4 inspiring takeaways from our Arizona community power panel

Arizona is home to one of our strongest alumni groups and – perhaps by no coincidence – is on the forefront of the movement for inclusive democracy. Yesterday, we brought four of our alumni together with a political expert for a discussion how to build community power to create policy change.
 

Here are the four key takeaways that you need to know:

 

1. Representation matters

This isn’t a true democracy unless our elected officials uphold the values of the communities they represent. Getting more diversity into our government is key and every “first” helps open the door for a new generation of leadership. The election of alumni like Athena and Isela has helped the next generation see themselves as leaders.

“I think it was also hard for us as community members to see ourselves here in the state legislature until people like you started coming in.” @Gomez_Alex07 referring to Reps. @AthenaSalman and @IselaBlancAZ #PeopleLikeUs pic.twitter.com/oLfReSqJIW

— New American Leaders (@NewAmericanLd) May 17, 2018

“We need to politicize our people and run them for office…” @Gomez_Alex07 speaking some truth at the @NewAmericanLd community panel! #peoplelikeus #Nalpista pic.twitter.com/VS3v8aVnij

— Abril en Arizona (@_AbrilG) May 17, 2018

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2. This is more than a moment, it’s a movement



The media might have you believe that we’ve experiencing a moment in which women, immigrants, and unrepresented Americans are suddenly beginning to turn the tide. But this narrative glosses over the fact that grassroots organisations have been building toward this goal for years and will continue to do the work once the spotlight has left.

“It was only 8 years ago that we sat outside with grass in our hair protesting against SB1070.. and today we are sitting here inside the chamber…” –@Gomez_Alex07 on the changing tide of #az politics #PeopleLikeUs

— New American Leaders (@NewAmericanLd) May 17, 2018

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3. Arizona’s future is bright



Arizona may have given rise to the infamous Sheriff Joe Arpaio but it has also provided fertile ground in which progressive and immigrant-led movements for inclusion have thrived.

“The message of hope exists for me because I know we are on a better path.” — formerly undocumented Rep. @IselaBlancAZ on @NewAmericanLd Community Power panel at the Arizona State Senate. pic.twitter.com/3ZRujrbIKS

— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) May 17, 2018

Somedays it’s hard to see the good things happening at the #azleg. Today is not one of those days. I’m so inspired by these incredible women @Phx_Marilyn @Gomez_Alex07 @IselaBlancAZ @AthenaSalman

Thx @NewAmericanLd for hosting this amazing panel of leaders. pic.twitter.com/VkH3NqHFQt

— Elyse Guidas (@ElyseFGuidas) May 17, 2018

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4. Our Arizona alumni are amAZing


Our hearts swelled with pride listening to the trailblazing women on this panel. In many ways, they represent the full spectrum of roles in which our alumni are leading the movement for inclusive democracy – from heading movements to serving in office.

“I’m grateful I can continue to fight this fight with so many strong women.”@NewAmericanLd This is my type of panel #WomenEmpowerment pic.twitter.com/60DaF4Xlgg

— Pita (@pitaJ) May 17, 2018

A huge thank you to our incredible panel: State Representative Isela Blanc, State Representative Athena Salman, LUCHA Co-Executive Director Alex Gomez, Creosote Partners Founder Marilyn Rodridguez, and Latino Victory Deputy Political Director Jessica Rubio.

 

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