Leah Rothstein, Co-Author of “Just Action”

Just Action builds on our theme by demonstrating how communities can work together to confront and overcome the lasting harms of government policy. It highlights practical, community-driven strategies that empower residents to challenge injustice, hold institutions accountable, and take collective action to reverse the effects of harmful laws and practices. Rothstein’s remarks will reflect this spirit of action, offering a timely framework for how local communities—like Oakland—can come together to build a more equitable future.

Making Democracy Work Award:

Oakland Public Library

LWVO’s annual award honors organizations that strengthen civic life,  expand voter participation, and help make Oakland a more vibrant and equitable city. This year’s honoree, the Oakland Public Library, has served as a cornerstone of democracy since 1878. With its network of neighborhood branches, the Library provides essential, equitable access to information, literacy programs, voter education, community forums, and spaces for public engagement. LWVO has long supported our libraries as vital institutions that foster informed participation in civic life and exemplify the role of community institutions in sustaining a healthy democracy.

Poetry Performance:

Delilah Young

2025 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Finalist

Come meet Delilah Young, a sophomore at Bishop O’Dowd High School who will perform an original piece to open our program. For her, poetry is “an art, a practice, and a skill where words mean more than just words.”  Learn  about the Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Program.

Venue: 

Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts

The Henry J. Kaiser building is an integral part of Oakland’s rich history. It has recently reopened after a $100 million restoration. Since it opened in 1915, it has housed countless performances and cultural events, from Grateful Dead concerts to speeches by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Connect to Oakland’s history and our future by joining our fundraiser in the North Stage Ballroom!