In Wendy's first campaign for office, she won by just 225 votes -- out of more than 30,000 ballots cast.
Wendy talks about her first election on the campaign trail a lot, and she always stresses how she would have lost that race if it wasn't for the work of grassroots volunteers who called their friends and knocked on their neighbors' doors to get out the vote.
If we're going to move Los Angeles forward with Wendy as our next mayor, it's going to take all of us working together over the next 29 days to make it happen.
Today, the blog is highlighting the grassroots action of one volunteer who has dedicated her time to this campaign. Miriam Rodriguez, a senior at USC studying Communications and a Boyle Heights native, has volunteered in both the Van Nuys and Boyle Heights offices. She has volunteered since January and has helped organize phone banks, canvasses, and rallies -- and she even helped decorate the Boyle Heights field office when it opened.
Early in the week, I had an opportunity to talk to Miriam about what inspired her to get involved in the campaign and to talk about her experience as a volunteer:
Q: When did you start volunteering for the campaign?
Miriam: I started volunteering at the Van Nuys field office in January, but it took me over two hours by bus to travel from school! So when the Boyle Heights office opened, I started volunteering there because I felt I could have an even greater impact for Wendy in my home community, plus it's a short bus ride from USC.
Q: Have you had any prior campaign experience?:
Miriam: I've done internships in the advertisement industry and I also interned for Councilmember Huizar's office, but this is my first campaign.
Q: What is your favorite part about volunteering?
Miriam: Connecting with my community! I've learned a lot so far. Being in contact with local voters has made the community feel more like family. I've enjoyed all parts of volunteering equally, but speaking with kind old ladies in person or over the phone is always a highlight. The main reason I like the campaign is because this experience has been so dynamic.
Q: Why do you support Wendy?
Miriam: I chose to volunteer for Wendy's campaign over others because she has the experience required to be the Mayor we need, she truly cares about the outcome for Los Angeles. She is someone who understands the diversity of our city, we need someone who will hear the different voices within our communities. I saw this firsthand,when I volunteered at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade. Wendy took the time to speak with people lining the parade route individually, she cares about the people of Los Angeles.
Q: What do you plan to do when you graduate from USC, do you want to stay involved with campaigns or politics?
Miriam: I'm not sure what my exact path will be after college, but I know I want to do something that will help my community. I want to have an impact on Boyle Heights, especially helping Latino youth. Local government makes a huge difference on our lives. I'm also thinking about running for elected office one day.
Q: What have you learned from this experience so far?
Miriam: I believe it is worth it to invest time in a campaign. My time spent volunteering has given me skills that are applicable anywhere, for example connecting with people over the phone. This experience has shown me that campaigns are a great learning process. I definitely see myself getting involved with campaigns in the future.
Q: What do you like to do when you aren't volunteering or focusing on your studies at USC?
Miriam: I really like to run and enjoy the wonderful weather and activities Los Angeles has to offer -- there is always so much going on!
Want to be featured on the Wendy Greuel blog? Sign up to volunteer at a local office in your community and you could be the next supporter featured in our volunteer spotlight!