I’m not Quaker but I attended a Quaker meeting a few weeks ago. I enjoyed learning about how throughout Quaker history, people have come together for a bigger cause.
This is my first time in D.C. lobbying and being politically involved. It’s hectic. But I’ve enjoyed building a network with other participants. If there are any changes in government, like a new law is passed, we can reach out to each other via email, etc. to share common experiences to help inform or share resources.
I am nervous about meeting senators and staff. I am afraid to make a mistake or leave the office feeling defeated.
But I’m here to help give power back to the people instead of lawmakers who can control what happens to millions of people. I’m the son of two immigrant parents, the family of many undocumented cousins, uncles, etc. This is our struggle to provide a better life.
Sharing my story gives power to my community to realize that it is a broken system. A house divided cannot stand. And we are very separated—one side against the other. This work is an effort to bring that unity back to the country. In unity there is strength. Together we can change this country and the world.
If you look at me you see a person. What you don’t see are the family and others standing behind me who pay taxes, contribute to the growth of our economy. You don’t see the struggle, the pain we experience together.
As Martin Luther King said, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” We have a right to pursue our dreams and be with family in a country that we love.
Raul is a junior at Iowa State University and majors in civil engineering. Raul attended Spring Lobby Weekend for the first time in 2018.