Advocacy Lead for UNICEF UNITE Miami
For my Capstone experience, I accepted the position of Advocacy Chair for UNICEF UNITE Miami. As the Advocacy Chair, my main job was to coordinate advocacy initiatives among all the UNICEF supporters in the Miami-Broward area.
A big part of this was lobbying on behalf of legislation that prioritized children in policy decisions. This involved scheduling meetings with the offices of representatives and senators as well as maintaining positive bi-partisan relationships with said offices after the fact. My duties also encompassed leading and training local volunteer UNICEF supporters in meetings with their district representatives. Thus far, I have met with the offices of several congresspeople and have had the honor of personally meeting Representatives Alcee Hastings and Donna Shalala.
This position has not only taught me a lot about the grassroots advocacy process, but how important it is to represent our communities in the political arena. On the heels of a Supreme Court hearing, I was asked by the UNICEF Advocacy Fellow in NY to help mobilize on behalf of the Dream Act (S. 874). I was able to schedule a meeting with the SE FL District Director of Sen. Rick Scott. Experience reminded me that persuading congresspeople was easier when sharing real-life stories from their constituents, so I contacted a friend that was on Temporary Protective Status to take down her statement. I didn’t expect to sit on the phone with Valeria until 3 AM, captivated by her story. I realized how much it meant to her that I was willing to advocate on behalf of her welfare. Although I lobbied on behalf of many policies that addressed global issues (UNICEF FY20 Appropriations, Keeping Girls in School Act, Secure Act, Etc.), it was very humbling to do so for one that hit so close to home. Immigration is an issue that is affects many countries worldwide, especially the United States.
I am honored to have represented not on FIU, but my Hispanic community in the offices of Representatives and Senators across South Florida.
Pictured at office of Rep. Lois Frankel
This was my first official lobbying meeting with the office of a congressperson.
Pictured at office of Rep. Alcee Hastings
This was my first meeting with an actual congressperson. Rep. Alcee Hastings reminded us of the importance of not only establishing relationships with those who agree with us, but those that do not.
Pictured at office of Rep. Donna Shalala
On this day, I was supposed to meet with the Chief of Staff of Rep. Donna Shalala, but she coincidentally happened to be passing through the office that day, and decided to take the meeting instead!
Pictured at office of Rep. Diaz-Balart
Here, I am seen with a group of UNICEF volunteers who not only took time off to meet with the office of Rep. Diaz-Balart, but exhibited a willingness to be trained on discussing issues and navigating political meetings.
Pictured at meeting with SE FL District Director of Sen. Rick Scott
On this day, UNITE Miami Council members met with the SE FL District Director of Senator Rick Scott, Ryan Hnatiuk. In this meeting we discussed the Dream Act as well as how to improve bi-partisan relations. Plans were made to cooperate on events regarding human trafficking on the heels of the upcoming Superbowl.
E-mail from Felicia Goldstein
This e-mail was recevied days after meeting with Rep. Lois Frankel's District Chief of Staff, Felicia Goldstein. This email was especially moving because her meeting was my first as a lobbyist. Civil servants who take the time to reassure grassroots advocates of their efforts, as Felicia did here, are an immense force of moral support.
