Winners of this year’s Justice For All Ventura County Young Activist Essay Contest affirmed that individual voices can still make a difference. Each of the contest winners came away from their experience understanding that they can take positive actions in their city.
First place winner, Diana Martinez of Fillmore High School, submitted a video essay about her efforts to influence local government, beginning at age 14, when she spoke during public comment time before the Fillmore City Council in support of the Pride Proclamation. Diana believes that knowledge is power and encourages others to be informed and to speak out to create positive change in your community. Her winning video is currently featured at https://justiceforallvc.org/photos/
Greceldy Hau of Thousand Oaks High School received second place for her essay detailing her involvement with Buen Vecino, a non-profit organization that educates migrants about their civil rights and assists in preparing citizenship applications. Over the past three years, Greceldy has participated in organizational strategy meetings to discuss ways to improve outreach. She has encouraged other students to attend meetings and get involved as well. Says Greceldy, “I’ve learned that civic participation starts with personal connections.”
Gabriel Aversa of Ventura High School placed third for his essay and mock podcast calling attention to the disrepair of Ventura’s streets. The video was shared with city representatives. Shortly thereafter, Gabriel witnessed road crews fixing the roads and believe his video had a role spurring action. Gabriel wrote of today’s unlimited access to information and the ability to communicate widely, enabling voices to be heard as never before.
Maisie Hatler of Ventura High School was awarded honorable mention for her video essay in which she spoke passionately before the Ventura Unified Board of Trustees in opposition to budget cuts under consideration this year. In the video, she talked about initially how terrifying it was to speak in the public forum, but is glad that she did and challenges her peers to find opportunities to engage in civic events as well and most importantly, to find common ground.
“It is heartening to see young people using their voice to promote democracy and the betterment of our communities,” said Shane Meserve, president of Justice For All Ventura County.
Justice For All Ventura County is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with the mission to motivate, educate, connect, and mobilize people to actively engage in their government to support justice for all.
