Our Activist Profile series highlights RaisingVoicesUSA members who have found their path to civic engagement by raising their voice for the issues they’re most passionate about.
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Issue/Cause:
Building electoral power in low-income communities of color on Long Island.
What was your first experience as an activist and what brought you to that cause?
On my walk to the bus stop to head to school, one morning, I saw that there was a group of people rallying for an immigration reform. The people there were chanting and singing in both English and Spanish and they were carrying large, beautiful signs. It was the first time I had ever seen a rally in my hometown of Brentwood, and it was the first time I had seen folks who reminded me of my own parents and family members take part in a public action for any kind of social justice issue. What moved me to take action was that I knew that my family would benefit so much if an immigration reform law passed in this country. So, that morning, I decided to cross the street so I could join the people in the rally. The group who organized the rally were members of Make The Road New York, an organization that I have volunteered with ever since I met them that morning.
What initiative are you most proud of?
Every summer our organization, the Long Island Civic Engagement Table, hosts its Movement Building Leaders program–a summer fellowship for Long Island-based youth who are passionate about social justice and building the power of immigrant communities and communities of color. This summer we hosted four AMAZING Long Island youth who learned key leadership and organizing skills through trainings developed by our partner organizations and immediately put those skills to use by hitting the streets and registering people in their communities to vote. It was their first time registering people to vote and this summer they registered over 700 people to vote in time for this year’s important elections! I’m proud of this program because I believe in the power of youth to create real, meaningful change in their communities. Tiny side note here–I was also a part of this fellowship program a few years ago and I’m so fortunate to have helped lead it this year!
What projects are you working on now?
Currently we’re coordinating the Get Out the Vote efforts of 6 local organizations–Make The Road New York, Planned Parenthood of Nassau County, Women’s Diversity Network, Choice for All, New York Communities for Change, and the Long Island Progressive Coalition–who are collectively knocking on over 16,000 doors in communities of color on Long Island to mobilize voters ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. In addition we’re hosting nonpartisan voter educational events in Hempstead for the Latino community to help make sure our community has the tools and knowledge they need to vote.
What advice would you give to someone raising their voice for the first time?
Never feel afraid to stand up for an issue that you truly believe in. Believe in yourself and believe in your own potential to create change in your community. I also struggle with self doubt and insecurity, but I learned over time that when I share my story with others that it helps create community and strong relationships, and that that motivates others to take action towards a common goal we all share.
Any other advice or resources to share?
Follow the Long Island Civic Engagement Table on our Facebook page and Twitter at LICivicEngage for voter educational materials, as well as for opportunities for everyone to get engaged and involved in making Long Island a truly equitable place for everyone.