Jose Rivera has been volunteering with the ACLU of Arizona for just over a month as a member of the youth volunteer team. For Jose, getting involved wasn’t something he was initially looking for. But what started as curiosity became an opportunity to learn more about civics and connect with his community.
Born and raised in Phoenix, Jose works in construction and enjoys working with his hands. His introduction to the ACLU came through a friend who was previously involved with the youth group.
The two had been discussing homelessness near the Rio Salado River, along with broader political issues and government corruption, when his friend encouraged him to attend a meeting.
“I was just simply bored,” Rivera says of his initial decision to volunteer.
Despite his casual introduction to the organization, Jose says his time with the ACLU of Arizona has helped him become more aware of political and social issues affecting communities around him.
“I’m not gonna lie, I came here very oblivious to what’s going on to the world,” says Rivera, explaining that the group has helped shed light on issues he previously knew little about.
As a member of the youth volunteer team, Jose attends meetings where volunteers discuss civic engagement, upcoming elections, and opportunities to participate in voter outreach.
While Jose initially struggled to identify a connection between his background and his decision to volunteer, he later reflected on how his educational experiences have shaped his perspective.
When asked what he enjoys most about being involved with the ACLU, his answer is simple: “People.”
He credits the organization with helping him build stronger community connections, something he considers one of the most positive changes since joining.
With upcoming elections approaching, Jose looks forward to becoming more involved in the youth team’s activities, particularly poll monitoring. He acknowledges that he is still learning about the organization and its impact, but he is enthusiastic about continuing to participate.
For Jose, volunteering with the ACLU of Arizona has become an opportunity to meet new people, better understand the issues affecting his community, and explore ways to become more involved.
When asked what he would tell someone considering volunteering with the ACLU, his advice is straightforward: “Check this out.”
