This is a story about two organizations that are very different and very much the same. The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center and the League of Women Voters are both very near and dear to me. I have volunteered for both for a number of years and it is deeply satisfying when these two organizations connect for the greater good.
The Esperanza was founded in 1987 and is dedicated to bringing diverse communities together to work for peace and justice. The League of Women Voters of San Antonio, organized in 1940, is a grassroots organization that envisions a democracy where every person has the right and the knowledge and the confidence to participate in the electoral process. The LWVSA does this by reaching out to all parts of our community to share information about elections and to engage and register voters. Organizations with different means but the same ends.
Both groups work to create an informed and engaged community to improve our lives, our community and our country. Every year, Esperanza hosts The Paseo del Westside, an event celebrating the historical and cultural preservation of the Westside community. The gathering is held at the Rinconcito de Esperanza, a collection of culturally significant buildings which now includes the Museo del Westside, which was once Ruben’s Icehouse, a much loved gathering spot.
I volunteer for this event every year. Graciala Sanchez, Director of the Esperanza, suggested that Paseo del Westside would be a great opportunity for the League of Women Voters to have a presence in the community and educate voters about the upcoming June run-off election. LWVSA volunteers answered the call and had a great day at the Paseo.
Many of us are involved in multiple organizations. Bringing organizations together, instead of each working alone, increases their impact and warms your heart.