On Friday, March 17, Dominicanos USA (DUSA) participated in the annual Student Voter Registration Day (SVRD), thus providing our young people with a voice. Our efforts resulted in hundreds of students receiving a lesson in civic awareness. At Walton High School in the Bronx, we empowered the youth by participating in an information session where we answered questions and spoke to students about the importance of civic engagement. We partnered with NYC Votes, New York City Council, Department of Education, and New York Immigration Coalition to make this happened.

Special Guest Edgar “Shoboy” Sotelo, host of the Shoboy Show on 92.3 AMP radio attended a pep rally in the afternoon and gave the students an inspirational talk about the power of hard work and determination. He shared his “chancleta story” with the students which highlighted for them the importance of always projecting a positive image on behalf of yourself and your family.

SVRD is a local initiative that launched March 20, 2015 to raise awareness about the importance of student voter registration. This initiative came to fruition through a joint collaboration between NYC Votes, New York City Council Member Helen Rosenthal, and members of the New Yok City Council. This city-wide initiative has led to over 10,000 high school students registering to vote. In the coming years, DUSA intends to remain a part of SVRD for years to come so that we can continue to provide this message of civic engagement to our youth.

View some of the pictures from our day of raising civic awareness below: