For over two decades, CAUSE Action Fund has organized

alongside you, immigrant workers, tenants, young people, and working families across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to build real political power in our region. From protecting tenants against unfair rent hikes and evictions, to standing up for immigrant families and fighting for healthier communities free from pollution — our neighbors organize year-round to shape the decisions that shape our lives.

It is with this momentum in mind that we warmly invite you to join us at one of our biggest community celebrations of the year!

Our annual Leadership Awards Reception

brings together ~200 community supporters, local businesses, elected officials, labor partners, and grassroots organizers for an inspiring afternoon of food, music, and connection.

Together, we’ll celebrate outstanding local leaders and raise the funds we need to continue organizing for fair farmworker wages, housing we can afford, clean air we deserve, and much more. We know that real transformation happens when electoral power is rooted in community organizing and when our communities have leaders who will protect us, fight for us, and stay accountable to us. That means year-round leadership development, voter engagement, and campaigns grounded in trust and care — not corporate money. It’s only standing side by side with you and your neighbors that we’ll be able to do this work and win in 2026 — and beyond!

 

2026 Award Recipients:

Corazón Award:

Wendy Santamaria
Santa Barbara City Councilmember (she/her)

Dolores Huerta Civic Leadership Award Recipients:

Isaac Gil
Santa Maria Youth Leader (she/her)

Carmen Anguiano
Fmr. Santa Barbara Adult Leader (she/her)

Alexyis Jones
Lompoc Youth Leader (she/her)