Riverside Council of Governments’ 32nd Annual General Assembly & Leadership Conference was held on June 29 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.

 

The purpose of the Western Riverside Council of Governments is to unify Western Riverside County so that it can speak with a collective voice on important issues. Representatives from 18 cities, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and the Eastern and Western municipal water districts have seats on the association’s executive committee, and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools is an ex-officio member. The organization works on issues related to growth and other regional matters important to the area’s future.

 

Done in partnership with #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, the three colleges — Moreno Valley, Norco and Riverside City — provide up to fifty students service opportunities in community organizations such as food banks, climate action organizations, post-carceral services, and K-12 schools. At the start of the fall 2022 term, 50 Riverside Community College District students, 10 of which were from Moreno Valley College, were selected to participate in the program designed to provide support and learn from community-based not-for-profit agencies. Moreno Valley College students focused on three priority areas: K-12 education, climate action, and food insecurity.

 

Students commit to 450 service hours during the academic year and participate in training, meetings and weekly seminars. Students receive a monthly allowance throughout the service term, plus an education award — up to $10,000 — paid upon completion of service hours. The program offers students job experience; communication and leadership skills; and access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities. The program also offers individuals the opportunity to connect with fellows across the state via a virtual community platform. The California Corps Program at Moreno Valley College was recognized during the Western and in-person regional events.

 

The Corps Program at Moreno Valley College was nominated by Elena Baca-Santa Cruz for the program’s positive effect.