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How have you been a leader in your community?
I talk about politics with friends and peers in an effort to get them engaged in the political process not just as passive observers but as active participants. Before I was even eligible to vote, I worked on voter registration drives and volunteered on political campaigns. For the past two years, I’ve taught American civics classes to immigrants and senior citizens eager to become Americans because I believe in bringing them into American society.
What personal values most shape your political beliefs?
A sense of community and fairness runs through most of my political beliefs. I also believe that all people deserve basic freedoms, personal liberties such as the freedom of speech, thought, religion, and assembly, the right to privacy, and the right to vote and participate in political process.
What are your long-term leadership interests?
I see myself working inside and outside of government, in politics and in policy, in Washington and at the local level, but always committed to progressive candidates and policies. I’m most interested in US foreign policy, the environment, urban renewal, campaign finance and ethics reform, and election reform. After working in progressive politics, I’d like to teach or run a small business some day.
What does “Progressive” mean to you?
A progressive believes that this country achieves its greatest successes when we understand that we all have a stake in each other’s fortunes, when we recognize that we are in this together, and when we balance self-interest against the common good. A progressive believes in a kind of politics that embraces the energy of participatory democracy, promotes a citizenship ethos that encourages national service, and champions a government that is responsive, open, and honest. A progressive works to expand opportunities for economic mobility, to build a more inclusive community, and to strengthen both our personal and shared responsibilities toward our own lives, the environment, and each other.
What long-term change do you want to help bring to your state?
As a native of California, I want my state to be the standard by which other states measure their progress. I also want to make California politics more democratic (with a small-d, not the party.) Right now, politicians in California just run for higher office or even worse, for each other’s office. In 2006, the Insurance Commissioner ran for Lieutenant Governor, the Lieutenant Governor ran for Insurance Commissioner, a former governor ran for Attorney General, the Attorney General ran for Treasurer, and the Treasurer ran for Governor. It wasn’t an election; it was musical chairs, and that’s unhealthy for California democracy.
How do you envision the New Leaders Program in helping you achieve your goals?
The program has shown me the numerous opportunities that exist in the non-profit and political world. The progressive network of think tank scholars, community organizers, political leaders, and issue advocates is a vibrant and growing community, and the New Leaders Program placed me right in the middle of it.
What attracted you to the CPL New Leaders Program?
After the 2006 elections had changed the political landscape, I knew I wanted to spend this summer working for a national progressive organization. CPL offered me not only the chance to connect with organizations on the forefront of advancing a progressive agenda for the country, but also the occasion to meet students who shared my passions and interests.
What did you get out of the New Leaders Program?
NLP allowed me to work for a progressive non-profit and learn skills at workshops that will be useful in both advocacy and campaign work. However, the best part of the program was meeting other politically active leaders from all across the country. I had a great time getting to know everyone during our training sessions and at happy hours after work.
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