VOICE- Valley Organized in Community Efforts-is an...

VOICE- Valley Organized in Community Efforts-is an interfaith organization formed to address the needs of San Fernando Valley residents, particularly those in poor Latino neighborhoods. The group’s trademark is direct action to combat community ills; activities include voter registration and classes for prospective naturalized citizens.

As part of a recent Monday night citizenship class at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Pacoima, VOICE asked participants to explain why they wanted to become U.S. citizens. Here is what some wrote when asked to complete this sentence:

The principal reason why I want to be a citizen is . . .

*

”. . .because I want to be able to vote in our elections for the best for our country and stop discrimination (against) minority people. Voting makes a difference.”

Nellda Cuevas, 26

San Fernando

Native Country: Mexico

Occupation: Receptionist

*

”. . .first to be able to vote and . . . so that we are respected, and to have a better future for all of us and our families.”

Arturo Gutierrez, 44

Arleta

Native Country: Mexico

OccupationL: Maintenance

*

”. . .to be able to vote for the people that lead our future and the future of our children, to be able to find new and better work, to succeed, to obtain benefits that in my country I couldn’t obtain.”

Esteban D. Rado, 44

North Hollywood

Native Country: Argentina

Occupation: Marble installer

*

”. . .to be able to vote, to make our rights protected and to not lose the benefits that belong to us.”

Fermin Gutierrez, 27

Mission Hills

Native Country: Mexico

Occupation: Warehouse stock man*

”. . .because all of want to have better opportunities, and so that our children have a better future, because we don’t want to be continually discriminated against.”

Mirtala Rado, 33

North Hollywood

Native Country: Guatemala

Occupation: Homemaker

*

”. . .to be able to vote. . . and to nost lose our rights that we deserve.”

Alicia Anguiano, 27

Mission Hills

Native Country: Mexico

Occupation: Assembler

*

”. . .because I want to execute my right to vote for the best of our country.”

Gonzalo Gonzalez, 40

Arleta

Native Country: Mexico

Occupation: Assembler

*

”. . .to have the right to vote for (the) well- being of my children and family, and to end discrimination toward Latinos and other immigrants that come to work and obtain a better future that we cannot obtain in our own countries.”

Maria E. Henriquez, 29

Sylmar

Native Country: Mexico

Occupation: Machinist

*

”. . .to have the right to vote.”

Javier Longoria, 42

San Fernando

Native Country: Mexico

Occupation: Assembler

*

”. . .I am married and the mother of three children, and live in the United States, and very happy to be an American citizen.”

Lida Yeheskel, 51

Northridge

Native Country: Israel

Occupation: Secretary

Translations by SUSAN ABRAM