Our Vision
A world where systems are designed for justice and support equitable access to resources and opportunities for all Californians to thrive.
Our Mission
Catalyst California advocates for racial justice by building power and transforming public systems. We partner with communities of color, conduct innovative research, develop policies for actionable change, and shift money and power back into our communities.
Our Priorities
We adopted these priorities in 2026 in the face of intense backlash and attacks on the multiracial democracy we’ve dedicated our lives to building.
Protect & Evolve Our Multiracial Democracy
Grow the movement of Californians who will defend the core principles of our multiracial democracy and wage public policy campaigns that deliver real change for a majority of Californians.
Fight For Resources for Our People
Protect current, and grow new, sources of public revenue to invest in our communities.
Create Audacious Progressive Governance
Rebuild Californians’ belief in government as a positive and effective force in people’s lives by pushing for policy that delivers large-scale, tangible benefits people can feel, see, and experience.
Build A Vision for the Future
Weave an expansive vision of what California can be, for all its people.
In 1999 and facing the throes of a conservative takeover of the courts and a retrenchment on civil rights, former NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund attorneys, Constance L. Rice, Penda Hair, and Molly Munger, along with attorney Stephen R. English, established Advancement Project. Knowing the limits of litigation, they sought to employ cutting-edge strategies to achieve social change.
For over 25 years, Catalyst California (formerly known as Advancement Project California) has advanced racial justice through building multiracial solidarity, forging deep connections with people across geography and identity, and believing that truth is the basis for transformative social change that makes the lives of Californians better.
Learn about how we celebrated our 25th Anniversary in 2025, featuring highlights from Race & Politics and Champions for Equity Awards, a look back at some of our historic victories, testimonial videos from board members, partners, and staff, throwback photos, and much more!
