GOOD GOVERNMENT, GOOD COMMUNITY
BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS FOR A BRIGHTER COMMUNITY
Good Government, Good Community San Joaquin (GGGC) is a nonpartisan civic leadership cohort designed for people who want to better understand San Joaquin County, strengthen their leadership skills, and play a meaningful role in the future of our community.
Powered by United Way of San Joaquin County, GGGC brings together emerging and established leaders who are ready to learn, connect, and take action—wherever their civic journey leads.
LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH KNOWING YOUR COMMUNITY
San Joaquin County is shaped by people who show up.
GGGC gives participants the opportunity to explore how local government works, understand the issues affecting our communities, and build the practical knowledge and relationships needed to become more effective civic leaders.
This is not a generic civics course. Every conversation, session, and experience is grounded in San Joaquin County—its people, its systems, and the opportunities ahead.
Through engaging learning experiences, local perspectives, and meaningful connection, participants gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to help build a stronger community.
FIND YOUR PATH TO CIVIC LEADERSHIP
There is more than one way to lead.
GGGC recognizes that civic leadership can take many forms. Whether you are considering public office, interested in serving on a board or commission, or passionate about building the community infrastructure that helps ideas and movements move forward, there is a place for you in this cohort.
CIVIC LEADERSHIP STARTS HERE
GGGC is designed to move beyond the classroom and into the real work of community leadership.
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Build a stronger understanding of San Joaquin County government and civic systems
- Explore the local issues shaping our community
- Develop practical leadership and decision-making skills
- Learn from local practitioners and community leaders
- Build relationships with a diverse network of civic-minded peers
- Gain insight into multiple pathways for civic leadership
- Strengthen the knowledge and confidence to take their next step
10 SESSIONS. 10 WEEKS. ONE COHORT.
SESSION 1
Who We Are & What's at Stake
Welcome, Values, StrengthsFinder & Community Context
SESSION 2
How Local Government Works — Part 1
Cities, County & the Council of Governments
SESSION 3
How Local Government Works — Part 2
School Boards, Special Districts & Appointed Bodies, add nonprofit boards?
SESSION 4
Bad Boards, Good Boards & Great Boards
Governance, Ethics & What It Actually Means to Serve
SESSION 5
Education in San Joaquin County
K–12, Higher Ed & Why This Seat at the Table Matters
SESSION 6
Following the Money
Public Finance, Budgeting & the Values Behind the Numbers
SESSION 7
Economic Development & Jobs in SJC
The Economy, Workforce & the Role of Local Government
SESSION 8
Homelessness, Housing & Community Well-Being
Causes, Policy Responses & What Local Government Can Actually Do
SESSION 9
Your Voice, Your Story
Media Integrity, Messaging, Storytelling & Advocacy Communication
SESSION 10
The Road to Office & Your Civic Commitment
Campaigns, Elections & What Comes Next — Graduation
THE CANDIDATE
Explore the foundations of public service and what it means to step forward as a candidate for office. Ideal for community members who are curious about public service and want to explore whether elected leadership is the right path for them. The Candidate pathway provides an introduction to the responsibilities, opportunities, and realities of serving your community through elected office.
THE CONNECTOR
Build the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to serve your community through boards, commissions, and civic engagement. Ideal for professionals, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and residents looking to become more actively involved in shaping their community. The Civic Connector pathway is designed for those who want to make an impact through civic service beyond elected office.
THE BUILDER
Learn how strong campaigns, advocacy efforts, and civic organizations are built and supported. Ideal for aspiring campaign staff, community organizers, nonprofit professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in supporting civic engagement through leadership behind the scenes. The Campaign Builder pathway focuses on the behind-the-scenes work that helps campaigns, advocacy efforts, and civic initiatives succeed.
PROGRAM FACULTY & LEADS
Our GGGC program has experienced faculty and leads who will assume a role in each of the 10 sessions hosted by United Way of San Joaquin County based on their personal and professional skills, teaching experience and knowledge.
The overarching program is led by Jose Serrano, Chief Operating Officer for United Way of San Joaquin County and Rachel Hernandez, a first-generation college graduate raised in Stanislaus County with over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, community organizing, and electoral politics. Rachel was elected to the Riverbank City Council, and in 2024 she was elected Mayor of Riverbank — becoming the youngest Mayor in the city's history.
The curriculum was designed by Corinne Enni, a proven social impact consultant. And Kristen Birtwhistle, CEO of United Way of San Joaquin County, will serve as part facilitator and support to the faculty and leads. This program will help establish the foundation, peer relationships and value based education that will help advance the next generation of county leaders.
PROGRAM INVESTMENT
INVEST IN YOUR LEADERSHIP. INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
Leadership is one of the most valuable investments you can make—not only in your own growth, but in the future of San Joaquin County. The Good Government, Good Community San Joaquin (GGGC) program is designed to provide participants with practical knowledge, meaningful connections, and leadership experiences that extend well beyond the cohort.
TUITION: $1,500 PER PARTICIPANT
Your program investment includes:
- A comprehensive civic leadership curriculum
- Interactive learning sessions led by experienced local leaders and practitioners
- Access to elected officials, public servants, nonprofit executives, and community experts
- Leadership development and civic engagement training
- Networking opportunities with a diverse cohort of emerging and established leaders
- Program materials and resources
- Graduation recognition and membership in the GGGC alumni network
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A COHORT BUILT ON COMMUNITY
The strongest leaders do not lead alone.
GGGC brings together people with different experiences, perspectives, and goals to learn from one another and build relationships that extend beyond the program.
Participants leave with more than new knowledge. They leave with a deeper connection to San Joaquin County and a growing network of people committed to helping shape its future.
Different paths. Shared purpose. One community.
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
You do not have to have all the answers to be a leader.
You just need curiosity, a commitment to your community, and a willingness to learn.
Good Government, Good Community San Joaquin is building future leaders for a brighter community.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about the GGGC program, please contact Jose Serrano, Chief Operating Officer for United Way of SJC, at jserrano@unitedwaysjc.org or 209.320.6216