Moraga History – Infrastructure: Volunteer Organizations

Moraga has a rich history and ongoing tradition of volunteerism which this section seeks to document. We have broken down volunteer organizations into the following four types: the first consists of groups involved with shaping Moraga’s destiny prior to incorporation. The second is groups dedicated to making Moraga a better community. The third type is groups which provide support for community fund raising and charity. The fourth group is organizations which make possible youth activities with the help of parent volunteers. The common theme is that these organizations exist to mobilize giving that serves beyond their own organization’s membership. Each of the volunteer organizations in the list below has its own dedicated web page where we will post historical information as it becomes available. Please contact MHS if you feel we are missing any volunteer organizations.

Moraga Community Association	Prior to James Irvine’s 1914 purchase of the Rancho Laguna de Los Palos Colorados, Moraga community news was shared at small informal gatherings. Dairy farmers and ranchers socialized at each other’s homes and discussed local happenings, or later at the Moraga Barn. Upon Irvine’s death, his Moraga Company Board began selling off parcels of the rancho. As the community grew, a pattern of resident participation in local government emerged. An enthusiastic core of volunteers developed a degree of commitment rare in other communities. Volunteerism began as early as 1950 with the formation of the Moraga Valley Community Club, Inc. (the Club).The club’s purpose was to represent Moraga residents in Martinez, where control of future development resided, and to fight what became known as the “Martinez Mentality”—the continued overriding of local citizen preferences for growth control. This group became the Moraga Community Association, Inc. (MCA), “the Voice of Moraga”. Annual dues were $3 and committees included membership, civic affairs, traffic/roads, public safety, and liaison to parks. The Moraga valley was then divided into nine (9) districts with two directors, each serving the residents of their respective districts. As per the by-laws, MCA was tasked to “democratically investigate, promote and accomplish such needs and projects as will lead to the social, moral and civic improvement of the community.” MCA managed local matters representing Moraga citizen’s wishes including fire protection, sign control, residential development, bus transportation, freeways/highway construction, and General Master Plan issues. MCA was dissolved on March 3, 1976.
Citizens to Incorporate Moraga	As early as May 1966, the Moraga Community Association formed the Moraga Community Association Committee for the study of incorporation. This committee was to conduct a study to provide the residents of Moraga with detailed basic information regarding municipal incorporation outlining apparent advantages and disadvantages. Then in October 1973, Citizens to Incorporate Moraga (CIM) was formed to further study the matter. Finding that incorporation was indeed a viable idea, letters were sent to all Moraga households on January 12, 1974 announcing that the committee had filed an application for incorporation with the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). On January 18, 1974 a town meeting was held and on February 6, 1974 the CIM study was submitted to LAFCO requesting an election. On March 6, 1974 LAFCO approved the election. On April 1, 1974, CIM filed a “Notice of Intention to Circulate a Petition for Incorporation of the Town of Moraga”. The County Board of Supervisors approved the boundaries as set by LAFCO and voted on July 2, 1974 to put the incorporation question on the November 5, 1974 ballot. CIM became formally organized and 75 coffee conversations were held around the community. Thirteen candidates announced their intention to run for Town Council. Keep Moraga Unincorporated (KMU) formed quickly, joining the “No on Measure M” camp. However on November 5, 1974, Moraga became the 15th city in Contra Costa County.
Moraga Service League	While MCA and CIM focused on development and incorporation, the Moraga Service League (the League) was formed in May 1969 to provide a service and fundraising organization to function exclusively for the general welfare of Moraga. The Service League was open to all residents willing to dedicate their time, talent, and energy to benefit their community. League events raised funds for Moraga’s first paramedic ambulance, the Town Parcourse, the Band Shell, and Frisbee golf course. Other projects included blood drives, bridge and tennis marathons, LMYA, Moraga Beautification, Block parents and the 2-day Fiesta de Moraga. Over its 16-year life, the League raised $150,000. But by May 1987, the active membership dwindled as did enthusiasm and a cause. Women were going back to work, and the 60+ members just became inactive. Services which the League had funded were now financed by tax dollars. With much sadness, the Service League disbanded in 1987, and its members sought other community service opportunities.
Community Emergency Response Team	Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own, and their actions can be effective. In 1993 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) decided to make the concept and program available to communities nationwide. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI), in cooperation with the Los Angeles Fire Department, expanded the CERT materials to make them applicable to all hazards. In January 2002, CERT became part of the Citizen Corps, a unifying structure to link a variety of related volunteer activities to expand a community’s resources for crime prevention and emergency response. In January 2004, all 50 states, three territories and six foreign countries were using the CERT training program. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective. Contact person: Dennis Rein, Prescribed Fire Program Manager (925-258-4529).
Moraga Garden Club	The idea for the Moraga Garden Club (MGC) was germinated by several transplanted women around a kitchen table in 1970. A non-profit organization, MGC has been a resource for all levels of garden enthusiasts ever since. The focus is to create and maintain visual beauty throughout Moraga, to contribute to civic participation and conservation, and education. MGC takes care of various areas in Town, sections of the Commons, the Perennial Garden at the Hacienda de la Flores, a large triangle intersecting Rheem Blvd., the Library urn and four others on Country Club Drive. Recognizing the serious and rapid decline of monarch butterflies, the Moraga Garden Club spearheaded building a Monarch Habitat and Demonstration Garden at Rancho Laguna Park in 2021. Contact person: Elizabeth Lee- eleernc3@gmail.com, 925-216-2260.
Rescue 1 Foundation	Founded in 1977, the mission of the Rescue 1 Foundation is to receive and administer donations to enhance public safety by providing advanced medical and safety equipment, supplies and educational services for the Moraga-Orinda Fire District. The Rescue 1 Foundation has provided supplies, training, and equipment thanks to community donations. Such equipment includes the Ambulance Decontamination Fogger, Stryker Gurney, DJI Inspire 2 Drone, Kubota RTV X1100, and Stokes Litter Tie-In System. To learn more about the Rescue 1 Foundation, please visit their website at www.rescue1foundation.org. Contact person: Board president Rob Schroeder at robschroeder@me.com.
Friends of the Moraga Library	The Friends of the Moraga Library (Friends) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving library services in Moraga, formed in 1967. The Friends provide the library with books, magazines, DVDs and CDs, furniture, and equipment; also sponsoring community programs and events. The Friends Book Shop is open most days during library open hours when volunteers are available. Volunteer opportunities include membership, newsletter, publicity, book sorting, book sales, and serving on the Board. Membership forms are available at the library or can be sent by contacting FOML94556@gmail.com Contact person: Sally Whittaker 925-376-5133.
Moraga Community Foundation	The Moraga Community Foundation (MCF), formed in 2015, is a philanthropic organization. Its mission is to collaborate with the community to build a vibrant future for Moraga. Toward that end, the Moraga Community Foundation is committed to identifying and pursuing significant projects that it believes will benefit the community both in the short and long term. In July of 2023, the Foundation completed the Moraga Common’s Enhancement campaign for the procurement and delivery of a new public restroom building to the Commons and other needed improvements to the park. Past projects included the Community Watch Campaign which raised funds for the Moraga Police Department for the purchase of license plate reading police cameras for solving crimes. In addition, the Foundation invested heavily in the Rheem Theatre and re-opened it for a year with a goal of preserving the Theatre as a focal point for local family entertainment. The Foundation encourages community members to bring to it ideas regarding other significant projects that will help improve this Town. The mission is to create a sense of a Moraga community by enhancing recreational, cultural, and educational activities while improving the park facilities in the Town of Moraga. Contact person: Dave Trotter 925-876-1503. info@moragacommunityfoundation.org.
Moraga Education Foundation	The Moraga Education Foundation (MEF), founded in 1981, raises funds to preserve and enhance educational opportunities for all students attending Moraga public schools through a broad-based community effort. It is believed that together, the entire community can build a better future for our children, consistent with the educational goals of the Moraga School District and Campolindo High School. Contact person: Heather Davis and Ana Moon, MEF@moragaeducation, org. 925-376-0934.
Moraga Park Foundation	Prior to the incorporation of Moraga in 1974, there was a Parks and Recreation Authority. After incorporation, William Penn Mott, an Orinda resident and then the Director of the California Park Service, advised that a Park and Recreation Foundation be formed to fund charitable purposes. Consequently, The Moraga Park and Recreation Foundation was founded in 1976, modeled after the California Park Foundation. There were seven board members, all Moraga residents. The mission is to create a sense of a Moraga community by enhancing recreational, cultural, and educational activities while improving the park facilities in the Town of Moraga. The name was shortened to Moraga Park Foundation in 2009.Contact person: Matt Brobak, President.
Moraga Historical Society	The Moraga Historical Society (MHS) was established in 1965 to gather and preserve knowledge about the history of the land grant Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados, land now occupied by the town of Moraga and portions of the cities of Orinda and Lafayette. The Rancho was a land grant of 13,316 acres which was awarded to Joaquin Moraga and his cousin, Juan Bernal, by the Mexican government in 1841. Moraga was the grandson of Jose Joaquin Moraga, who was second in command in the De Anza expedition, and was also noted as the founder of the San Francisco Presidio. The Moraga History Center, located in the Moraga Library building, contains the collections of artifacts, photos, books, and vertical files about the town of Moraga. The Society has published a hardcover book, Moraga’s Pride, and supported a soft bound book Images of America: Moraga which cover the history of the Rancho. Contact person: Susan Sperry 925-819-0489 or ranchsusan@aol.com or moragahistory.org.
Moraga Citizens Network	Founded in 2006, the Moraga Citizens Network (MCN), is a non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to encouraging civic, recreational, and community engagement in the Town of Moraga. By providing non-partisan information on events, opportunities, and issues, it promotes and fosters awareness, participation, and a sense of belonging to all who reside or work in the Town or visit the Moraga community. This is accomplished by writing and sending out the MCN Link 2 times per month to well over 2100 subscribers with ways to participate; by having an active social media presence through Facebook and Instagram; by promoting and inviting people to the State of the Town Luncheon; by taking the lead in forming the Citizen of the Year committee that honors outstanding people who have made significant contributions to our town. https://moragacitizensnetwork.org. Contact person: Ellen Beans 925-878-8314.
Art in Public Spaces	Art in Public Spaces (APSC) founded in 2005, mission is to bring the arts to Moraga. This could be in the form of sculpture, painting, poetry, video, pottery, murals, dance, or music. The Committee’s goal is to put a spotlight on the arts, making the arts an everyday experience. Additionally, the Committee’s role is to review and recommend the selection and acceptance of loaned or donated artwork to the Town Council, and review and make recommendations to the Town Council on the deaccession or removal of artwork. APSC consists of five members appointed by the Town Council and includes a non-voting liaison from the Town Council. The remaining members are residents of Moraga. Check out: moraga.ca.us/265/Art-in-Public-Spaces-Committee, Chair Holly Hartz 510-813-4472.
Moraga iKind	The Moraga iKind “mission is to promote kindness and courtesy, to foster courage and bravery, based on the belief that empathy and inclusion constitute the foundation on which community is built.” Moraga iKind was formed by Wendell Baker while he served as a scoutmaster, former superintendent of the Moraga School District Bruce Burns, and Eric Andresen in 2012. iKind encourages students to “Be an Upstander” when it comes to bullying by urging them to: “refuse to be a bystander; lend a hand; alert an adult; stop spreading hurtful messages; speak up; be a friend; respect differences; use welcoming language; listen to others; and encourage discussions.” For more information visit: www.moragaikind.org or email Baker at: Wendell@able-baker.com. Contact person: Wendell Baker.
American Association of University Women – OML Branch	Begun in 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a national organization that advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. AAUW has more than 78,000 members and supporters in 800 branches across the United States and 800 college and university partners. AAUW’s strategic plan emphasizes education and training initiatives, research and advocacy for economic security policies, and identifying and breaking barriers to women in leadership. Through a committed membership, the Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette Branch of AAUW will make a positive impact on our community through advocacy, promoting education, empowering women and girls, and supporting personal and professional growth. The Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette Branch began in Orinda in 1957 with 87 women, expanding to Moraga and Lafayette in 1966. The Branch has many active members and a large, engaged Board of Directors. Much has been accomplished in its 60+ year history. Community service activities include: awarding college scholarships to local public high school senior girls and a Saint Mary’s College senior continuing to graduate school, recently awarding a grant to two Saint Mary’s College students to attend AAUW’s National Conference of College Student Women Leaders; sending 6 or 7 middle school girls to a week- long camp at Stanford University to participate in STEM related workshops and activities, with the goal of developing their confidence to stay in STEM related classes and choose a STEM career; sponsoring a 1 day STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) conference for over 200 middle school girls; adopting a Title I school in Oakland over 25 years ago and providing several reading and/or math tutors every year, staffing the school library with OML volunteers 2-3 days per week, totaling well over 50,000 volunteer hours at this school; sponsoring Start Smart and Work Smart salary negotiation workshops for college seniors and working women, to learn skills to negotiate higher salaries in support of its goal of reaching pay equity for women in the workforce; promoting inclusion and awareness for all members to create an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive membership reflective of today’s world; seeking to encourage ongoing dialogue about DEI awareness and turn these conversations into actionable goals and strategies to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in our Branch and communities.
Moraga Women’s Society	Born out of the Moraga Newcomers’ Club in 1967, the Moraga Women’s Society (MWS) was started by the desire to create more stimulating programs to find ways to raise money for the schools, parks and recreation, and the local nonprofits. From the beginning MWS created signature events that enlivened Morga’s social life, such as the Holiday Homes Tour and Boutique which continued until 2009, the Honorary Mayor Race, raising $6,000, with Postmistress Elinor Dickenson as the first Honorary mayor. Other events included establishing the dog parade on the 4th of July; an arts and craft festival; fashion shows; Bridge-Bunco events. Funds were raised to help the Campolindo football field project and new computers; equipment for the Commons; the garden at Joaquim Moraga; the walk through California/Revolution programs at JM; refurbishing the fireside room at the Hacienda de las Flores; books/programs for the Moraga Library and many more. As service club membership began to decline nationwide, the members of MWS folded for lack of new members in 2017.
Moraga Junior Women’s Club	In the fall of 1969, eight young women met to organize a service club in Moraga which ultimately became the Moraga Junior Women’s Club (MJWC). By January 21, 1970, membership doubled and the group became a federated club with the initiation of seventeen charter members. As of Jan 2025, there were 27 members in the club. In the beginning, the Lafayette Women’s Club sponsored the Junior’s group. Back in the 70s and 80s, MJWC completed two major philanthropic projects: the creation of a Children’s Center Library Fund, more than $2,600 that was used to furnish the Children’s Room in the Moraga Library; and the planning, financing, and construction of Moraga’s first children’s park, Climbing Country. MJWC has also directed a Bicycle Safety Day, organized women’s workshops, supported alcohol and drug education in schools, and initiated CPR classes in Moraga. In 1978-1979, the Club presented a Halloween Carnival, prepared a historical tea and tour of Moraga, created a puppet show to make children “street wise,” and published a birthday party book. The Moraga Junior Women’s Club is a philanthropic and social organization. Each year, club members provide their time and resources to host at least two large events which are open to the community: the Hometown Hoedown in the fall and the Spring Egg Hunt. These events are the major fundraisers for the beneficiary selected for the year. The proceeds of these events are donated to the selected recipient as well as to Moraga schools and local organizations chosen by the membership. Over the past three decades the Moraga Junior Women’s Club has become a highly respected community service organization.
Moraga Parent Teacher Associations	The mission of Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. The National Parent Teacher Association comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and have an influence on the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
Boys Team Charity	Beginning in 2001, Boys Team Charity, as of April 2026, consists of forty-four leagues supporting communities and developing young men into future leaders. The success of Boys Team Charity is felt not only by its members, but by those served. BTC boys realize personal growth by making a difference in others’ lives. As the co-founders said, the hope for members is “Success and Significance.” A mother in Northern California discovered BTC through a simple web search, and from there, the Pleasanton League, was born. This initiative quickly sparked similar efforts, with the Granite Bay and Lamorinda Leagues following shortly after.
National Charity League	As a multi-generational philanthropic organization of mothers and daughters, the National Charity League (NCL) donates close to three million hours annually to over 6,000 charities in the United States. NCL practices philanthropy, making an active effort to promote human welfare. The vision is connecting hearts, hands, and minds so that every community thrives. The mission of the National Charity League is fostering the mother-daughter relationship through an ongoing commitment to philanthropy, culture, and leadership. There are two long-established chapters. National Charity League Acalanes Area Chapter was organized in 1991 and chartered in 1994 and incorporated in 1995 and serves Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. The second, National Charity League Lamorinda Chapter was established in 1989 and was the 34th NCL chapter to charter nationally. It serves Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. The newest chapter is the National Charity League Cal Blooms Chapter established in 2025 and serves the same areas. The programs empower women to succeed as confident, well-rounded contributors to society while making a positive impact in the communities they serve. Young girls learn leadership skills and what philanthropy is of most interest to them and where they would like to potentially serve.
Rotary Club of Moraga	The Rotary Club of Moraga was chartered in 1967 with sixteen charter members. Each of these charter members was instrumental in establishing the course Moraga Rotary would take to better its community and the world. Rotary is composed of businesspeople, parents, people committed to improving Moraga and enjoying the fellowship of others who work hard to give something back. Moraga Rotary’s mission is to “help make children better citizens of the world, through peace and understanding.” There is a strong focus on children in every service project undertaken, both domestically and abroad, and why support is given to so many youth programs, including international exchanges. Moraga Rotary has long put education in their community at the top of its list, through annual contributions to the Brother U. Albert Rahill Moraga Rotary Endowed Scholarship Fund at St. Mary’s College currently valued at more than $103,000, ongoing financial support of the Moraga Education Foundation, and sponsorship of all Moraga Odyssey of the Mind teams as well as the Interact Club at Campolindo High School. Donations average $40,000 each year to charitable activities throughout the world. That is making dreams real for those who receive prosthetic hands, and wheelchairs, clean water, and shelter, giving them a new chance at a happier life with dignity. Supporting School Safety by working to equip schools in the Moraga School District with security cameras and medical kits for each classroom. Community service activities include: funding and building the All-Access Children’s Playground at the Commons Park; giving 640 weekly subscriptions of Time for Kids and National Geographic Explorer magazines to every 3rd, 4th and 5th Grader in Moraga and Canyon Schools, as well as St. Anthony School in Oakland; giving two Scholarships to Camp Royal Leadership Camp; providing two Campolindo Senior Student College Scholarships; making over 300 Christmas Stockings for Every Child in Juvenile Hall; holding Track & Field Day for All Moraga Elementary School Kids; holding two Rotary E-Waste Recycling and Document Shredding Events; being a major food vendor for the OMPA Swim Meet for over 30 years, and supporting the Morage Community Faire.
Moraga Lions Club	Lions are men, women, and students who not only care about their community, but communities worldwide. The Moraga Lions Club mission is to “strive to ensure the quality of life for the blind and visually impaired through the development of their independence and self-confidence. Special emphasis is placed on assisting those suffering from age-related degenerative eye disease resulting in progressively failing vision. Clinics are provided for the early detection of degenerative eye diseases, rehabilitation support in the form of daily living skills and mobility training, and aftercare delivered through support groups and counseling. Recreational activities and dedicated events help boost our client’s quality of life. All services are provided free of charge in keeping with our Lions tradition. Community service activities include: Year round pick-up and repackaging of thousands of pairs of eyeglasses for delivery to third world countries; donate to international relief efforts and support local education with two high school scholarships and four junior high achievement awards; raise funds with our annual Crab Feed; serve food and drinks at various community activities; sponsor the International Lions Peace Poster contest for hundreds for middle school students; donate hundreds of items of clothing free at the countywide Special Kids Day; participate in the statewide Lions student speaker contest; sponsor the Leo Club for Young Lions at Campolindo High School.
Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley	Chartered in Moraga in 1974, the primary purpose of the Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley is to improve the quality of life for children and families worldwide by adhering to the Objects of Kiwanis International: to give primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material, values of life; to encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships; to promote the adoption and application of higher social, business, and professional standards; to develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship; to provide a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build a better community, and to cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism and goodwill. Community service activities include: Daffodil planting on public streets in Moraga; partner with the Moraga Lions Club in providing food service for the 4th of July and Pear & Wine Festival at the Commons; provide volunteers to harvest the pears from the JM orchard; conduct projects at the Moraga School District campuses; provide a pumpkin carving party the week of Halloween for the children at the low income Lakeside Apartment complex; provide volunteers to assist Monument Crisis Center with food distribution from their food pantry in Concord; partner with Target (Walnut Creek) to assemble/deliver school backpacks for children of the MCC families; provide volunteers to assist Friends of the Moraga Library with annual book sales. Cash grants have gone to: MEF, AAUW, Campolindo goat barn, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano counties, Meals on Wheels, Moraga School District Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Senior.
Moraga Asian American Club	The Moraga Asian American Club (MAAC) was formed in 2000 by a small group who recognized that Moraga is 14.4% Asians. The goal was to promote understanding; to build stronger, healthier communities, and respect for differences; build inclusion and civic involvement; enhance the appreciation for cultural diversity; to provide activities that would provide entertainment and to increase cultural resources for the diverse Lamorinda community. Community service activities include: donation of Asian culture books to the schools and library; diversity grants to the Moraga School District; hold a Lunar New Year Celebration at Chef Chao’s for the community; provided storyteller Clara Yen to relate Asian and Asian American folk and fairy tales to the community; present a Feng Shui demonstration by Alexis Summerfield; provide grammar school entertainment by Eth-no-tec, a theatrical arts group and a Chinese Lion Dance performance; host community-wide speakers and storytellers; place different Asian country cultural displays in the Library every year for APAH Month; support the Moraga Garden Club for the Monarch Butterfly Garden; support projects aimed at increasing understanding of contributions of Asian Americans. The group has not been active since 2019.
Scouts – Boys and Girls
Orinda Moraga Pools Association
Moraga Baseball Association
Lafayette Moraga Youth Association