On May 19, 2025, nearly 300 leaders and guests of Central Valley IAF gathered at Westside Church of God for an impressive Community Assembly rooted in democracy, solidarity, and action.

Together, we:

• Explored what it means to build a powerful People’s Organization—for the people, by the people—capable of negotiating for the needs of regular families and the common good.
  
  
• Heard compelling stories from local residents directly impacted by immigration policy, rural transportation barriers, and housing injustice
  
  
• Pressed local officials on local housing issues related to suburban sprawl and industrial zoning, and gained their commitments to work with us to stop both
  
  
• Gained commitments from law enforcement to continue working together to build trust and safety in immigrant communities
  
  
• Welcomed top faith leaders from across the region who affirmed their support for this growing multi-faith, multiracial effort

The evening was a profound demonstration of diverse institutions coming together for a shared purpose. Central Valley IAF member institutions also reaffirmed their dues commitments to sustain and expand this work.

Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Catholic Diocese of Fresno expressed enthusiasm about and commitment to the efforts:

"It's what I think my new boss [Pope Leo] would want me to do, and what I think his Boss would want me to do."

In a bold step forward, assembly co-chairs announced plans to formally launch the organization under a new name in May 2026—a public milestone marking the next chapter of building power for their communities.

In Photo: Jazzmine White of Fresno State Humanics speaks on housing insecurity.

Photo Credit: Issac's Eye Photography

Assembly attendees sign in 

Co-chairs Rev. Tim Kutzmark with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno and Manju Joseph of Wesley United Methodist Church lead the program

Central Valley IAF leaders Fr. Rayanna Pudota with St. Joseph's Catholic in Firebaugh and Paola Rodriguez with Fresno State Humanics share their stories before City Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Nick Richardson (not pictured)

Nearly 300 diverse attendees from across the city and county gathered in solidarity to address issues affecting their families, schools, congregations, and communities

Central Valley IAF Board Member Adamaris Rodriguez Muro shares next steps with attendees

Bishop Joseph Brennan affirm the work of Central Valley IAF and its leaders