Blog-2 Ricardo Vanegas
Reflection: Election Matters presentation
To be honest, I have never found myself interested in anything regarding politics, nor have I been interested in researching it knowing it's important and for the sole reason of me not being capable of voting, Since I can’t vote yet, I’ve often felt a disconnect from political issues, feeling like they don’t directly involve me. Even so, I was still met with the opportunity to be able to manage two groups, which are group 4 and group 3, and they covered things like immigration and elections. I really didn’t expect to learn so much about how interconnected immigration issues are with other areas of social justice. I thought immigration was a topic I already understood on a basic level, but as I watched group 4 present, I started to see immigration advocacy as just one part of a larger movement for equality and justice.
To get into detail group 4 talked about immigration advocacy organizations and had research about groups like the American Immigration Council (AIC), the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), and United We Dream. Each of these organizations works to improve immigrants' lives by providing legal resources, advocating for fair policies, or supporting undocumented youth. They also touched on U.S. immigration policies with those of other countries, particularly China, Japan, and Canada. They really talked about how different countries handle immigration based on their cultural values, economic goals, and historical backgrounds. I was surprised by how restrictive policies can be in some places, especially compared to more open policies in parts of the European Union. Group 4 at first had a little miscommunication which messed them up a bit but they had the chance to rework on it and fix the problems in the presentation. Watching the other groups present showed me how all of these policies can be interconnected with immigrant advocacy, through each presentation, I realized that their project on immigration is not an isolated issue—it’s part of a broader network of efforts to create a fairer, more equitable society.
I was proud of how Group 4 handled their presentation, even though they faced some initial miscommunication and other challenges. Watching them reorganize and pull through was an interesting thing to watch.
Watching Group 3: Election-Focused Organizations
Group 4 was originally supposed to go first but ended up being scheduled for, I guess you could say "rework", so instead group 3 went first. Group 3 really had a good presentation and at first, I was honestly a little scared with the amount of miscommunication but they really pulled off with their presentation. Group 3 went in-depth on election processes, they also highlighted voting rights and fair representation. They highlighted organizations like Common Cause and the Brennan Center, which work to protect voting access, especially for marginalized communities. I realized that these groups play a critical role in ensuring that immigrants who become citizens have the opportunity to vote and participate in shaping policies that affect their lives, which is funny because it connects to group 4's presentation on immigration.
Group 2: Gender Equality Organizations
After group 3 presented it was then time for group 2. Group 2 focused on gender equality organizations, like Equality Now and the Global Fund for Women, and shared how these groups advocate for women’s rights globally. They discussed the importance of legal reforms, access to economic resources, and support for reproductive rights. What surprised me was learning how closely gender equality issues and immigration issues intersect, especially for immigrant women who might face additional challenges due to both their immigration status and gender. Hearing about figures like Gloria Steinem and Malala Yousafzai, who have been at the forefront of gender equality advocacy, made me see the importance of fighting for justice on multiple fronts.
This presentation also made me aware of how gender equality varies across different countries, shaped by cultural norms and historical factors. In some places, even basic rights for women are still being fought for, and organizations like Equality Now play a crucial role in advocating for those rights. It was humbling to realize how hard so many people are working to achieve equality and justice in ways that often go unnoticed.
Group 1’s Presentation on Education Organizations
Now it is time for the last one, which is group 1's presentation. Group one focused on education policies and also talked about organizations like the National Education Association (NEA) and Teach for America. These organizations talk about or address education inequalities. Group 1 discussed the political divide between Democrats and Republicans on funding education, especially in terms of funding. While Republicans often advocate for local property taxes to fund schools, which can create disparities based on wealth, Democrats generally support state or federal funding to ensure a fairer distribution.
This discussion helped me understand how educational disparities affect immigrant communities, who may find themselves in underfunded school districts with fewer resources. Group 1 showed that these organizations advocate not only for improved funding but also for curriculum reforms and resources that support students of all backgrounds.
Respect for Politics and advocacy groups
All these presentations really opened my eyes and just gave me more knowledge about things I didn't even think of being involved in. I came away with a new appreciation for the work that advocacy organizations do and helped me realize that they shape the world we live in, I came in not caring about voting or anything political but left with an insight into politics and what people go through while choosing who to vote. Through managing and watching these presentations, I left with a deeper respect for advocacy organizations and the critical roles they play in society.
I’m grateful to have been part of this project, as it has shown me the importance of being an informed citizen and understanding the work that goes on behind the scenes.
Excellent post. Your reflection was right on!
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