Outreach & Training
Consumer Action’s multilingual and multicultural community outreach managers work to empower individual consumers and community educators nationwide through free, unbiased, rights-focused consumer literacy information and training. The team works with a nationwide network of community-based organizations (CBOs) and host many free educational webinars. Please join us! Click here and register for these upcoming webinars.
Our Events
- California Privacy Initiative webinar explains privacy rights
Consumer Action hosted a webinar last month about how Californians can exercise their rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). - Webinar explores the impact of COVID on small businesses
To shed light on the ways COVID-19 has impacted the small business landscape in the U.S. and to better understand what recovery for these businesses will look like, Consumer Action hosted a webinar: “From Relief to Recovery: COVID-19 and the Impact on Small Businesses.” - Debt and debt collection are the focus of recent webinar
In February, Consumer Action presented “Kitchen Table Economics: Dealing with debt and debt collection,” a webinar that covered recently implemented new rules for collectors along with debt demographics, debtors’ rights and the importance of getting control of your finances.
Training Tools
- New video educates consumers about COVID-19 vaccine fact and fiction
We've produced a new video to help dispel vaccine myths and to equip community educators with one more tool for use in their community education efforts. - Resources for Learning About Scams
This two-page handout outlines resources for learning about scams. - Consumer Action reaches Spanish-speakers through print and TV coverage during COVID
Consumer Action's diverse, multilingual staff regularly works with local, national and ethnic media to bring attention to key consumer issues, expose anti-consumer practices and warn consumers about the newest scams to look out for.
Our Network
- Consumer Action participates in virtual state resource fair
In April, during National Financial Capability Month, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) put on its annual resource fair. This year's fair was presented in webinar format and highlighted several exhibitors and resources promoting consumer financial empowerment and security. The webinar offered participants practical tools to better manage their money, tips for saving for the future, and—this is where Consumer Action came in—tips for safeguarding personal and financial information. - PG&E funds Consumer Action to address energy poverty
Consumer Action was among a dozen or so nonprofits selected to receive a grant from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). - Using FinTech and coaching to improve financial wellness
Consumer Action launched two financial health and technology programs in 2020 and 2021 with support from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Desert Credit Union and Capital One.
Best Practices
- CFPB Watch: Elders at risk of eviction, credit bureau lapses, and a big birthday
The Bureau’s newest tool helps renters (and landlords) locate local emergency rental assistance programs for help repaying up to 18 months in back rent and utilities. - Don’t leave thousands on the table this season
Consumer Action has just published an updated version of our Get Credit for Your Hard Work guide reflecting increases in income limits and credit amounts. The guide for the 2021 tax-filing season (i.e., 2020 tax returns due in April) is available to download now in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. A Korean translation will be available by mid-January. - The enduring impact of racism on your finances
In an era of “alternative facts” and the ongoing systemic persecution of Black Americans, Consumer Action felt it critical to dedicate our Fall 2020 Consumer Action News to the impact of race on personal finances. The latest free quarterly newsletter examines the areas of individual and household finances most affected by entrenched racism—from car and student loans to mortgages and auto insurance. In each area, Consumer Action explores leading proposals for dismantling these barriers to financial inclusion.
Recommended Training Tools
- Living Life Online (FTC resource)
The nation's consumer watchdog offers great guidance for staying safe and avoiding scams online. - CTIA’s Your Wireless Service
CTIA - The Wireless Association has many solid resources to add to your wireless education efforts. - Avoid ID Theft Training Kit
The Federal Trade Commission offers a training package on ID Theft.
( View More Recommended Training Tools )
Videos & Webinars
- Housing insecurity during the pandemic (Webinar)
Even before the COVID pandemic, millions of Americans faced housing insecurity or instability—especially communities of color. During the pandemic, housing costs skyrocketed, leading to even more housing insecurity, despite COVID-era eviction moratoria that has now ended. - How Inaccurate Private Data Leads to Loss of SSI Benefits: What advocates should know
In this webinar, experts discuss how a private database used by the government to verify eligibility for SSI benefits is full of errors and can cause vulnerable beneficiaries to lose their benefits through no fault of their own. - After a Disaster: ID Theft, Scams and Insurance (Presentation)
Consumer Action's Linda Williams explains common scams and problems encountered by consumers who have been affected by a disaster.
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