GAMVP Insights

How your participation in political spaces initiates positive change

By Amina Eldahshoury

My experiences with the Georgia Muslim Voter Project have never fallen short of extraordinary. Every event organized by them is both welcoming and informative, and this recent photoshoot was no exception. By orienting Muslim voters in Georgia, GAMVP addresses the shortage of Muslim voters at our polls and encourages engagement in a differential manner. Arriving at their office around 3:15 PM, I was impressed by the spacious and public workspace. Every volunteer received a thoughtfully curated swag bag filled with practical items and essential voting information.

The event provided an invaluable opportunity to network with individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a common civic goal. While posing for headshots was initially a bit awkward, the patient photographers made the experience enjoyable. I strongly encourage everyone to attend events such as these, even if they feel nerve-wracking at first. These gatherings offer a platform to gain insights into the political landscape and to contribute to the democratic process, no matter the size of involvement. 

I would like to emphasize the importance of voting. By casting our votes, we get to influence and change policies to address issues that our communities face. For instance, the lack of public transportation in and around Atlanta, what is being done with our tax dollars and where we want our money to go instead, or even about the curriculum taught in schools. I understand that many of us feel defeated and as if things won't change, but if everyone plays their role in organizing—not just in federal elections, but also in local elections and through everyday civic engagement—we can create lasting change. We have seen a small but noticeable shift in recent years and I implore you all to continue or begin making that change for better positive outcomes.