New Americans Voter Promoter

So, it's officially the second week at CASA. Although, according to the Center for Community Change this is my third week. Things are going swell. They are a little slow for now but they will definitely pick up next week.

During the first week, I got introduced to the office and staff. Everyone is really laid back and friendly so I'll have no problem here. I'm a little intimidated/insecure though because everyone in the office is bilingual except me. They all speak Spanish fluently and although I have some grasp of Spanish I find myself not speaking it because I don't want to be wrong/stupid...

I feel like one of these days I'm going to just have to take that plunge...because it's annoying not being able to communicate effectively with some people. Also, it's a respect thing for me. I feel like I should know how to speak their language if I'm coming into their offices and communities...isn't that one of the fundamental principles they teach us in progressive organizing?

So, what exactly am I doing this summer? Well, my official title is New Americans Voter Promoter Intern. I'll be heading up the vote work this summer, reaching out to newly naturalized citizens to educate/register them to vote. Fundamentally, the goal is to get them engaged in the process of becoming an active citizen because damnit, they have rights too.

So, I have three main projects I'll be working on:

1) Citizenship Ceremonies: 3 days out of the week, from 2-5 I'll be going to the Federal building (immigration building) to register people who have just come out of their citizenship ceremony. This is a genius idea because it is a demographic that is truly untapped. What better way to get a hold of new citizens than at their ceremony?

2) Festivals/Events: on the weekends/evenings I'll be attending events/festivals (Latino Fest, Artscape, Concerts, Fest Africa, Caribbean Festival, Salsapolkalooza, etc) to educate/register people to vote. This is going to be hella fun and I feel like I'll be eating a lot.

3) Colleges/Universities: I'll be coordinating at least 3 voter registration drives on college campuses in August.

So, those are my main duties/projects. As you can see I'll be all over. 3 days a week I'll be at the USCIS building and on certain weekends I'll be at events. I love it. Right now, I'm in the office everyday and I'm bored already but I'll be more excited when I get on the move...next week.

Tomorrow we have our training for volunteers and Saturday is Latino Fest. I'm currently working on a flyer to include in the new citizen packets and a banner for our tables/booths at events.

Also, I'll be attending a Community Development Subcommittee Hearing at City Hall. Should be educational...

Councilman Bill Cole and Councilman Bill Henry have called for a televised hearing on the regulations with the Community Development Subcommittee for next Wednesday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 4^th Floor, City Hall. On June 18, one day before the one year anniversary of the Law, we ask you to join the Baltimore City Inclusive Housing Coalition of 1199 SEIU, AFSCME Council 67, NAACP-Baltimore, CPHA, BRIDGE, CASA of Maryland, ACORN of Maryland, Beyond the Boundaries-Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Greater Baltimore Urban League at City Hall to voice the call for swift and effective implementation of Inclusionary Housing regulations, with no delays beyond July 1.

So, things are moving, slowly but steadily...regardless, I'm grateful for this opportunity. Shout outs to Liz my Supervisor for being so cool/down to earth/laid back/chill.


Power to the People.

On the last day of training, at the last session, during the last hour...we were asked to write down what we hoped to accomplish at the end of our internships/fellowships. Mine reads:

To empower people who feel hopeless and who people haven't taken the time to INSPIRE. To grow both consciously and spiritually.


I've been in the game for two weeks I suppose. I guess I should start documenting some of this experience. I'm going to take it back to last week though...Nashville, TN for the generation change training. There were about 60 of us (fellows and interns) and we went through a week of rigorous training on everything from power analysis to self-interest, direct action organizing to fundraising. It was very educational but as usual I learned the most from the out of class conversations and relationship building...

I met amazing folks, from all walks of life and I learned something from every person I connected with...we talked and touched and touched and talked and we shared ourselves with one another. Thanks to all the kids who gave me a piece of themselves.

We are in this together. We are a family.

I couldn't make it to the airplane to read my love notes (also during the last session we were asked to write notes to some of the people we connected the most with, inspiring words, touching words). On the shuttle to the airport I started reading them. They mean the world to me and I promise I'm going to keep them near and dear to my heart.

- soul rebel. cool, positive vibes. great at bringing peeps 2gether.

- I am so happy about the connection we made. Please use your passion and strength to stand strong. I really love you and will be there for you. I will take your strength with me everywhere I go.

- Just Be.

- Thank you for sharing so much w/ me. The talks we had about "bi-racial relationships" & the great insight you gave me. I wish you the best of luck & I'll miss you! You gave me new direction & understanding on issues that I otherwise could have never done on my own.

Just a few...

Nashville was amazing because of the people. When I first got off the plan the first thing I noticed was a woman with a confederate flag hat on that read "redneck bitch." Wait, it gets better...as I was waiting for the shuttle to take me to the Scarritt Bennett Center I noticed a shuttle pull up that was called "Driving Ms. Daisy Shuttle." Yeah, I don't actually think that Nashville is where I'm going to raise my children but I had some good times there.

We went out, had drinks, danced, and even threw up together...hehe. But, all in all a wonderful start to an experience I am very fortunate to have....

- 2 mins.
- good morning, good morning, good morning, GOOD MORNING.
- now, I know why you don't like arrogant people....

Just some things I'd like to remember from our trainers (who were amazing by the way). Good times. Good people. Good spirit.


oh, the memories. Good Luck everyone!


Power to the People.