John,

I've never been a politically active person. 

I was always wary of corporations and big money in politics, but I gave in to cynicism. I skirted by on voting once every two to four years, until recent events inspired me to take action.

Children were separated from their parents and forced into cages, right-wing terrorism and hate crimes soared, and foreign governments tampered with our democracy.

Meanwhile, I felt powerless, held down and kept out of protests because I relied on my job for healthcare and my next meal. Who could afford to leave work for justice when they had mouths to feed and tuition and medical debts to pay?

But this election cycle felt especially urgent, so I volunteered for Jessica Scarane.

I am not a talker, but I signed up for a phone bank, and I signed up to canvass. Much to my surprise, doing so was the best thing I could have done for my mental well-being.

I'd spent so many years feeling alienated and believing that my friends and I were alone in a "progressive bubble.” I didn’t know that things like Medicare for All, free public college, a living minimum wage, and a housing guarantee are such popular proposals.

I gave my time, and I got back more in return in knowing that we're not alone, that our goals are shared with others. 

I have hope that if we just put in the effort to organize, then we can achieve something truly amazing.

-Yejoon, Team Jess

PS: Can’t volunteer but want to support the work that Team Jess is doing? Every donation helps fund the work that volunteers are doing across the state!

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: