GAMVP Insights

At Georgia Muslim Voter Project, I discovered firsthand the transformative power of channeling passion into tangible results. My name is Arsheela Hudda and I serve as an Organizing Intern with Georgia Muslim Voter Project (GAMVP). I’ve had an incredible opportunity to be a part of a movement that aims to amplify the voices of Muslim communities all across Georgia. This experience has not only shaped my understanding of civic engagement but has empowered me to contribute to the broader conversation surrounding advocacy and representation. 

GAMVP operates as a multifaceted organization with an intense focus on voter engagement. In my role, I have been actively participating in organizing community outreach events, facilitating education workshops, encouraging voter registration within Muslim communities, and collaborating with various organizations to collectively address challenges faced by our communities. The hands-on experience has allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, while deepening my understanding of the challenges faced by these communities.  

Most notably, I had the opportunity to co-lead an enlightening education session at Emory University with my colleague, Hanan Abdelrahman. This experience was incredibly fulfilling. Being able to facilitate the session provided me with the first hand opportunity to educate others about Legislative Advocacy. This session provides the audience with invaluable information about how they can leverage their individual voices for legislative change. It was especially powerful to see all of the participants craft their testimonies and participate in the workshop section of the training. This experience amplified my leadership and facilitation skills. 

As an organizing intern, I was able to dip my toes into every aspect of GAMVP’s organizing strategy. Not to pick favorites, but supporting the Youth Ambassador Program was the most rewarding aspect of my journey. I am a huge believer that the youth are our future, and this experience allowed me to lean into my passion for preparing Muslim youth to engage with the intricacies of Georgia’s government. Through this program, I assisted in executing the events and gained an insight on the importance of civic engagement. It was incredibly rewarding to see the impact we could make by empowering and educating the next generation of leaders.

Another aspect of my internship is policy and advocacy with an intricate dedication to strengthening the Muslim community. Through this experience, I directly experienced the intricate workings of the Georgia General Assembly. This illuminated the systematic barriers that hinder underrepresented communities from accessing the democratic process. I supported a range of issues during my advocacy efforts, from safeguarding voter rights to promoting policies that would enhance the well-being of Muslim communities in Georgia. My focus remained on promoting inclusive and equitable legislation through strategic policy advocacy. My internship strengthened my belief in the importance of advocacy which can further amplify marginalized voices and shape a more equitable society. 

My time at GAMVP has emboldened my passion for civic engagement. Not only have I grown professionally, I’ve embarked on a journey of personal growth and civic responsibility. The work of GAMVP is a testament to the strength of communities coming together for a common purpose, and I am proud to have played a crucial role in amplifying the voices that make our democracy vibrant and inclusive.