Empowerment Congress: Educate. Engage. Empower.
For over 30 years, Empowerment Congress has been a driving force for civic engagement, community leadership, and equitable change in Los Angeles County. As a model of participatory democracy, the Congress brings together residents, community leaders, neighborhood organizations, and partners to ensure every voice is heard and every community has the opportunity to thrive.
Empowerment Congress
Annual Empowerment Congress Summit
The Annual Summit is our flagship event — a premier public policy gathering held each Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend that convenes elected officials, community advocates, nonprofit leaders, and residents to explore the most pressing issues of our time. From discussions on democracy and civic participation to solutions for housing and economic opportunity, the summit sets the strategic tone for community action each year.
Why It Matters
Empowerment Congress is more than an organization — it’s a movement for community power and civic ownership. It exists on the belief that government works best when the people it serves are actively involved in shaping decisions that affect their lives.
Through educational outreach, strategic advocacy, and inclusive engagement, the Congress has:
-
Helped shape neighborhood-driven policy priorities
-
Elevated community voices in local governance
-
Catalyzed leadership development across generations
-
Served as a national model for participatory democracy
