Fourteen years ago, I began my career as a community organizer. On May 20, 2002, with clip board in hand, I registered 27 people to vote at a local grocery store and learned the power of asking the question, “What do you want to see changed in your community?” All these years later, this question still drives me personally and drives our work at TOP.
I am fourth generation Mexican American, born and raised in the Westside of San Antonio by a single mother who often held more than one job, and for most of my childhood was a janitor. I grew up in public housing and, from time to time, food stamps helped us make ends meet.
My mother was one of the smartest people I’ve ever known, but her lack of formal education limited her opportunities. Because of her encouragement and support, I worked hard and was accepted into Stanford University. It was there that my eyes were fully opened to the gaping racial and economic injustices of our country. I quickly realized that my experience, my background, wasn’t common at this institution of higher learning.
It was also during this time that California voters passed anti-immigrant legislation, Prop 187, that criminalized families like mine, and Prop 209, which ended affirmative action in California. It sent a message that students like me should not have the opportunity to attend prestigious universities. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to leveling the playing field so that kids from San Antonio’s Westside and every community of color have as much of a chance to attend Stanford, or any university they choose, as do kids from wealthy neighborhoods.
I’m excited about our future at TOP
This is a critical moment in our state and our country. The political environment we live in is increasingly hostile toward the poor and people of color. Just like I was politicized in the mid 90s in California, millions of people are angry and looking for a way to channel their energy. As the next leader of the Texas Organizing Project, I’m going to make sure we capture that energy and convert it into power in our neighborhoods, cities and the voting booth.
It starts by delivering wins on the ground. This fall, we will pilot our first community school in Dallas, putting us on the path to have 20 community schools by 2020. We are also poised to win municipal ID ordinances in Dallas and Houston, providing immigrants a layer of protection in dealing with police and accessing essential services. And we are moving a series of local economic security policies in cities and counties to win living wages, job training, wage theft prevention, bail reform and second chance hiring.
Heading into the election season, TOP is leading an innovative approach to voter registration, having formed a new coalition in Harris County to address systemic ways to add hundreds of thousands to the voter rolls. Our tried and true voter turnout program will launch in September with TOP and our core allies targeting more than 500,000 infrequent voters of color in our key counties.
As we win, we will significantly grow the electorate in each of our counties, creating the shifts in electoral power that we need to fundamentally change people’s lives in Texas.
I want to meet you
Since we announced that I am taking over as the next executive director for the Texas Organizing Project, I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love. Thank you for all your well wishes and votes of confidence.
I’m delighted that Ginny is going to stay on through 2016 to work on strategic initiatives. Over the next six weeks, we will be traveling the state to meet with all of you — our members, allies, and donors. True to my organizing roots, I want to hear from you, “What are you ready to fight for?”
There is a lot of work to be done, and it’ll be our collective dedication, passion and tenacity that takes us where we need to go.
I’m ready to fight alongside all of you.
In solidarity,
Michelle Tremillo
Incoming Executive Director
Texas Organizing Project