San Mateo County Chapter

Beth (she/her)

• We asked: What keeps you engaged and hopeful as it relates to volunteering with the ACLU of Northern California?
• Beth shared: [I'm] inspired by the energy, optimism, creativity, and camaraderie of fellow volunteer leaders, the engagement of our community, and the expertise, enthusiasm, and support of ACLU-NC staff.

Joy (she/her)

• We asked: What does it mean to be a Chapter volunteer who has stayed committed over many years?
• Joy shared: When I think about my work with the ACLU, I think about how it had taught me to center work locally (even if its a national issue). I’ve had to pull back a bit but staying IN this work as much as I can speaks to the people I get to work with - an organization and its values are only as strong as the people behind it all.
• We followed up: Share your proudest moment as an ACLU NorCal volunteer, and a challenge you’ve overcome or are working through?
• Joy expressed: I am so proud that our chapter was a part of getting a new behavioral health emergency response system in San Mateo County. My family has dealt with mental health crises in the past so the focus mental health is receiving feels like a personal win for all the young people who struggle with mental health issues like my daughter. My challenge lies in the reason why I try to effect change in the first place - being a single working mom makes it hard for me to participate sometimes.

Somalee (she/her)

• We asked: How does your work as an ACLU NorCal volunteer feel connected to your community?
• Somalee shared: This factor has become very important to me. A large part of this work involves listening and it is amazing what you learn when you listen. And learning results in connection whether you are actively looking for that connection or not. 

• Guide to Support Unarmed Crisis Response for Mental Health Emergencies: A guide that offers instructions and an optional template to prepare written or live (in person or virtual) public comment. The Chapter has been working to urge the Board of Supervisors to fund and implement a non-armed mobile mental health crisis response program with crucial components.
• Toolkit to Support Oversight of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office: In 2022, every San Mateo County Supervisor voted for independent Sheriff oversight and committed to implement a strong model of oversight. The Chapter, along with many individuals and organizations applauded their move toward a more transparent, more accountable model of law enforcement. The new toolkit includes an updated script and helpful tips for reminding County supervisors you support independent Sheriff oversight.