It is with a lot of excitement and some sadness that I’m writing to let you all know that I will be transitioning out of my position as CURB’s Statewide Co-Coordinator at the end of May. I have had different roles as Organizer, Coordinator, and Staff Trainer in CURB for the past 4 ½ years. I am grateful to be part of this dynamic coalition of so many different opinions, experiences, and political frameworks but who all share the value/spirit of freedom emanating from our dreams and actions.
CURB is my political home. This home has been built upon the legacies of organizers like Rose Braz, Lisa Marie Alatorre, Debbie Reyes, Diana Block, Craig Gilmore, Ruthie Gilmore, Emily Harris and so many others. I feel grateful that the guidance of our most trusted movement leaders has been shared with me and led us into a state of growth for CURB. I could not have grown into the political thinker, organizer, and leader that I’ve become if it wasn’t for the years of struggle with my comrades, mentors, and opponents that pulled me into a greater understanding of myself and the world around me.
The critiques, the care, the exhaustion, and the smiles were all necessary to my growth. I appreciate all of you for being a part of it.
Personally, I feel grateful that my personal story and the story of my incarcerated family and friends has been protected and harnessed in order to imagine the lasting change that is bringing our loved ones home. As the young girl that saw her loved ones ripped from her life because of the policing of our communities I never imagined that one day I would obtain the tools, resources, and political power to actively work to bring my uncle home and to connect with others that were just trying to do the same.
I never imagined that one day I would be part of stopping $8 billion in prison and jail construction funding, creating an elder parole program, expanding credits, delaying jail construction in LA County and all of the other powerful changes we’ve made together. Our many accomplishments continue to remind me of why we need to keep on dreaming big — because even our wildest dreams are not beyond our reach.
My professional next steps (after a much needed break) include working on consulting opportunities in Los Angeles County, with the Women’s Foundation of California, and other organizations. I am happy to work with any of you all on a consulting basis. I will also be reflecting on my role as a woman with incarcerated loved ones through the Essie Justice Cohort which I am really excited about.
I can’t wait to see where Amber Rose and Ivette will take CURB next. They are amazing, inspirational, fierce, and creative human beings. And I know they will lead CURB into a new stage of growth!
Lastly, I want to invite you to join me in celebrating my time with CURB at Chuco’s Justice Center (1137 E Redondo Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90302) on May 25th from 6-8pm or come have a drink with me at Three Weaver’s Brewery (1031 W Manchester Blvd a, Inglewood, CA 90301) that night from 8-10pm!
Thank you to everyone that made this journey with CURB what it was for me!
In love and solidarity,
Diana Zuñiga
Californians United for a Responsible Budget
