ReCreate Los OsosMission of the Los Osos Community Foundation,
ReCreate Los Osos • A Not-for-Profit Organization
Mission
ReCreate Los Osos is an organization that fosters, supports and collaborates with activities that are designed to pull together the social fabric of a small unincorporated town located on the Central Coast of California. Programs and activities should reinforce the already-existing best features of our community—a beautiful place with a very heterogenous mix of talented and interesting people.
The Genesis of ReCreate Los Osos
Los Osos is a heterogeneous (rich/poor, old/young, professionals/hourly workers) mostly bedroom community that is limited in terms of institutional structures, physical venues and traditions whereby its residents can simply enjoy themselves and one another in what is arguably one of the physical beauty spots of the state. It has a limited local government, and much of its key services and tax-based expenditures are decided upon by County agencies, 15 miles away in San Luis Obispo.
One advisory body to county government, the Los Osos Community Advisory Council (LOCAC), has for years championed the cause of recreational facilities and activities, but the mandate and resources of LOCAC are narrow and limited. The formation of ReCreate Los Osos grew out of a year-long discussion among members of a planning committee (Parks and Recreation) that was part of LOCAC. Its members had all played various roles and taken various positions on issues facing the community over the years. However, we all loved Los Osos – its informality, its quirkiness, its general friendliness and its acceptance of all kinds – rich/poor, hippy/professional, old/young. So at a certain point we decided that what we should take a direct role in enabling activities that would help bring our community together in common interests. We decided that goal would best be accomplished by having fun together – projects, gatherings, music, plays, walks, and other group activities. We also came to the conclusion that reflecting the nature of our community, our Foundation would leverage the creativity and funky variety of our residents – our many artists, our many musicians, our many craftsmen, our many characters- for the benefit of all.
A Brief Overview of Relevant Los Osos History
Los Osos, physically a gem, is located at the end of a long beautiful valley that has its terminus and the Morro Bay estuary and bounded by miles of sand dunes shielding the community from the Pacific Ocean. This stunning environment has also been the setting of much conflict for over 200 years. To continue reading, click here.
Program Strategy
Following from the above, the Program Strategy that RcLO has developed rests on the following assumptions and approaches:
• Programs and activities should visible, inexpensive and involve wide slices of the Los Osos community
• Programs and activities should be aligned with the demographics and strengths of the Los Osos Community
• To the extent feasible, programs and activities should be planned and implemented with several partner organizations (including funders) and broad volunteer participation
• RcLO will strive to continually renew itself in terms of leadership, participation and the array of activities it fosters
• RcLO will studiously avoid becoming involved as an advocate or adversary in community politics