AR 58: Relative to California Promotoras Month.

WHEREAS, For generations, promotoras have been a trusted presence in their communities, responding to the needs of families during times of crisis, economic hardship, and systemic inequity; and

WHEREAS, Promotoras serve alongside community health workers, peer leaders, and community advocates as cultural brokers and trusted messengers, providing services, information, and support that reflect a deep understanding of the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, These community leaders support access to a broad array of services, including education, housing, transportation, employment, social services, public safety, disaster response, and health, helping individuals and families navigate systems that are often complex, underresourced, and culturally or linguistically inaccessible; and

WHEREAS, Promotoras act as puentes de la comunidad, community bridges ensuring that residents in underserved areas are connected to public and private resources, government services, and local organizations that promote dignity, equity, and opportunity; and

WHEREAS, With anticipated shifts in state and federal funding that will likely reduce access to essential services in the coming years, promotoras will be increasingly critical in helping Latino and other underserved communities stay informed, connected, and supported; and

WHEREAS, Promotoras work in community-based organizations, city and county agencies, schools, faith institutions, health clinics, and directly in neighborhoods, often as volunteers, peer educators, navigators, and outreach workers, and they provide servicio de corazón, or service from the heart; and

WHEREAS, Promotoras not only address gaps in formal systems, but also advocate for systemic changes, organize mutual aid, provide emotional support, and strengthen community resilience in the face of economic, political, and environmental challenges; and

WHEREAS, Vision y Compromiso has brought together thousands of individuals and hundreds of organizations throughout California to uplift the promotora model, support leadership development, and advance community-driven strategies for well-being and justice; and

WHEREAS, Numerous studies have demonstrated that programs integrating promotoras provide a strong return on investment, with documented cost savings due to improved health outcomes, reduced emergency room visits, and increased use of preventive services, making promotoras a fiscally responsible approach to addressing social and structural challenges in underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, Despite their vital contributions, promotoras continue to face barriers to recognition, training, and equitable compensation; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly formally endorses the work of promotoras as essential to the well-being and resilience of California communities and recognizes Vision y Compromiso for its leadership in fostering and supporting this vital workforce; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly acknowledges and thanks the regional coordinators, staff, board members, and advisors of organizations that collaborate with promotoras and advance their mission; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly supports policies and programs that strengthen the promotora workforce, integrate their work across sectors, and invest in sustainable career pathways, training, and infrastructure to meet the changing needs of California’s diverse communities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Assembly declares the month of October 2025 as California Promotoras Month to recognize and raise awareness of the important and wide-ranging contributions of promotoras across the state; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.