Q: Tell us about your commitment to the work of social justice and leadership experiences in justice related activities: A: As I already stated, I have been working as an intern at CLUE for the past semester; I have been working with Jonathan Klein on a Glendale Raise the Wage Initiative. Last summer, I worked for Becky’s Fund, a domestic violence in Washington, D.C. focused on education and early prevention of domestic violence. Their main program is called Men of Code, where they hold programs with inner-city high school football teams; the programs are aimed to teach the young men about gender dynamics, as well as domestic and sexual violence in an effort to stop the cycle of violence before it begins. I also started my own non-profit organization with friends, parents, and faculty members called Forever in Our Heart while I was in middle school. The purpose of the organization was to commemorate the loss of a friend who died a victim of domestic violence, which involved a murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of his entire family. We raised money to be donated to the Heartly House in Frederick, MD; in putting on various yearly events at our middle school such as a dance and a carnival, we raised over $4,000 every year. The group disbanded after four years. I have also been involved in other social justice movements, though as a less active participant. I have phone banked for Planned Parenthood, participated in black liberation protests at Occidental, participated and walked in the D.C. Gay Pride Parade, and recently committed myself to only eating sustainable meats.
Q: Tell us about who you are and where you come from, your studies or current work life: A: I am from a small, conservative town in Maryland called Frederick. Growing up, I was always amazed at the differing views of the people around me. Though my parents were very liberal, coming to college and being surrounded by like-minded people allowed me to grow and flesh out my ideologies. I strongly identify as a feminist; I have worked and volunteered for many domestic violence shelters and centers, including a non-profit organization I started as a student in middle school (the group disbanded after 4 years, raising approximately $4000 annually for that time). I also identify as a socialist and workers’ rights activist; I have recently committed to this as an intern at CLUE this past semester. Due to the recent protests on Occidental’s campus, as well as many other campuses nationwide, I have recently become very involved in the black liberation movement. I also support the gay rights movement as well as the sustainable food movement in varying and less prominent ways. As a Politics major at Occidental, I have taken many classes related to the labor movement, racial injustices and their permutations in the law, and feminist issues, policies, and politics. I have also taken several classes on the subject of Islam as a part of my Religious Studies minor, including one on the possibility and construction of both an Islamic feminism and an Islamic gay community. I hope to turn my education, experiences, and beliefs into a life of activism.
Q: If you hope to receive academic credit please include any academic requirements you hope to meet, any course work you need to integrate? A: I do not plan on receiving any academic credit from this fellowship.
Q: Why do you want to work in an interfaith community? What do you hope to learn, and are there any challenges you may be anticipating? A: I believe that there is beauty and truth in all religions, so lets celebrate diversity. In my eyes there is nothing more beautiful then seeing people come together to help built up a brother or sister. Through this interfaith community I hope to see the world through new lenses, experience God in new ways, and expand my comfort zone. Above all I am excited to learn about others experiences and traditions.
Q: What are the unique gifts that you feel you can offer to the group of interns you will be joining? A: I think of myself of someone who is optimistic while not shying away from reality. With that said my top strengths are positivity and adaptability. I find joy in the little things, roll with the punches and recognize potential in others. I hope to be the one to encourage those around me, celebrate our differences, and focus on our individual strengths.
Q: What do you hope to learn? A: There is so much that goes into faith rooted organizing, but I think what excites me the most is the relationship building that occurs. Brining clergy, laity, and workers together takes time, effort, and patience and it can not be one by one person. I hope to learn how to mobilize, excite, and educate. I also hope to learn from the powerful stories that will be told, the beautiful actions that will take place, and the fear leaders with communities.
Q: Why do you want to participate in an organizing Fellowship to learn the basics of Faith Rooted Organizing in the fight for economic justice? A: First and for most I strongly believe in the mission of CLUE, and their emphasis on economic justice. The past few months I have been learning the behind the scenes work that goes into faith rooted organizing. I would love the opportunity to go full circle and be able to learn more about organizing, through a hands on approach. I have so much respect for the organizers, the countless hours that they put it, and their unwillingness to never give up hope. I would feel so honored to be able to learn their trade, and hear the wisdom that they have to share.
Q: In what ways does your faith play a part in your commitment to social and economic justice? A: I see Jesus’ life and ministry as radical, counter-cultural, and centered in empowering those who society cast out. I believe as a Christian I am called to do the same. My belief is that in order to do so effectively one can not simply ignore the systemic issues around social and economic issues. My prayer is that I will be able to live out Isaiah 1:17 by living in solidarity.
Q: Tell us about your commitment to the work of social justice and leadership experiences in justice related activities: A: As a Christian I believe that Christ has called his followers to live a radical life committed to social justice. I do not believe that it is in God’s plans for is children to suffer due to human made social structures, but I understand that the reality is we do not live in a world that values justice and equality. I come from a position of privilege, although I can not change that I can choose to stand with my fellow brothers and sisters. I have not had many leadership experiences in justice related “activities” specifically , but that does not I am silent. I try to capitalize on opportunities to educate others about the inequalities within our society today.
Q: Tell us about who you are and where you come from, your studies or current work life: A: Hey guys! I am Lexi ( as many of you know). I am originally from a tiny town in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. I came to California looking for sunshine and to pursue a career in Medical Missions. Life has unexpected twist and turns and I discovered the medical field and missions where not for me. As my eyes have been opened to injustices in our society I understand that is no coincidence. I believe that I have been called to more sustainable practices, and to stand in solidarity with my brother and sisters. The last few months I have been working with the wonderful Miss Pam at CLUE doing behind the scenes work, but I would love the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of organizing.
A: As I already stated, I have been working as an intern at CLUE for the past semester; I have been working with Jonathan Klein on a Glendale Raise the Wage Initiative. Last summer, I worked for Becky’s Fund, a domestic violence in Washington, D.C. focused on education and early prevention of domestic violence. Their main program is called Men of Code, where they hold programs with inner-city high school football teams; the programs are aimed to teach the young men about gender dynamics, as well as domestic and sexual violence in an effort to stop the cycle of violence before it begins. I also started my own non-profit organization with friends, parents, and faculty members called Forever in Our Heart while I was in middle school. The purpose of the organization was to commemorate the loss of a friend who died a victim of domestic violence, which involved a murder-suicide that resulted in the deaths of his entire family. We raised money to be donated to the Heartly House in Frederick, MD; in putting on various yearly events at our middle school such as a dance and a carnival, we raised over $4,000 every year. The group disbanded after four years. I have also been involved in other social justice movements, though as a less active participant. I have phone banked for Planned Parenthood, participated in black liberation protests at Occidental, participated and walked in the D.C. Gay Pride Parade, and recently committed myself to only eating sustainable meats.
A: I am from a small, conservative town in Maryland called Frederick. Growing up, I was always amazed at the differing views of the people around me. Though my parents were very liberal, coming to college and being surrounded by like-minded people allowed me to grow and flesh out my ideologies. I strongly identify as a feminist; I have worked and volunteered for many domestic violence shelters and centers, including a non-profit organization I started as a student in middle school (the group disbanded after 4 years, raising approximately $4000 annually for that time). I also identify as a socialist and workers’ rights activist; I have recently committed to this as an intern at CLUE this past semester. Due to the recent protests on Occidental’s campus, as well as many other campuses nationwide, I have recently become very involved in the black liberation movement. I also support the gay rights movement as well as the sustainable food movement in varying and less prominent ways. As a Politics major at Occidental, I have taken many classes related to the labor movement, racial injustices and their permutations in the law, and feminist issues, policies, and politics. I have also taken several classes on the subject of Islam as a part of my Religious Studies minor, including one on the possibility and construction of both an Islamic feminism and an Islamic gay community. I hope to turn my education, experiences, and beliefs into a life of activism.
A: I do not plan on receiving any academic credit from this fellowship.
A: I believe that there is beauty and truth in all religions, so lets celebrate diversity. In my eyes there is nothing more beautiful then seeing people come together to help built up a brother or sister. Through this interfaith community I hope to see the world through new lenses, experience God in new ways, and expand my comfort zone. Above all I am excited to learn about others experiences and traditions.
A: I think of myself of someone who is optimistic while not shying away from reality. With that said my top strengths are positivity and adaptability. I find joy in the little things, roll with the punches and recognize potential in others. I hope to be the one to encourage those around me, celebrate our differences, and focus on our individual strengths.
A: There is so much that goes into faith rooted organizing, but I think what excites me the most is the relationship building that occurs. Brining clergy, laity, and workers together takes time, effort, and patience and it can not be one by one person. I hope to learn how to mobilize, excite, and educate. I also hope to learn from the powerful stories that will be told, the beautiful actions that will take place, and the fear leaders with communities.
A: First and for most I strongly believe in the mission of CLUE, and their emphasis on economic justice. The past few months I have been learning the behind the scenes work that goes into faith rooted organizing. I would love the opportunity to go full circle and be able to learn more about organizing, through a hands on approach. I have so much respect for the organizers, the countless hours that they put it, and their unwillingness to never give up hope. I would feel so honored to be able to learn their trade, and hear the wisdom that they have to share.
A: I see Jesus’ life and ministry as radical, counter-cultural, and centered in empowering those who society cast out. I believe as a Christian I am called to do the same. My belief is that in order to do so effectively one can not simply ignore the systemic issues around social and economic issues. My prayer is that I will be able to live out Isaiah 1:17 by living in solidarity.
A: As a Christian I believe that Christ has called his followers to live a radical life committed to social justice. I do not believe that it is in God’s plans for is children to suffer due to human made social structures, but I understand that the reality is we do not live in a world that values justice and equality. I come from a position of privilege, although I can not change that I can choose to stand with my fellow brothers and sisters. I have not had many leadership experiences in justice related “activities” specifically , but that does not I am silent. I try to capitalize on opportunities to educate others about the inequalities within our society today.
A: Hey guys! I am Lexi ( as many of you know). I am originally from a tiny town in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. I came to California looking for sunshine and to pursue a career in Medical Missions. Life has unexpected twist and turns and I discovered the medical field and missions where not for me. As my eyes have been opened to injustices in our society I understand that is no coincidence. I believe that I have been called to more sustainable practices, and to stand in solidarity with my brother and sisters. The last few months I have been working with the wonderful Miss Pam at CLUE doing behind the scenes work, but I would love the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of organizing.
A: I am scheduled to graduate from Occidental College with a BA in Politics in May of 2017.