Thank You for Your Support - Page 1 - A thank you from students of the Latino Leadership Institute Words of Thanks from Our Students Compiled by the Latino Leadership Institute, Inc. To the donors of the Latino Leadership Institute: We want to thank you for helping to make our experience at the Electoral Activism & Leadership Academy possible... From Carlos Soto Student, Medgar Evers College; Secretary, Association for Latin American Studies,ege Most people who take a course hope that they are able to put their foot in the door and opportunities would present themselves. This course has swung that door open for me. The information provided was not only detailed and specific but real. Most courses would give the basics but the instructors in this program were able to share real life experiences, which really made the difference in learning. The entire process of running and being in a campaign was laid out in a way that shows that it is possible for me to be a part of that process. I now have the confidence to endure the challenges of running a campaign or running for an elected office. From getting petition signatures to getting out the vote, every step of the process is clearly mapped out for me and I am now anxious to put this knowledge to use. My goals are to finish my undergraduate degree in Molecular Biochemistry and obtain my doctorate in dentistry as well as start a nonprofit organization for minorities in science research. During this time, I plan on helping other Latinos on their goals of becoming elected to various offices. After I feel that I am established or when the opportunity presents itself, I plan on running for an elected office. This course has brought me several steps closer to my goals. Being surrounded by other students from various backgrounds, which have similar goals and ideas made the class enjoyable. The networking alone made this course worth attending. It would have taken a lifetime or just dumb luck to meet so many people of various talents that will without a doubt have a positive effect in their communities. I have already recommended this course to others and I am sure this program will be expanded in the near future. Not only is the information needed in our community but it is wanted by so many who have the passion but need to be directed in the right direction. The importance of being in this program cannot be properly expressed in this letter. Being in the first class makes me proud and I will definitely be a helping hand in expanding this organization. I personally thank each and every one of you. It is pioneers such as you that pave the way for positive change and I hope to honor you and your mission. From Lissette Ortize The Latino Leadership Institute has positively impacted my life in many different ways; I have been able to acquire all the necessary skills and the confidence to run an effective and strong political campaign. This experience has been unique because I will be able to impact people’s lives by aiding strong and progressive candidates run for office and by becoming myself the change my community has been hungry for by one day running for office. Without a doubt, this academy symbolizes change and hope in our community; therefore, this is an experience that I hope more individuals have the opportunity to be exposed to, since, it will mean more people in the fight to make Latinos and other minorities’ voices be heard and reflected at the state and local level. Thank you so much for your support and trust in the academy and for giving me the opportunity to be part of this unique experience. From Damaso Gonzalez Journalist During the last ten weeks I’ve been able to understand the process of running a campaign, including the registrations, petitions, laws and donations. During the course I also learned about the challenges with the media and the importance of working on a message during the campaign. I am very confident that everything I’ ve learned will be beneficial for my candidate during my next campaign. I am planning apply everything I’ve learned to support any Latino candidate and eventually run my own campaign. I also want to thank the Latino Leadership Institute for your effort to educate Latinos in this field. I am pretty sure Latino population will need more political representation, and with this kind of course, people will be able to get the tools to succeed in any campaign. Once again, thanks to all the donors for making possible the existence of this Institute. I believe that without your contribution we would not be able to take this course. From Alex Menjivar I am grateful for the solidarity that was displayed in the classroom. I felt like I was in the comfort of my own home with all the brothers and sisters. I recently graduated college and I did not feel the happiness that I felt during the time we shared together. It is an honor and privilege to have met such wonderful and inspiring people. This power we fight for is beyond politics, this power I felt came from knowing that power in itself comes from the bond we build not the chairs we will one day sit in. From Jason Cruz Community Liaison, State Assemblyman Robert J. Rodriguez e Through the trainings provided by the Academy, I have acquired a certain new found respect particularly for all of the financial work that goes into the political process of campaigning. While I have over 5 years of campaign experience in field organizing, the Academy has given me knowledge in areas that I had not previously explored—electoral finance board regulations, fundraisings, finance management. I also learned what is expected of me in order to have a successful run for a seat as an elected official. This experience is especially significant to me because I have gained invaluable resources and good friends. I may not be looking to run for any political office in the present, but I do see myself as a very reputable Campaign Manager or Consultant in the near future. I have realized my full potential through the Latino Leadership Institute. It is important that individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures, etc. have access to opportunities to attend extraordinary educational forums for political readiness like the Electoral Activism & Leadership Academy. I consider myself, privileged to have the experience of being involved with politics and having worked on various campaigns in New York and Puerto Rico. I’m also currently the Community Liaison for New York State Assemblyman Robert J Rodriguez of the 68th District here in East Harlem. However, as a result of this Academy I consider myself a better servant to the community. I truly thank the donors of the Latino Leadership Institute for their generous sponsorship of the Electoral Activism & Leadership Academy. Moving forward, the Latino Leadership Institute will always be instrumental to local political advocates and I will take this experience as I work to influence the future of New York City politics. Thank you! From Nanette Sepulveda Local 372 e I was privileged and honored to have experienced, professional speakers, expert at their field. As well, as so many young adults taking interest in our future. I learned what it takes to manage an Election and all the important components that can ensure a victory. This Academy should continue as a means of passing the torch to the next generation. Thank you again, for choosing me, to partake in the Latino Leadership Institute. This course has truly enlightened and broadened my future endeavors. From Marvin Holland TWU Local 100 e I have been to a lot of trainings and workshops but to have one focused on NYC local politics is most important to me. The Academy is important for others to experience because no where else can you get this information from real experts. Thank you on behalf of President John Samuelsen and the 38,000 members of Transport Workers Union Local 100 for allowing me to attend leadership academy and we are hoping this is the start of long lasting relationship between TWU and the Latino Leadership Institute. From Miguel Hernandez e I am grateful for having the opportunity to take part in this experience. This course has provided me invaluable knowledge on how to run a political campaign and becoming a candidate. I have learned how to structure a campaign and effective ways of raising money. I also received a lot of useful advice from successful strategists whom have worked in politics for years and understand how to navigate the system. This knowledge will be instrumental for many of us who are considering running for public office. This experience has also advanced my leadership development and introduced me to other great minds and active citizens who share my conviction for social justice. As a result, my desire to continue advocating for social causes and promoting social good has been invigorated. I have come to the realization that public office is not a dream, but a real possibility. To say that this would not have been possible without your generosity would be an understatement. People like me, and I will guess the majority of my peers as well, do not have the financial resources to cover the cost of a program like this without it translating into an unbearable financial burden. Lastly, I want you to understand how vital your continued support is to the Latino Leadership Institute. We need to make sure that our political representatives at the federal, state and local levels advocate for the interest of our Latino communities. With the enduring growth of the Latino community in the country, Latinos could face greater discrimination and become the target of onerous policies designed to curtail our growing influence in the nation. This makes the job of promoting Latino leaders ever more necessary. Thank you for your support.
Thank You for Your Support - Page 1
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