Blog: The CHCI Experience

Week Five: Giving Back to Our Community

July 15, 2010

Giving back to the community through various projects are some of the most important things that I have ever done. Giving back does not only benefit the person that the organization a person is working with seeks to help, but it also benefits the volunteers. I believe that the community service experience can expand a person’s mind. It adds knowledge. For instance, how can a person, such as a politician, advocate for or against benefits that help low-income households without ever volunteering at a soup-kitchen, homeless shelter, or even at habitat for humanity? A strong leader will know, from experience, what it’s like at ground zero. Next, volunteering for an organization will encourage many others to volunteer as well, especially those who needed the help in the first place. I know this, because I come from a low income family that needed help when I was younger. I am very thankful to the organizations that helped my family growing up. I always feel an indescribable feeling every time I volunteer for a charitable organization, because I know that I am helping someone the same way that others helped me.

Week Five: Giving Back to Our Community

July 12, 2010

…And the blue foam was everywhere. The day was a record high; the sun blaring through the empty window clearing and I, sitting inside the half built house with a blunt construction knife, was poking holes in the foam. It was very stubborn material; my knife, leaving only a faint impression, failed me and I reached for a blunt metal scrap; the foam was winning. As the sweat poured, I became frustrated and, at that moment, I wanted to stab the foam until it succumbed. In retrospect, the foam didn’t matter; my part in the construction of this house didn’t matter; what mattered was that I was giving a stranger a hand in the same way people in my life have offered their hands. I was not building a house; machines can build houses, but a home for a family to grow together in and in a couple of weeks when the house is presented, the family will make it their home. As I walk through my house, memories of birthdays, family dinners, and holidays come flooding and the four walls that surround me transform into my home. In this house, I’ll always remember the blue foam.

Week Five: Giving Back to Our Community

July 8, 2010

Last Friday, July 2nd, we all went to help Habitat for Humanity at a build site. Honestly, it was a very rewarding feeling because I knew that I was doing something special for people that I might never meet. During the course of the day I realize that I was not a construction type and I gained more respect for people that choose to work in the field of building. I would tell young Latinos that they should give back to their communities because life is a big circle. Sometimes you are on top and there might be times when you are at the bottom. This can mean economically, emotionally, etc. As future leaders, they have to invest in their communities so it can flourish and become beautiful. If not the cycle will continue and there will be no positivity.

Week Four: The Voices of the American People

July 8, 2010

Picture it, the grandeur of a congressional reception: the crystal chandeliers complementing the regal gold engravings reminiscent of the Greco-Roman tradition. A table, standing in the middle of the room, dressed in a white cloak with lace trim, displays a banquet of filet mignon and selections of red wines; at the very end of the table, the desserts: raisin cookies. Raisins: the dry cast of once plump, juicy grapes; yield to an easy pinch. In the unspoken hierarchy of cookies, the raisin cookie isn’t in the same league as the beloved chocolate chip. The raisin treads silently, providing what comfort it can. Throughout the Capitol, I come across the portraits of the past; great men and women have carved their names into the walls of Congress to better shape our nation and I… well I am an infinitesimal speck without garnish. In the elegance of the reception, the raisin will be forgotten. In my hand, I hold the raisin cookie with a sense of curiosity; today we’ll give the moment to the raisin cookie.

Week Five: Giving Back to Our Community--The Experience of Place

July 7, 2010

On Friday, July 2nd, myself and other CHCI interns participated in Habitat for Humanity and helped to construct low-income housing which would provide individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford a mortgage permanent places to live. Having this asset in the families of less fortunate Northeast DC residents could provide a financial foundation for future economic growth which could eventually help to elevate the community as a whole. The experience of building a house is a useful metaphor and personifies the value of community engagement in a physically tangible way. Environmental scholars and municipal planners have often referred to the concept of place in driving community solidarity. This concept applies to both the natural and built environments. In essence, place means a personal connection with the physical location a person or community inhabits. A sense of place starts to give a community, town, city, or district, distinct characteristics which define it as compared to other places and serves as a starting point for mobilizing community action. While this concept may seem difficult grasp, it is already apparent in many instances. South Central and East Los Angeles have distinct experiences of place which are founded in the racial backgrounds of their respective communities. A strong sense of place and community identity led Concerned Citizens of South Central--a grassroots minority-led organization--to effectively halt the construction of the LANCER Incinerator--a refuse disposal facility which would have had major health and environmental impacts on South Central LA. The land acquired for the project eventually became a community farm. As young Latino leaders, we can learn from Concerned Citizens in several ways--though we do not have to wait for plans for an environmentally hazardous incinerator to be drawn to do so. First, civic involvement is necessary for individuals to develop a sense of place which binds them to their communities. Building a house, for example, is a great way to link individuals to their built environments and, in turn, their communities. Community service projects, however small, can help to develop solidarity among members of a community--which in turn will lead to greater civic engagement and a sense of a common interest in the future growth and prosperity of the whole. Second, mobilizing community action for political, social, or economic progress is strongly aided by a shared sense of place. People will be more likely to stand up for a community or place which they feel connected to in a personal way. Overall, try not to get caught in the trap of cynicism and the lure of personal gain. As young Latino leaders, the future well being of our communities depends on us and we cannot allow ourselves to be uprooted from the places of our origin by the draws of riches or power. Essentially--stay true to your roots--give back--and you can help the place that you came from grow and flourish.

Week Four: The Voices of the American People

July 1, 2010

In a polarized country, it is important for the courts to stay independent. During her confirmation hearing, Elena Kagan said, “The court must respect the choices made by the American people,” which is something the courts must do in the current political climate. The country is currently divided between liberals and conservatives, and it is important for Kagan to remain impartial and not just vote with her political views whenever a case comes to her – and this is what makes the judicial branch the most unique, for it is not dictated by public opinion. I believe that Kagan will exceed all expectations as a Supreme Court judge just as she has exceeded in her career. I went to briefing that discussed the effects of the nomination of Elena Kagan, and one of the panelists said that in some instances only a woman could understand certain things that happen to other women. I agree, and this is another reason why I believe she will be a great addition to the court.

Week Four: The Voices of the American People

June 30, 2010

In the opening decades of the 21st century, all Americans face extreme challenges--among them global security, social inequity, and environmental catastrophe. Americans of all backgrounds will need to come together and unify around common solutions in order to address these problems. When Elena Kagan mentioned that the nation's high court must respect the, "choices made by the American people," she was not referencing the choices of beltway insiders, industry heavyweights, pundits of all stripes, or Justices in flowing robes. She was not talking about solely white, black, or brown Americans--about liberal, conservative, or libertarian Americans--she was referencing ALL Americans. This means that all of the previously mentioned viewpoints, backgrounds, and political leanings must be incorporated into the national narrative. No one group has a monopoly on truth and no single viewpoint is without its flaws--we all view the world with a specific set of lenses tinted by our backgrounds and philosophies. This is where the Judiciary branch fits into the national discussion--to interpret and apply the common and statutory laws of the land while respecting and incorporating the views of ALL Americans. Despite comments to the contrary of some Senators in the ongoing Kagan confirmation hearings, if permitted to serve, Kagan will be sitting on one of the most activist courts in decades. Since the seating of Chief Justice Roberts, the majority conservative court has chosen to rule on landmark cases addressing, among other things, rights of the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases, the rights of business entities to spend unlimited amounts of cash in election advertising, and, most recently, the sacrosanct right of all Americans to brandish weapons for self defense regardless of their geographic location. Having another female perspective to weigh in on the many issues facing the American people--while it will not change the overall balance of the court--will take us one step closer to towards an inclusive and accessible judiciary which respects the rights and voices of ALL Americans and will interpret and apply precedent and the constitution in order to correct the social, political, and environmental inequities of our time. This is the essence of an activist court. In this turbulent time in history, judicial activism, not judicial restraint, is what is needed to help our nation steer a successful course into the future. After Kagan says what she needs to say to get through this difficult vetting process, I wish her a long and distinguished career through which she may help to address the many challenges of our time.

Week One: First Week in Washington, DC

June 28, 2010

Welcome to the professional world with some nice cushioning to ease the blow! The first week of our CHCI summer experience was perfectly planned, calibrated, and executed. To facilitate our professional development, the CHCI team thought of every possible workshop to aid our transition to the real world and also the microcosm of DC. Writing workshops, etiquette training and public safety briefings assured us that our internships would begin without the little mistakes we wish didn’t happen. Which fork do I use again?! The various representatives from national organizations offered insight into how our experiences here will ensure our effectiveness as future leaders in the global community. Early morning 9am sessions, yes 9 am is early after a few weeks of summer vacation, started out with a great breakfast and an even more amazing staff. The highlight for the first week was the CHCI family. Whether it was an alumni intern/fellow who spoke to our group, or the CHCI staff, he or she always took the time to offer the wisdom of his or her experience.

Week Three: Highlights of the Hill

June 28, 2010

Plastic bags from “The Supply Store” are made out of polyethylene; they stretch and accommodate large loads. Today’s load: one hundred note pads, one hundred heavy note pads. I winced at the idea of carrying everything back to the office. Each hand anxiously grasped its own plastic bag containing fifty note pads. Under other circumstances, I would have liked to pass the task on to another person, but my office trusted the job to me. My job was to transport the pads to the office without grief. While it may seem to be mundane labor, I see these tasks like small brushstrokes of a larger portrait. One of these note pads will reach someone in a meeting, and they will have an idea and write it down. This idea could lead to a revolution of agricultural production, change the way doctors and scientist confront cancer, or pave the way to energy independence. Yet before anything happens, the foundation must be laid. I have to be just like the plastic bags, willing to stretch and bend to accommodate my load. Some how the load just got heavier.

Semana Tres: Los Más Destacado del Capitolio/ Week Three: Highlights of the Hill

June 26, 2010

Una oficina llena de sonrisas, apretones de manos y un escritorio con una computadora me dieron la bienvenida en mi primer día de trabajo en el Capitolio. Después de presentarme con todos mis compañeros en la oficina, se me instruyó en las tareas que desempeñaría en la oficina. Nada podía salir mal. Si algún error cometía, siempre podía decir “es mi primer día” y como por arte de magia, mi error desaparecía y las sonrisas regresaban. Para mi sorpresa, esa excusa sólo me sirvió un día. A la mañana siguiente me topé con una dificultad para la cual no me había preparado. El estrés, el atender llamadas de constituyentes enojados y el descifrar terminología legislativa desconocida para mí, fueron los mayores retos que enfrenté esa primer semana. Sin embargo, recordé que no estaba solo. Mis compañeros del instituto, quienes atravesaban por retos similares, me sirvieron como apoyo para aclimatarme a este nuevo ambiente. Por supuesto, los ánimos que mis seres queridos me enviaban desde casa también me ayudaron mucho. Todo ese apoyo me ayudó a ver las cosas desde otro ángulo y cambiar mi actitud ante este nuevo reto. De esa forma, ayudé como traductor en una junta con el Departamento de Agricultura con autoridades mexicanas, traduje los comunicados de prensa del congresista al español, administré tours en el Capitolio en español para constituyentes y asistí a sesiones informativas en el Congreso. Me gusta mi trabajo y las oportunidades disponibles en el Congreso.

An office full of smiles, handshakes and a desk with a computer welcomed me on my first day working on Capitol Hill. After introducing myself to the rest of the staff, my supervisor showed me what my duties would be in the office. Nothing could go wrong. If I ever made a mistake, I could always say “it’s my first day” and all the smiles would come back. Unfortunately, that excuse just worked one day. On the next day, I encountered a challenge that I wasn’t ready to face. The stress, answering phone calls of angry constituents and deciphering legislative terminology unknown for me, were the biggest challenges I faced on my first week. Nonetheless, I remembered that I wasn’t alone. My CHCI roommates, who also encountered similar challenges, supported me to acclimate to this new environment. Of course, all the good vibes from my loved ones sent me from home also helped me to see things from another angle and to change my attitude toward this new challenge. As a result, I helped as a translator in a meeting between the Department of Agriculture and Mexican authorities, I translated press releases from my congressman to Spanish, administered tours of the Capitol in Spanish to constituents and attended congressional briefings. I love my job and the opportunities available on the Hill.