As my time at CAUSE comes to a close, I reflect on the lessons I've learned about family, trust, and the collective power of API communities. CAUSE has not only deepened my understanding of civic engagement but also has reinforced the importance of prioritizing being rooted in community and centering our hearts in the work we do.
Intern Ryan Horio thanks the audience for a round of applause.
Family and community were central to my CAUSE experience as I was reminded that these connections weren’t just cultural or emotional bonds, but rather, were the foundations off which we built collective identity and strength. Throughout the mock campaign process events or in every workshop, we learned the same underlying theme—we do this work not just for ourselves but for our families, for the communities we come from, and for those who will take our places in the future.
Through this internship, I reaffirmed my responsibility to continue fighting this uphill battle for the sake of those who came before us and for those who will come after. This fight isn’t just about policy or politics—it is about creating a better future for the people we care about, and to that, I consider this fight personal.
Intern Ryan Horio speaking about the mock campaign experiences, on behalf of the cohort.
Another takeaway from CLA was that building trust is crucial when forming coalitions, especially in communities as diverse as ours. As we heard from guest speakers, I understood the underlying silver-lining of how trust can either make or break a movement. This was because trust is not easily earned; it requires consistency, transparency, and a willingness to listen and understand. Trust fosters collaboration, and collaboration is the key to making real, lasting change.
Finally, I recognized the need for the API community to collectively gain power. At CAUSE, I saw how we could be overlooked in the political realm when they weren’t at the table to make decisions. We need to engage with our communities’ strengths to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are met. More importantly, we need to use our voices to speak at the table, rather than just being at it.
While this whole internship centered around civic engagement, it doesn’t end there—it’s also about political education, empowerment, and thinking critically. It's about more than just voting; it's about understanding the system, learning how to navigate it, and using it to advocate for those we care about most.
In conclusion, CLA has been a powerful reminder to center our decisions around family and community, to cultivate trust when coalition-building, and to unite as APIS to gain political power. As I move forward into a career in academia, healthcare, and activism, I will take the lessons I’ve learned this summer to educate others, to continue being rooted in community, and to proudly represent CAUSE as a CLA alumni.
2024 CLA interns, celebrating as they graduate and become alumni of the program.
To the CLA Class of 2024, thank you for making this experience as amazing as it could have been, and for that, I love each and every one of you.
Till next time, CLA Class of 2024, signing out!