and the actions of the elected.

OCO has been the gathering place, the training ground where thousands of people have put their faith in action and become known leaders in Oakland, powerfully enacting the true meaning of democratic life. OCO leaders have learned how to listen to the pain and concerns of their neighbors, have courageously worked to bring people together, and have taken repeated risks when speaking out for needed change in public forums. The voices and victories of our leaders are well known from the offices of Oakland City Hall to the Governor's Chambers. We want to honor the journey of each leader and tell the stories of so many of our modern day heroes.

Building Community

We build the structure for people who trust one another to organize and work together. OCO leaders build relationships through one-to-one, face-to-face conversations with congregation and community members.

Faith in Action

Leaders share common values from our diverse faith, racial, political, and social traditions. We bring these values into the public arena through action on concrete issues. Through relationships, research and action, OCO leaders live out the call to serve one another and to seek justice.

OCO leaders embrace these common beliefs:

•  That all people are precious embodying a dignity provided by the Creator
•  Because people are precious, each deserves to live in a world where all people are treated justly
•  Justice is made real when we integrate the spiritual and social dimensions of our lives
•  Organizing is a tool that brings together the spiritual and social aspects of our lives in concrete ways, creating a world of greater dignity and justice for all families.

Isaiah 58:6-8 This, rather is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless, clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall be quickly healed; your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

OCO: Oakland for Everyone

We envision Oakland as a safe and vibrant city united in our ethnic, religious and economic diversity. We see Oakland as a city where all children and families have equal access to a first rate education; affordable housing and home ownership; skills training and good employment opportunities; quality health care; and safe, clean streets in vibrant neighborhoods. Our vision for Oakland is guided by our belief that dignity, respect and equality are a fundamental right of every family in this country.

For over 30 years, OCO has built its power through the work of thousands of leaders from member congregations that shared a common vision of a better Oakland for everyone. We are proud to introduce you to the families who have made a permanent difference in the way people live and work. We are proud to tell our story, and we invite you to join us today and in the future as we organize together to transform obstacles into opportunities for all people.