Allen (He/him)
We asked: Share your proudest moment as an ACLU NorCal volunteer?
Allen shared: Speaking in front of a crowd of thousands at the capitol about the impeachment of Donald Trump: the call and response was electric! Also, I started making comment in 2017 during the off-agenda comment period about the need for community-based sheriff oversight board with subpoena power. In 2021, after a very long process, it finally passed. Something that I played a small part in, having worked on it for so many years but it finally happened.
We followed up: What keeps you engaged and hopeful as it relates to volunteering with the ACLU of Northern California?
Allen expressed: Interactions with staff over the years. I'm really proud of the work that the affiliate is doing and the many ways that I’ve been able to contribute, to be part of this great group of people doing amazing work. I’m [also] in a unique position where I'm on the affiliate Board now, that may be part of why I’ve been able to stay engaged. In these roles, I’ve been able to see the bigger picture of things. Sometimes my role isn’t that large but it’s a way to uplift a larger project and get to see the whole picture and its impact.
We wrapped up with: If there would be an influx of volunteers, what role would they play, what would they be engaged in?
Allen emphasized that: I could see people relationship-building with other organizations or attending monthly meetings on housing issues and immigrants’ rights. We also really need people to show up and provide public comment to City Council or the Board of Supervisors.
