Welcome to the Office of Community Advocacy

Miami-Dade County officials realized four decades ago that diversity is among the area’s greatest assets. Recent surveys have suggested that although residents agree tensions exist between its diverse cultures, they are all in favor of making Miami-Dade County a better place to live.

In response to this unique community need, the Office of Community  Advocacy (OCA) was established. Dedicated and experienced staff members, along with the Board of County Commissioners' appointed residents, all work under the direction of Executive Director  Dr. Larry D. Capp to provide rapid intervention and fair mediation when faced with issues that could increase community tension.

Through special teams, such as the nationally-recognized Goodwill Ambassadors, the streetwise Community Response Team, and its five Boards, the OCA helps residents coexist while making Miami-Dade County one of the nation’s most dynamically and culturally diverse metropolitan areas.

The Goodwill Ambassador program is a nationally-recognized program, staffed by a dedicated and community-service oriented group of Miami-Dade County employees, who are trained as co-facilitators and mediators. These volunteers can be activated countywide during special events such as the Memorial Day Weekend, national conventions, parades, festivals, elections, music concerts, protest rallies and other major events.