Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, President of NextGen America, is on a mission to engage young voters across 114 college campuses. She shares powerful stories from her journey and highlights how critical issues like reproductive rights shape student activism. Ramirez also discusses leveraging music and innovative strategies, such as social media, to connect with the youth. Her own heritage plays a significant role in her work, showcasing how cultural traditions, like quinceañeras, influence political mobilization and the importance of representation.
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez emphasizes the significance of engaging young voters using cultural elements, such as quinceañeras, to inspire civic participation.
The podcast highlights the heightened activism of young women voters, particularly around reproductive rights, driving their engagement in political processes.
Deep dives
Innovative Approaches to Voter Mobilization
NextGen America focuses on engaging and mobilizing young voters, particularly on college campuses, by using creative strategies that resonate with this demographic. The organization hosts events and utilizes influential platforms like TikTok and social media to encourage young people to vote, highlighting their priorities such as reproductive rights and education. For instance, they often incorporate popular music and fun activities into their events, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages participation. By connecting voting with familiar cultural elements, NextGen America aims to dismantle the stereotype that young people are apathetic about politics and instill a sense of urgency about their voting power.
Empowering Women and Addressing Gender Divides
The podcast discusses the crucial role of young women in the electoral process, noting that they have displayed higher activism and voter turnout rates compared to their male counterparts. There's a significant focus on addressing issues that are particularly relevant to women, like reproductive rights, which resonate deeply after events such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade. These pressing concerns motivate young women to take action and mobilize others, leading to a gender divide evident in voting patterns, with a majority of young women supporting Democratic candidates. The emphasis is on the importance of empowering young women leaders within the movement to drive engagement and advocate for equitable policies.
Cultural Heritage and Personal Experiences in Advocacy
Christina Sensun Ramirez shares how her cultural background has influenced her work in advocacy and voter mobilization, particularly within the Latino community. She illustrates this by describing unique initiatives like using quinceañeras, traditional celebrations for young Latinas, as platforms for organizing and empowering young voters. Through such creative endeavors, she highlights the beauty and power of community, aiming to alter perceptions about Latino voters and encourage civic engagement. By leveraging her personal experiences and heritage, she effectively connects with young voters, fostering a deeper understanding of the electoral process among diverse groups.
With the US election looming, this week’s episode is a dispatch from Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, who is in the midst of touring 114 college campuses and hosting parties to mobilize newly eligible voters. She shares stories from the road, what she’s hearing from young voters, and how her own heritage influenced her career as a youth vote organizer.