Policy and Advocacy

Rising Sun advocates for state and local policies and programs to equitably improve job quality and climate resilience

We do so by building advocacy networks via our Bay Area High Road Training Partnership and collaborating with a broad array of community-based organizations, environmental justice organizations, labor and workforce partners, and climate advocates and experts. 

FAQ

The ‘high road’ is how we achieve economic equity and climate resilience simultaneously. High road jobs not only provide accessible, sustainable careers for all workers. They also address the skill and profitability needs of employers, support equitable economic growth, and build a clean environment.

 

The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) high road framework describes “workforce development and employment opportunities that are accessible to and shaped by communities of color and low-wage workers.” High road jobs offer family-sustaining wages and benefits and safe and healthy workplaces. Workers have agency and voice and are treated with dignity and respect.

 

High road employers “pay family-supporting wages, compete based on the quality of their services and products, and engage workers and their representatives in the project of building skills and competitiveness.” Further, per California Code Section 14005(r), high road strategies not only improve job quality and access, but also “meet the economic, social, and environmental needs of the community.”

The partnership includes over 20 official and listening partners.

 

Official partners of the Bay Area Residential Building Decarbonization HRTP include:

 

  • BayREN
  • City of Berkeley: Office of Energy and Sustainable Development, Planning and Development Department
  • City of San Francisco: Environment Department
  • Construction Trades Workforce Initiatives
  • Nomada Coaching and Consulting
  • Rising Sun Center for Opportunity
  • StopWaste

How can I participate?

If you or your organization would like to contribute, we’d love to connect. We’re especially interested in speaking with:

 

  • Contractors and workers in the residential construction industry. Learn more about getting involved.
  • Local cities, regional agencies, and CCAs interested in running residential decarbonization programs. Learn more about designing your programs to further job quality.
Connect with us
If you or your organization would like to contribute, we’d love to connect. We’re especially interested in speaking with:

 

  • Contractors and workers in the residential construction industry. Learn more about getting involved.
  • Local cities, regional agencies, and CCAs interested in running residential decarbonization programs. Learn more about designing your programs to further job quality.
Connect with us

Rising Sun’s skilled leadership of the HRTP has been invaluable to the development of Berkeley’s Just Transition Pilot Program that seeks to equitably electrify low-income housing while supporting high road jobs. The partnership has provided opportunities to learn, develop trust, and collaborate with a broad group of stakeholders.

Billi Romain

Manager of the Office of Energy and Sustainable Development, City of Berkeley

It was such an honor to visit Rising Sun, tour their facility and programs, and chat with their team about how their programs are changing lives every day. As we think about the partnerships and investments that are needed to expand apprenticeship opportunities in the trades for women and underserved communities, Rising Sun serves as a model that should be broadly scaled and replicated throughout the state.

Natalie Palugyai

Commissioner of California’s Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board; former California Labor Secretary

Rising Sun is exemplifying how we can address infrastructure, climate, jobs, and racial and gender justice all at the same time.

Padmini Parthasarathy

Principal and Founder, Sāmya Strategies