New office will manage urgent public education and outreach campaigns in collaboration with partners across California’s diverse communities to combat misinformation

By ONME Newswire

SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Newsom’s budget signing yesterday marked the formal establishment of the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC). OCPSC will work closely with state agencies, trusted community partners and ethnic media to mobilize coordinated outreach efforts for the State’s most pressing issues, including climate justice and COVID-19.

The 2022 - 23 budget allocates $65 million for the new Office to take on the critical role of managing urgent outreach campaigns and prioritizes funding for a statewide network of community-based organizations. The OCPSC public education campaigns will deliver actionable and reliable information that is culturally appropriate and meets people where they are. Additional investments through OCPSC will help build the public awareness efforts.

Designated under the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR), OCPSC will build on the work done by OPR.

“We’re excited to welcome the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications to OPR,” said Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Samuel Assefa. "The OCPSC will bolster cross-cutting and innovative practices across state government that ultimately help improve the lives of Californians, including those experiencing the greatest social and health inequities."

Building on the success and lessons learned from the COVID-19 vaccine and Census 2020 public education and outreach efforts, the new office closely follows Governor Newsom’s vision for a more inclusive California for All.

“The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications builds upon the infrastructure and best practices established over the course of the last few years.” said Maricela Rodriguez, Director of Civic Engagement and Strategic Partnerships in Governor Newsom's Office. “The Office will drive innovative and creative outreach and communication strategies, including working with ethnic media, investing in data and tools to inform our efforts, building public-private partnerships that allow us to expand our reach and expertise, and creating a strong network of trusted community partners to address the State’s most pressing issues. The Office will remain focused on tackling mis and dis- information so that Californians have reliable and actionable information.”