David Gaines is a passionate and skilled leader in the field of civic engagement, community service, and social change. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Applied Politics from American University, where he also completed his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. He is a first-generation college student who was inspired by his single mother to pursue public service.As the Director of Community Affairs at Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center, David develops key relationships with local community organizations and elected officials in the Oakland/East Bay area. He fosters partnerships with local nonprofits throughout California for the production of a documentary series on democracy. He organizes and participates in fundraising events and outreach activities to support network growth. He also facilitates workshops on leadership development and nonviolent social change, and organizes students and families to engage in civic initiatives and opportunities. He has successfully lobbied the State of California for an appropriation to fund the expansion of the Freedom Center’s work into five new counties. He has also organized students to meet with state legislators and testify on various human rights, police accountability, poverty, and civic engagement issues.