Candidate for
Councilmember; City of Gardena

For over 15 years Shannon has been actively involved in all three forms of community advocacy: public policy making, community organization, and implementation. At every level he has demonstrated a deep-seeded passion for change and an innate ability to analyze and comprehend the root problem and find a solution. His storied background has given him the insight and knowledge that without public policy, change will not come and that without community organization and involvement, awareness for change will never be acknowledged. He has demonstrated this on many different levels and it is only appropriate that Shannon has returned to his hometown to champion change where it affects him and his loved ones most: the City of Gardena.

As your Councilmember, Shannon Lawrence will take the tools and skills learned as a Policy Analyst in the Los Angeles Mayor's Office, as an aide to Alabama Governor Don Siegelman and a labor organizer for SEIU Local 434b (now known as 6434, United Long Term Care Workers) and Local1877 to help prioritize the City of Gardena's education, budget and environmental issues. His goals will place accountability on the city, elected officials and residents of Gardena to ensure everyone plays an integral role in making Gardena "The Crown Jewel of the South Bay." His experience as a Policy Analyst ensures that Shannon will be qualified to handle coordination between the Council and City Departments to ensure that all policy is effectively and accurately implemented, thus making sure residents receive the results desired from legislation. His work with SEIU confirms that Shannon's highest priority will be to serve the City of Gardena and its stakeholders and empower the residents, businesses owners, municipal employees, and patrons of Gardena with the knowledge and confidence that change is possible.

From an early age Shannon Lawrence has been involved in community activism, public policy, and grassroots organizing. He also has a deep understanding of how these things can affect one's quality of life. Born to two parents who were union workers, Shannon came to see the power of organizing a group of people and transforming that voice into a beacon of light for others to follow. His modest beginnings began as an adolescent where he was active in his church. He also hosted the Annual Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Program, moderated a Mayoral and was ultimately appointed to the City of Gardena Youth Commission as a high school student. From these experiences, Shannon developed his passion for change and finely tuned this skill while a student at Alabama State University. Shannon's activism and organizing efforts on campus earned him a well-deserved internship in the office of Alabama Senator Henry "Hank" Sanders. As a respected leader on campus, he revitalized the Alabama State University Young Democrats chapter, and under his leadership the organization became a viable and influential force in the community.

After graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with Marketing concentration, Shannon worked for Governor Don Siegelman where he deepened his understanding and solidified his resolve that things can change through good and smart public policy. Not one to forget his humble beginnings, Shannon returned home to Gardena and started working for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1877, where unorganized security officers were empowering themselves through the virtues of unionism and collective bargaining. This campaign was one of the largest and most historic organizing efforts in American history. Shannon was passionate about assisting workers to realize their rights and help them gain the dignity and respect on the job they deserve. His commitment earned him the responsibility in building relationships with community and political allies, educating them on the struggle and winning their support. In 2004, Shannon joined SEIU 434B as Political Coordinator where he was able to mesh his knowledge of community organizing and public policy. Shannon realized and relished in the satisfaction that empowering homecare workers gives as they organized their co-workers and peers to influence public policy that positively affects their quality of life, careers and communities.

Currently, Shannon works as a Policy Analyst in the Los Angeles Mayor's Office in the Department of Education, Youth and Families. Shannon's primary function is to stay in constant contact with various city departments, their stakeholders, and to monitor their progress in achieving their desired goals as set forth in the budget. Additionally, he supports the Mayor's Partnership for Los Angeles Schools by ensuring city resources are available to schools, the students, their parents, and the teachers in the communities they serve. With a complete understanding of what it takes for change from start to finish, Shannon Lawrence has the experience, tools, and drive to see through the issues that matter most to Gardena.