California Connects convening wraps up in Fresno; chief service officer urges community volunteerism
Summary
The California Connects Regional Convening concluded in Fresno with California Chief Service Officer Josh Friday urging unity and continued investment in the Central Valley and calling on residents — including youth — to join GoServe, the state's volunteer program.
The California Connects Regional Convening, a first-of-its-kind statewide event, wrapped up its final stop in Fresno as organizers and state leaders highlighted partnerships to connect residents with essential services.
California Chief Service Officer Josh Friday said the state faces "a challenging time in great anxiety" and urged unity, saying, "And the only way that we're gonna get through this is together." He also pointed to continued state investment in Fresno: "We see great things coming out of Fresno, which is why we're gonna continue to invest in it."
Organizers said more than 100 community groups and state leaders attended the regional convening to link people with resources. An attendee emphasized that partnerships across regional and state levels strengthen community impact: "I'm a firm believer that when people partner with one another at the regional and state level, you're gonna have a more of an impact in your community, and we've seen that in Fresno."
The convening was described as led by the office of community partnerships and strategic communications. The governor's office, the organizers said, hopes the initiative will motivate more people and youth to participate in GoServe, a statewide volunteer program.
No formal actions or votes were recorded in the transcript. Organizers framed the event as part of ongoing efforts to build connections and encourage volunteer engagement across the Central Valley.
