We are excited to spotlight organizers that are putting in the hard work on the ground. Our next set of spotlights are particularly close to home… We are eager to introduce you to our Groundwork Massachusetts Youth Organizing Fellows!
Young people looking to get their start in politics are typically welcomed with a cycle of unpaid internship and volunteer opportunities. This makes organizing work a non-starter for too many, particularly young people of color and students from working-class backgrounds.
Here at Groundwork, we are committed to helping address that. We are committed to supporting organizers who are from the communities most impacted by injustice and inequity. We are committed to building an organizing workforce in Massachusetts that reflects the diversity of lived experience in our state.
That’s why when we launched our pilot fellowship program it was important to us to break down economic barriers by creating a well-paid opportunity for passionate young people looking to get involved.
Below you will get to know our fellows and get a glimpse into their eight-week fellowship.
Thank you for helping support initiatives like our fellowship program. If you are interested in financially helping us keep this program and others going, donate here.
– Groundwork Project
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How and where did you get your start in politics?
"I only really started getting into politics when I was applying for college. I always knew I wanted to become an immigration lawyer but I didn’t have too much knowledge on the ins and outs of politics in America. This is why I decided to major in Political Science to get a better understanding."
Why is it important for young people to get involved in community organizing right now?
"Young people are the future, we are going to be the ones in power hopefully soon, which is why we need to understand what needs to change for the better. Historically social movements have been organized by youth, we have seen how people in power have been making decisions that affect our lives and we do not agree with most of their decisions. Being able to use our voices will show those in power that we will not sit quietly and abide by decisions that will no longer affect their lives, but ultimately alter the lives of so many future generations."
Check out Lizet’s full interview on our Instagram!
Read Full Interview Here
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⚡Lizet’s Lightning Round ⚡
⁂ Your ultimate hero ⁂
My mom, there is nothing she isn’t capable of doing, and she is the kind of woman I aspire to be
⁂The self care practice you can’t live without ⁂
Cuddling with my dog Benito
⁂ Favorite podcast or book at the moment ⁂
Two books that I read last semester were BUCK by MK Asante, and It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
⁂ Song you’re playing on repeat right now ⁂
I have many, but my top two albums on repeat at the moment are Harry’s House by Harry Styles and Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny
⁂ Exciting summer plans ⁂
Bad Bunny Concert and hanging out with my nephews
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How and where did you get your start in politics?
"My family has always been involved with politics from help[ing] campaigns to actually running for city council, and I’ve always been there to help."
Why is it important for young people to get involved in community organizing right now?
"We are the future, if we aren’t going to make change for a better life who will? The next generation? And what if they don’t, what happens to our child, our grandkids, our great grandchildren, who will help them change the world and make it a better place for everyone to be?"
Read Channel’s full interview here.
READ FULL INTERVIEW HERE
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⚡Channel’s Lightning Round⚡
⁂ Your ultimate hero ⁂
Real hero I would say Elizabeth Cady Stanton the leader of the women's suffrage movement but fictional hero I would say either Ironman or Batman
⁂The self care practice you can’t live without ⁂
If I feel overworked or overwhelmed I like to sit in a dark room and listen to my music while I close my eyes
⁂ Favorite podcast or book at the moment ⁂
A podcast called Serial Killers (I’m in college to be a homicide detective so I’m learning about cases now)
⁂ Song you’re playing on repeat right now ⁂
Perfect Symphony by Ed Sheeran ft. Andrea Bocelli
⁂ Exciting summer plans ⁂
My puppy Simba is going to puppy school! I get to be surrounded by a lot of puppies once a week for 18 weeks
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