It was a sunny DC morning that welcomed 30 Dominicanos USA team members, including directors, organizers, canvassers and captains.  DUSA traveled to our nation’s capital in order to discuss the tremendous impact of our voter education and registration work with elected officials who represent the communities we work in.  We had the privilege of meeting with legislators such a Sen. Jack Reed (RI), David Cicilline (RI), Rep. Jose Serrano (NY), Rep. Charles Rangel (NY), Rep. Nydia Velasquez (NY), Rep. Albio Sires (NY) and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL). During our meetings, we shared the results of our groundbreaking new poll regarding Dominican American attitudes toward civic engagement and top issues of concern.

Generally, these types of trips and meetings are reserved for DUSA’s top level management, but we felt it was essential for our canvassers, who are on the frontlines of our field operation, to give senators and representatives a clear understanding of the obstacles and challenges canvassers encounter on a regular basis when working to educate the community about the civic process and the importance of participating in every election.

The DUSA team also had the opportunity to do some sightseeing throughout Washington, DC. The team took a trolley tour of DC and a tour of the Capitol building. The majority of the team had never been to DC and was really taken aback by the beauty and rich history of our nation’s capital. It all culminated with a visit to the White House, an office that ultimately reminds us that every vote plays a vital role in determining who is elected to our country’s highest office.