What started as an opportunity to learn about nonprofits quickly became something more for 19-year-old Enrique Gulloa. After hearing about the ACLU of Arizona from a friend, Enrique decided to get involved. He has now been volunteering with the organization for six months.
Initially, Enrique thought he could “learn a thing or two” from the civil rights organization, but he soon realized he had an opportunity to “do some good and help implement that into the real world.”
Originally from Mesa, Enrique says his family came to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. As an older brother to two younger sisters, he wants to set an example for them and create opportunities for his family.
“It’s like a responsibility for me to learn and do more, so that they don’t have to… As long as they know that I’m there as a pillow in case they fall,” says Gulloa.
That same sense of responsibility extends to his work with the ACLU of Arizona, where he serves as a Power Builder, a role within the youth group to help organize and set up events.
Enrique’s favorite part about being a youth volunteer is seeing the impact the youth group is making. “We’re helping people… and it’s nice to be there watching people doing something,” says Gulloa. “Just seeing a smile on their faces, you know?”
With the midterm elections approaching, Enrique is particularly excited to get involved in election safeguarding efforts and help guide voters through the voting process. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that voters have access to their ballots.
“Obviously ballots aren’t accessible for everyone, so I feel like those are just the components that we gotta look out for.”
Enrique also plans to vote early this year while volunteering with the ACLU of Arizona’s election safeguarding efforts.
Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, Enrique sees volunteering as an opportunity to build relationships with others who share a commitment to social justice. For those considering joining the ACLU of Arizona’s youth team, he hopes they recognize that volunteering is both fulfilling and an opportunity to become part of a close-knit community.
“It’s where people can become unified… where multiple people can coexist and try to be better.”
