By Ariel Boone
Since our last update, Young Invincibles has been realizing its dreams of westward expansion. California’s team has grown to a staff of eight, now including the California Policy and Research Director, Linda Leu, and me. Three weeks ago, I started as the California Policy and Organizing Manager, joining the all-star team who opened the sunny Los Angeles office.
Los Angeles Office
In May, Organizing and Communications Fellow Ben got the pleasure of turning the keys on our new digs.
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.
Health Fairs
Alongside our faith in social media, Young Invincibles knows that taking root in our CA communities sometimes means putting our boots on the ground where people seek advice. We’ve offered resources and reached community members at WeConnect health fairs in Riverside, Sacramento, Bakersfield, and soon, San Diego. Below, CA Communications Coordinator Adriana, CA Outreach Coordinator Aurora, and Ben at a health fair in May.
This booth was made for talking…
Netroots Nation
The third week of June, Adriana, Maria, and I drove to San Jose, CA for Netroots Nation 2013. My inner nerd had dreamed of attending for years – it’s an annual conference about organizations and individuals using data and digital tools in smart ways. It was like a high school reunion of every campaign I’ve ever worked on, every issue I’ve ever cared about, and every organization whose petition I’ve ever signed.
We were the cool kids table in the proverbial cafeteria.
CA Outreach Coordinator Maria handled the Wheel…of…Millenial Misfortune!
Focus Groups
Young Invincibles continues to test our mobile app with communities across the Los Angeles area – young adults deserve an easy-to-use tool to get care and medical services, and give the best feedback on their wish list. Every focus group raises thoughtful questions about the barriers young adults currently face in seeking care, which we then tailor to our presentations and training of other organizations.
Maria’s group in June at the St. John’s Medical Center, in South LA, is definitely focused.
Community Events
Power 106 paired with Young Invincibles and Care1st to educate Californians about their health care options with the new marketplace opening October 1st. The response was overwhelming.
We were more popular than ice cream on a sunny day.
Student Loans
On June 10, 2013, Young Invincibles participated in a press conference hosted by Congress members Judy Chu (CA-27) and Adam Schiff (CA-28). California Director Tamika Butler spoke alongside student leaders and community college Presidents at the event, urging Congress to act before July 1st to keep federal student loan rates from doubling from 3.4% to 6.8%. We’re still working on keeping to keep student loan debt down and we are not going anywhere.
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears… and cap my borrowing rate to ensure my repayment won’t stop me from having a family, making a life, and finding a good job!
Yay Area
After the opening of our Bay Area office in August, Northern California denizens will hear more voices and strong opinions from Young Invincibles in health care, higher education, and jobs conversations in the upper half of the state. We are eager to get started, and can’t wait to be closer not only to decision makers in Sacramento, but also to vulnerable communities in NorCal. Linda and I are both Bay Area locals, and if you are, too, we hope to work with you soon!