Florida’s field organizer reflects on her experience in Washington, D.C.
5 06 2008*Our Yalla Vote Field Organizers are hitting the ground running. For information about these amazing young men and women, and how to contact them, please visit the Field Organizers page here at Yalla Vote. Here is what Melissa, our Field Organizer in Florida, has to say about her experience so far:
What images does Washington, DC conjure up for you? For me, it was cherry blossoms, Smithsonian exhibits, and Presidential motorcades. Last week, I had the opportunity to see so much more than that.
As the AAI Field Organizing Intern from Orlando, Florida, I traded in my palm trees for those famous cherry trees this week to attend our training session in Washington, DC.
Training was intense. Our days were packed full of information and meetings. We even had the chance to meet with officials at the DNC and the RNC! Both parties were very gracious and seemed eager to meet with us and hear our concerns.
On the final day in D.C., things turned bittersweet. Our group of interns have learned so much from each other, and it was sad to all go our separate ways - but I’m excited to be back in Florida and starting to work on the Yalla Vote Campaign in my community!
-Melissa
Hi,
I remember when I was an intern and I got to go to Washington D.C. I was a shy young girl from a small sleepy town. I felt somewhat powerless because I was alone. I wish I would have had another woman to exchange ideas. Actually I did, but she was from another state. I married an Egyptian man. Wish I had some Egyptian girlfriends to share my new experience. Tell me more about your internships and how you got involved in Washington politics.
Hi Roberta!
I actually found out about this internship through a message on Facebook!
It’s been pretty exciting so far - getting to meet with Arab American business owners and people in the community.
Keep checking the blog to see what we’re all up to in our respective states.
-Mia