Short Q&A with the newest PTP member

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 Meet Evelyn Vargas- District Director for IL-10. In welcoming her as the newest addition to the Progressive Turnout Project, we asked Evelyn a few questions about who she is and what she hopes to achieve with us on this journey!  

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Q: Please provide a brief introduction of yourself.

I grew up in Chicago, and went to Grand Rapids, MI to get my undergraduate degree in politics. My interest is in public education, and I want to go to graduate school at some point. When I’m home, I like trying out new recipes and finding someone to feed them to.

Q: When did you first become interested in politics?

I grew up in the world of non-profits, and I was lucky enough to find people who took the time to mentor me. These individuals taught me the power of grassroots work and the importance of fighting for my community. I’ve always known how impactful the work is, but I later came to understand the necessity of coming at it from a political side.
Politics can be complex, but people power is a very large factor in enacting meaningful change. Collectively, we have the ability to get the ball rolling for the change we seek. We can work together, decide policies through referendum, join our school board, and keep our representatives accountable. There will always be room to improve society, and every time I’ve ever asked myself, “What can be done about it?” I’ve come back to politics.

Q: Why did you decide to join PTP?

At the root of a representative-democracy is the idea that our opinions matter equally. Our government was conceived by people who understood that we are a country with varied opinions, and full of many groups. Sometimes we forget that part of our responsibility as citizens in a democracy means taking part in the conversation. Those of us who can’t get enough of politics have a responsibility to connect disinterested people to that conversation, rather than pushing them to simply say “yes” to our cause.

The Progressive Turnout Project has a great goal to engage voters and get them to the polls. There are a lot of groups pushing for issues, for candidates, for fundraising – but there are so few pushing for the voter. Before talking to people about all the causes that are important to us, we need to reach out and listen. I joined because PTP understands the power of civic engagement and turning out sporadic voters.

Q: Describe your role here at PTP. 

As District Director, my goal is to develop a team that’s passionate about community engagement. I want our Field Representatives to be able to create a dialogue within their congressional district. My focus will be on training individuals to listen, understand the relevant political issues, and teach them about broader election concepts related to our mission. I’ve knocked on many doors – I’m proud to say that I’ve been out when it’s been below zero – and trained many volunteers. I enjoy learning about the theory behind the practice, and passing on that knowledge in order to place our actions in a larger context.

Q: What was the most memorable encounter you’ve had with someone while working as a field rep?

The first time somebody thanked me for working to increase voter registration was a total surprise. I thought most people would feel annoyed, or ambivalent at best, but instead many people were genuinely grateful for the efforts of my team. It showed me that people understand what a problem low turnout is, and they acknowledge that we’re attempting to solve it one voter at a time.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

I am committed to turning out the vote, and am excited to contribute to PTP’s efforts in regaining Democratic control of Congress!