Earlier this year, while I was making phone calls for one of Working Partnerships USA’s outreach campaigns, I sat down with several other volunteers to take our break. Among us, there were college students, a teacher, and individuals working in tech, retail, and the nonprofit and public sectors, ranging from early the 20s to 70.
Despite the late hour (many of us were there after a full day at work or at school), our smiles, our spirits and conversations were buzzing about the interactions we’d had over the phone.
We had many great moments to share – reaching people who swiftly grasped why we were calling and were eager to support, receiving gratitude for our efforts and winning over unlikely allies who offered to spread the word to family and friends. Although a few of us lamented about hang ups and the initial fear of talking to strangers, we enjoyed what we were doing – making connections with community members.
Curious about why they decided to join the phone bank that evening, I asked the other volunteers, sitting closest to me and one of their replies were eye opening:
“I am here because Working Partnerships USA cares about what is happening with me, my family, and other people in my neighborhood. I see Working Partnerships out there, doing what it takes to make politicians and businesses listen to what we need to make our lives better. I want other people to see that and feel that too!”
I see that experience and feeling reflected in many of the people that we work with everyday, from those who we touch through our programming and campaigns, our regional partners and allies and our donors. Today, I want to share this message from Working Partnerships USA Board Member and donor, Leslie Rodriguez, and Community Outreach Team member Nick Palka on what inspired them to join our movement, and why they continue to be part of our mission.
Our work is about more than phone banks and campaigns; it’s about forging connections. It’s about the people we bring together across neighborhoods, workplaces, and cities to build a future in Silicon Valley that’s equitable and inclusive for all of us.
Join us. Donate today to secure better jobs, safer neighborhoods and a Silicon Valley where each of us can feel rooted in our communities, and build better futures together.
Yours, In Power,
Andrea Cousins
Development Director, Working Partnerships USA
