Non Profit or Local Government?

Going into the MPA program I knew that I would be given the tools needed to learn how to manage and lead and learn how to implement or create policy. I always struggled though with how I would best serve our communities. I have always had a profound respect and admiration for several non profit organizations that serve a very specific group of people for a specific purpose. During my time in the program I volunteered for the IRC (International Rescue Committee) helping refugees with job placements, I also worked for St. Vincent de Paul which is one of the largest, if not the largest non profit organizations in the world! This organization also provides the opportunities not only to serve but to help so many low income families. 

I've also always had a passion for government and the ability to engage people through voting and empowering communities to use their voice whether it be to shape policy and go to forums or through giving ideas. While working with CASE I was able to do both. As a nonprofit that passionately and diligently works to have working families, workers whether they work in hotels cleaning 35 rooms a day when they're only supposed to be cleaning 12 I was able to see that this fight against the working class could be won. Not only active representation but through the elections. Combined with other groups known as Team Awesome, the Latino vote also consists of SEVERAL working class majorities in all fields increased 500%. 2012 is going to be  big election year and I'm so happy that I was a part of that process.


CASE offered the perfect opportunity to explore non profit services with a combination with local government  to ensure that working people are indeed represented.