Message from Gloria Medina, Executive Director 

September 2025

Dear SCOPE Family & Friends,

Eighteen years ago, I walked through the doors of the SCOPE firehouse on Florence Avenue for the very first time. After years of working in community service I was looking for a place where I could contribute to a movement dismantling the racist root causes of economic inequities. I found that and so much more at SCOPE. I found friendship, community and a lifelong political home. 

From the start and in my earliest role as the Training and Political Education Coordinator, the organization deeply invested in my own personal journey of political consciousness. I am so grateful for those who invested in me. I am thankful for the lessons learned through deep partnership with allies across the country and the care I received from SCOPE’s grassroots members. I am grateful for the friendships that consistently supported my leadership.

Joining SCOPE radically changed my life. And I have received much more than I could ever give to this wonderful community. But I am not unique. SCOPE invests in the people who walk through the doors. The organization supports the members, leaders, partners, and staff to have a political home where they grow their leadership, learn to organize, and win important victories for our community. 

 Five years ago, I was humbled and nervous to become the Executive Director of this amazing legacy organization. But the past five years have been an indescribable journey, marked by moments of hope for what is possible, moments of collective joy for what we have accomplished, and moments of uncertainty as we encountered challenges along the way. 

I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. SCOPE is even more accessible, more visible, and more rooted in the community than ever. We’ve expanded our role as a neighborhood anchor through mutual aid, cultural programs, and community leadership development. We’ve won essential victories that have significantly improved the health of South Los Angeles residents through the phasing out of neighborhood oil drilling, securing investments for air quality improvements, and winning billions in utility debt relief for South LA and California residents.

Most importantly, we have continued our unwavering commitment to Black and Brown solidarity. This legacy is in our DNA and will not change with this leadership transition. SCOPE grassroots members are the foundation of this legacy, and through their leadership, they will continue to shape the future for South Los Angeles.

I am not saying goodbye just yet. I am sticking around and committed to supporting a seamless transition. I will continue to lead SCOPE for the next few months, as we search for the next leader. 

SCOPE is seeking a bold and strategic new leader who has strong roots in organizing and shares our commitment to racial, economic, and environmental justice. I am excited to support a leader who understands that South Los Angeles is a strategic center for systemic change through multiracial organizing. Perhaps that leader is you or someone you know. 

As a member of the SCOPE family, whether you support our work from near or far, I thank you for your unwavering commitment to justice. I ask that you continue to support SCOPE during this moment of transition, as well as in the years to come. Consider a donation today to ensure that SCOPE continues to grow and has the resources it needs to organize South LA residents. Your support will be more critical than ever as we continue to navigate these uncertain times in our nation. 

This is the moment we have been preparing for – each one of us was born for this time.  I invite you to join our fight for justice and mutual care. There is a role for each one of you at SCOPE. My wish is that you, too, find your political home at the SCOPE firehouse on Florence Avenue. Let’s remain grounded, united, and ready!

Please stay tuned for the anticipated announcement of the new Executive Director. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, or sign up for our e-newsletters to stay updated on our work. 

In Solidarity, 

Gloria Medina