History of RocACTS
Launched in 2014, the Rochester Alliance of Communities Transforming Society (RocACTS) is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit, multi-ethnic, multi-racial, interfaith community organization working to transform our community for the common good by addressing the issues that impact the quality of life in our neighborhoods and community. RocACTS’ mission is “Transforming our community toward equity and justice through community organizing.” RocACTS connects, recruits, trains, organizes, collaborates, and supports Greater Rochester Area faith communities and residents on mutual social justice initiatives to positively impact people with a special emphasis on dismantling systemic racism.
MISSION
Transforming our community together toward equity and justice through community organizing.
VISION
An empowered and engaged community, grounded in shared values, working to build and sustain an equitable, just, and moral society.
Organizational History
RocACTS is a leader-led organization that has historically employed a small staff. The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the mission of the organization, money raising and management, 501C3 compliance and supervision of the Executive Director. Board members are expected to support and engage in the organizing work of RocACTS through the various task forces and participate in the annual Leadership Assembly.
Volunteer leaders are the backbone of the organization. Leaders participate in training sessions, task force issues, community outreach, research meetings, and public actions.
Member organizations pay annual dues as approved by the Board. Individuals who support and endorse the mission and vision of the organization may apply for admission as a Supporting Member by paying annual dues as an Individual Member.
RocACTS has a track record of effective action and of mobilizing thousands of people on specific issues of social justice. Since its founding in 2014, by a team of clergy and local residents in Rochester, RocACTS’ Criminal Justic Task Force successfully worked on Raise the Age, Bail Reform, Solitary Confinement, and Police Accountability. Working in partnership with other community organizations, RocACTS successfully advocated for the creation of an independent civilian review board of police conduct by the Rochester City Council, the result of a referendum in which 75% of the electorate approved passing the measure.
In 2022 our task forces have worked on reforming solitary confinement through H.A.L.T. Initiative (Human Alternatives to Long Term Solitary Confinement) and have been a part of the Police Accountability Board Alliance. Additionally, RocACTS volunteers have focused on increasing wages, especially for low wage works of color working as health care providers; issues related to affordable housing and evictions; developing a county-wide report of anti-racism curriculum in the June 2020 Anti-racism letter from the Monroe County Superintendents.
