The Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) is a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in South Los Angeles. Under the leadership of Ted Watkins, a long-time resident of Watts, WLCAC was organized in 1965 by labor union members living in Watts and with the support and encouragement of seven international unions and staff members from the UCLA Institute of Industrial Relations.

From its inception, WLCAC has focused its attention on developing programs and services that address the community's complex needs.  WLCAC has built, owns and manages more than 500 houses and apartments for low and moderate income families and senior citizens in South Los Angeles. Some of the community services provided by WLCAC include youth development programs, mental health and homeless assistance, elderly social services, property management, volunteer services, transportation, community preservation, employment assistance, advocacy, energy conservation, artist and culture development and childcare. Funding for WLCAC's programs and services has come from federal, state and local governments, and a small portion is raised through private foundation and corporation grants.

WLCAC has also developed several components that generate and recycle income within the community it serves. Proceeds from these operations are invested in creating additional housing and commercial development projects, which in turn provide new jobs for local residents. WLCAC’s founder, along with its leaders and more than half of its current employees were/are local residents with a strong commitment to community improvement. WLCAC currently employs more than 250 community members, with an annual operating budget of approximately $20 million. Despite its growth and accomplishments, WLCAC has appreciated considerable success in community organizing because of its diligence, humility, tenacity, and deep roots within the South Los Angeles community.