Mission

Starting Over Strong (SOS) 501(c)4, builds collective power in the Inland region of southern California to improve the lives of marginalized and system impacted people. We do this by driving political and systemic change through organizing, political education, civic engagement, candidate endorsement, advocacy and lobbying. SOS amplifies the voices of impacted individuals by centering their leadership and strategies.

People holding protest signs in front of a booth with a blue canopy that says 'Home of the Roadrunners.' The signs include messages like 'No. 1 left in the heat' and other unrecognizable text. The booth advertises free ice cream and water, and the background shows a building with the number 820.

Our Vision

Starting Over Strong envisions an equitable and thriving society where access, representation and security exists for everyone. Our communities will have the right to: housing, water, food, education, healthcare, climate protection, justice and freedom to love who you love.


OUR VALUES

  • Colledtive Power - Stronger together

  • Inclusion - Everyone has a contribution

  • Intersectionality - Not taking our victories at others expense

  • Self-Determination

  • Community - Being connected and present with community and partners building trust

  • Integrity - Doing the right thing when no one is looking.

About Us

Starting Over Strong (SOS) was established in 2022 as a 501(c)(4) organization in response to systemic failures by elected officials at all levels—from federal to city council—to challenge the pervasive influence of law enforcement unions like the Riverside Sheriffs' Association (RSA). The dominance of "tough on crime" rhetoric and the significant financial influence of the RSA and other police unions hinder meaningful criminal justice reform. As a result, legislation in effect commonly neglects the needs of our most marginalized & disenfranchised populations, especially those impacted by the carceral system.

Foundation and Purpose

SOS was created to address these disparities by advocating for systemic changes that support vulnerable and justice-impacted populations. The alarming rate of in-custody deaths, misuse of funds, and ongoing investigations into the Riverside Sheriff's Department under Sheriff Chad Bianco’s leadership underscore the urgent need for change. Additionally, District Attorney Mike Hestrin has faced criticism for his close ties with law enforcement unions and handling of cases, further highlighting Riverside’s need for an independent advocacy group. Political parties have also failed to field candidates free from the influence of law enforcement unions, exacerbating the problem of pro-criminalization policies that harm our communities.

Inspired by the work of Starting Over, Inc. (SOi), which provides direct services such as housing, job placement, retraining programs, and addressing food insecurity, SOS focuses on creating supportive environments for these essential services to thrive. By advocating for policy reforms, raising public awareness, and supporting candidates aligned with its mission, SOS aims to transform systemic disparities, expand essential services, and empower those most impacted to lead long-term change.

A group of people sitting at a long table inside a restaurant enjoying a meal, with a man taking a selfie in the foreground. The restaurant has a casual vibe with shelves of snacks and a fridge of drinks visible in the background.
A group of people gathered outside a building, with one man speaking at a microphone and a photo of a person's face on an easel behind him. The scene appears to be a press conference or public statement.