Long Beach Forward

Organization Description

We are moving Long Beach Forward.

VISION

Race and income do not determine one’s future in Long Beach--it’s a community where everyone is safe, connected, and healthy.

MISSION

To create a healthy Long Beach with low-income communities of color by building community knowledge, leadership, and power.

​VALUES

Fairness: We work with groups often not invited to the table to ensure their voices are heard, they can lead change, and our democracy is strengthened. Opportunity and participation in political processes should not be constrained by income and race.

Collaboration: We are stronger together and building relationships among diverse residents, organizations, and decision makers is key to achieving our vision of a healthier Long Beach.

Connection: We create a space for people to come together and be part of a community of like-minded people facing similar challenges and working toward a common goal.

Change: We transform how business is done and decisions are made by addressing root causes and supporting those most affected to lead the charge. We seek long-lasting change today.

Integrity: We support low-income communities of color to bring about change and we are committed and accountable to help push this change forward. We walk the walk and are constantly evolving to better meet the needs of our communities.

Program Information

We provide local organizations and community members with the tools, training, and resources they need to be heard, be influential and drive real change in Long Beach. We develop the leadership and organizing skills of young people and adults in the community. We increase access to resources for residents and community groups and help them foster meaningful engagement with policymakers. We are the glue that brings people, community organizations, and decision-makers together to create a healthier Long Beach so that race and income don’t determine one’s future. OUR VISION: Race and income do not determine one's future in Long Beach—it's a community where everyone is safe, connected, and healthy. OUR MISSION: To create a healthy Long Beach with low-income communities of color by building community knowledge, leadership, and power.

All students, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation, are open and welcome to participate.

Health & Safety

We work with a diverse community and must collectively maintain a physical space that prioritizes safety for individuals and organizational security.

This program is largely self initiated, with significant support from the site supervisor. Students are expected to reach out to the site supervisor to express interest in certain opportunities or to sign up for event shifts, as available. The site supervisor will collect brief write ups on certain opportunities, and will help students prepare technical and soft skills needed.
Additional requirements and/or considerations
  • Health Check/Screening (e.g. temperature screening, COVID-19 test)
  • Vaccinations
Address 
2217 E 6th St
Long Beach, CA 90814
United States
General Phone 
(562) 436-4800
Website:
https://www.lbforward.org
Student Contact 
Name
Peter Madsen
Job Title
Operations Coordinator
Phone
(562) 684-7163
Email
peter@lbforward.org

Current Opportunities

Title Program Start Date Location Type
CDFS 419- Serving Families- Best Start Central Long Beach (BSCLB) Service Learning 01/20/2026 Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote)
View all opportunities here
Program(s) 
Service Learning
Organization type 
Grassroots Organization (Nonprofit)
Focus Population(s)
Non-specific/any population
Focus Area(s)
Advocacy and Human Rights, Civic Engagement, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice, Equitable Economic & Workforce Development, Food & Housing Security
Hours of operation 

M-F 10a-4p, evening and weekend events.

Additional site tags 
Community Health, Social Justice, community collaboration, Cultural Awareness, Environment, Social Determinants of Health, Public health, youth engagement
Minimum required hours 
20
Maximum students 
20