Growing out of a movement in 1973 to save Humboldt High School, WSCO remains committed to its activist roots, using organizing and community economic development principles as a foundation for all of its work. The organization works to increase the civic participation of residents by initiating organizing campaigns, providing leadership development opportunities for youth and adults and by educating and building the power base of residents to tackle civic issues. WSCO also acts as a vehicle to inform and shape issues concerning the “built” environment through community economic development planning, organizing resources to clean up urban blight and advocating for equitable development. Finally, the organization works to promote a healthy natural and social environment by addressing food security issues, promoting urban agriculture, recycling and residential energy efficiency.