Community Advocates

Community Advocates, Inc. (CAI) is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing innovative approaches to human relations and race relations through evidence-based advocacy and public dialogue. Founded on the principle that meaningful progress in civil rights and human relations is achievable, CAI operates as both a thought lead... er and policy advocate, moving beyond traditional anti-discrimination frameworks to foster an identity-transcendent civic culture that emphasizes cooperative enterprises and shared community interests. Led by a distinguished board including former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan as Chairman and former Anti-Defamation League Regional Director David A. Lehrer as President, CAI leverages multiple platforms to amplify its message and influence public discourse across Southern California. The organization disseminates its vision and policy recommendations through op-eds, speeches, panel presentations, journal articles, and broadcast programming, reaching hundreds of thousands of residents through strategic partnerships with major media outlets including PBS station KCET and NPR's KPPC. CAI's town hall meetings and public affairs programming address significant and contentious issues of contemporary relevance, providing forums for constructive dialogue on matters affecting diverse communities. Operating in Los Angeles, recognized as one of the world's most diverse cities, CAI addresses the unique challenge of building civic cohesion across multiple ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural groups by promoting common interests and shared identity rather than emphasizing victimization narratives. The organization positions itself as a common-sense commentator on public policy, making its voice heard through presentations, town-hall style meetings, and media partnerships that extend its reach and influence. By combining rigorous advocacy with accessible public engagement, CAI works to advance human and civil rights while fostering the cooperative civic culture necessary for ...Read More