LAYC Youth Help Pump Up the Vote

The Latin American Youth Center joined forces with Virginia New Majority and CASA de Maryland to launch Want to Make a Difference? Vote, a regional voter engagement campaign primarily led by youth.

Following a voter registration training, young people from the DC metropolitan area will take to the streets, churches, festivals and other locations beginning Saturday, August 9, to educate and register new voters—particularly young people and minorities---in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Adriane Chavarria, a student at LAYC’s Summer Leadership Institute, will participate in the campaign. On Tuesday, August 5, she was among the speakers at a press conference to announce the effort.

Like all of the other youth involved in the campaign, Adriane cares deeply about her community and the country.

Chavarria’s Message:

I am only 15 years old and although I am not old enough to vote yet, I understand the importance of voting. Through voting community members like you and I can make a change.

I often hear a lot of young people complain about their voices not getting heard because they are too young and don’t know anything about societal issues.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Young people eligible to vote can: elevate their voices, take a stand and become a part of the political process at the ballot box.

And those who are not can: help educate, mobilize and register people through the Want to Make a Difference campaign.

I invite other youth who care about their communities and their country to join this campaign to help me make a difference.

I may not be able to vote these upcoming elections but because I deeply care about helping my community, I will work relentlessly to ensure that those who can are registered. Many other youth like me are affected by everyday issues; we want people who can vote to speak on our behalf.

Youth interested in joining the campaign may contact Ricardo Flores, LAYC’s Advocacy Director, at 202-319-2253. For more information on training, click here.

Want to Make a Difference? Vote campaign launch - YouTube video