GAMVP Insights

Growing up in an immigrant community, I've seen how voting can be challenging for some of my friends and family who aren't eligible due to their immigration status. That's what got me interested in civic engagement in the first place. I joined the Georgia Muslim Voter Project as a canvasser to do my part in supporting those who can't vote and to encourage those who can.

The importance of civic engagement struck me early on as I witnessed the struggles faced by many immigrants who were ineligible to vote. During the local school board elections, my neighbors faced a challenging situation. While they had valid concerns about the education and environment at school, they were unable to vote to address these issues. Their lack of eligibility left them feeling frustrated and fearing for their children's future in an educational system that wasn't meeting their needs. Once I was eligible to vote, I felt an even greater responsibility to advocate for them, carrying their concerns to the different conversations and raising awareness about the importance of equal representation for all community members.

That realization fueled my passion for advocating for their rights and ensuring their voices were heard.

My city, like many others, is marginalized and overlooked when it comes to providing civic information and resources that benefit our community. The lack of digestible resources makes it challenging for people to stay informed about local elections and political matters. This knowledge gap only heightens the sense of disconnection from the political process, perpetuating the feeling that our voices don’t matter. At GAMVP, I am actively working against this, by door knocking, registering voters, and distributing literature at local community events.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role as a canvasser is the opportunity to connect and engage with different community members. Hearing their stories, concerns, and aspirations has given me a deeper understanding of the diverse tapestry that makes up our society. As I continue to have different conversations with community members at Masjids or at events, I am reminded of the power of community and how engaging with one another can uncover different civic concerns between diverse backgrounds. Throughout my journey at GAMVP, my goal is to create a space where everyone feels valued and included in the democratic process, regardless of their immigration status.