Lucy,   Brayden,   Jojo,   Sophia,   Adrianne,   Layla,   Zoe,   Skylar,  &   Genevieve

A group of nine interns from the Helene Lecar Civic Engagement Program at LWVBAE gathered for a virtual orientation last month. The meeting was led by LWVBAE President and LWVC Co-President Kandea Mosley Gandhi, and Web Manager Linda Carothers. The group received an overview of the history of the organization, what LWVBAE does, and heard anecdotes about the experiences of former intern Lucy Still and Criminal Justice Team Intern Brayden Livingston.

The orientation opened with a few icebreakers, and then all the interns introduced themselves. The interns included Sophia Lara, Genevieve Yang, Jojo Sutton, Skylar Ozoa, Zoe Cloak, Layla Tohidi, and Adrienne Melodia – and two returning interns, Lucy and Brayden. This group is drawn from Albany High, Emery High, and Berkeley High.

During the orientation, as they learned more about the League, they heard in-depth discussions of its history, how it goes about choosing issues on which to focus, the collegial manner of community members in the League, and what they’ll do once they officially start their internships, among other subjects. Kandea and Linda intermittently took questions from the group. At the end, when the new interns shared what they were most excited about, the most common answers were to participate in meetings and have their voices be heard.

All in all, these interns logged off excited for the service assignments they’d soon be receiving, and left with a greater understanding of the operations and values of the League of Women Voters both nationwide and locally.

Here’s to hoping for a meaningful and positive year!

–Adrienne Melodia