Oakland Community Organizations (OCO) is a longstanding **faith-based coalition** in Oakland, California, dedicated to systemic change and social justice for low- and moderate-income communities, particularly in Oakland’s flatlands neighborhoods[1][4][5]. Founded in 1972, OCO emerged as a multi-congregational network affiliated with the national PICO organization (People Improving Communities through Organizing), representing over 90,000 families through local congregations, schools, and allied groups[4][5]. OCO focuses on critical issues such as **affordable housing, education reform, crime prevention, and racial and economic equity**[1][4]. A notable achievement is its 1999 coalition with the Bay Area Coalition for Equitable Schools (BayCES), which successfully advocated for the Oakland Unified School District to adopt a Small Schools Policy aimed at reducing overcrowding and improving educational outcomes in underserved neighborhoods[1]. This campaign exemplifies OCO’s strategy of grassroots organizing combined with political advocacy, involving parents, teachers, and community members in school governance[1]. In 2018, OCO expanded its impact by merging with similar organizations in Contra Costa and Alameda counties to form **Faith in Action East Bay (FIAEB)**, enhancing its capacity to organize faith-based, multiracial leadership and build power across a broader East Bay region[4]. FIAEB continues OCO’s mission by addressing systemic issues like mass incarceration, immigration reform, and civic engagement through congregational leadership and advocacy[4]. OCO is notable for its robust **leadership development model** that empowers congregants and community members to enact change locally and statewide[5]. Its long history reflects a deep commitment to **building community power, equity, social capital, and collaborative leadership** through sustained organizing efforts[1][4]. Overall, Oakland Community Organizations exemplify a successful, faith-rooted social justice coalition that has significantly shaped Oakland’s educational and housing policies while evolving t