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From students and community leaders to volunteers and state officials, people from all walks of life gathered in San Diego this week for the GO-Serve event. This statewide initiative empowers Californians to give back through public service, mentorship, and civic engagement.
The Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement, known as GO-Serve, was established in 2024 to elevate volunteerism and paid service across the state. The office brings together the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC), California Volunteers, and the Youth Empowerment Commission (YEC) — three agencies working collaboratively to address California’s most pressing challenges through service and civic participation.
At the San Diego event, participants learned about opportunities within the California Service Corps, the largest service force in the nation — even larger than the Peace Corps — which includes programs such as #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, Youth Service Corps, and AmeriCorps California.
Aubrie Fong, acting executive director for the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, praised the strong collaboration between San Diego and Imperial counties during the GO-Serve event held in San Diego, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships amid growing economic uncertainty.
Fong said the region’s shared challenges make collaboration essential, especially with the ongoing federal shutdown impacting food banks and local resources. “Imperial has been an important part of our region,” Fong said. “We’ve been very fortunate to have great community-based partners in both San Diego and Imperial, and to see firsthand the communities they serve.”
Fong highlighted Operation Feed California, a new statewide initiative launched by the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement to bring together volunteers, organizations, and neighbors to help fill service gaps during this time. She added that the state continues to adapt and support local organizations affected by federal cuts, listening closely to community needs to ensure ongoing assistance and engagement across California.
Blanca Morales, CEO of the Calexico Wellness Center, underscored the importance of collaboration among community-based organizations during the GO-Serve event in San Diego. Morales, who often represents Imperial County in statewide discussions, said the gathering was an opportunity to connect with others committed to outreach and public service. “We basically help each other on what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to service,” Morales said. “We’ve created a WhatsApp group where we share feedback and continue to be successful as grassroots people, boots on the ground.”
Morales added that many participants were familiar with Imperial County’s challenges and had worked with local groups on environmental and educational issues. “Since the pandemic, we’ve been fortunate to receive grants from the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications,” she said. “That support has allowed us to continue our outreach on employment laws, heat exhaustion, food insecurity, and housing insecurities.”
Arcela Núñez, co-director of Universidad Popular, emphasized the importance of cross-regional collaboration between San Diego and Imperial counties during the GO-Serve event in San Diego. “Imperial County is such an important partner and integral to the identity of the border region,” Núñez said. “I’ve had the privilege to work there for the last 20 years, starting with research on environmental justice and building partnerships with organizations like Comité Cívico.”
Based in San Marcos, Universidad Popular serves Latino, immigrant, and limited English-speaking communities through education and direct services. Núñez said the organization’s efforts to build capacity for trusted messengers are now coming to fruition statewide.
California Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward underscored the importance of collaboration between San Diego and Imperial counties, noting their shared challenges in water management, agriculture, education, and economic opportunity. Recently visiting Imperial County with several legislators, Ward engaged with students at San Diego State University–Imperial Valley and local community organizations to discuss regional priorities. He emphasized that while Imperial County faces significant economic and development challenges, its residents demonstrate a strong vision, opportunity, and spirit that reflect the region’s resilience and potential for growth.
Erika Reyna, a veteran community advocate with more than two decades of experience, emphasized the importance of collaboration and resource-sharing among organizations serving vulnerable populations. Her organization focuses on helping residents find employment, build careers, and prepare for a better future through various community centers that offer job and education resources. Reyna also leads a collaborative network that unites multiple organizations to strengthen community support, particularly during challenging times. Attending the GO-Serve event for the first time, she described the experience as highly valuable, allowing her to form new connections and renew partnerships that will benefit residents and organizations alike.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized the shared environmental challenges between San Diego and Imperial counties, focusing on cross-border water flows. He noted that while San Diego contends with issues in the Tijuana River Valley, Imperial County faces similar challenges with the New River. Gloria highlighted the need for collective action from local leaders, federal authorities in Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to address these environmental concerns. He added that the same collaborative approach could be applied to other shared issues, including energy, unemployment, and broader regional development priorities.
