The publication is reproduced in full below:
COMMEMORATING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF BORICUACTIVATED
______
HON. BRENDAN F. BOYLE
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 30, 2022
Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, when most people imagine the American democracy at work, they picture this House--or the other chamber--and the work we do as lawmakers.
Or they picture themselves or their neighbors in the voting booth, casting ballots to determine the make-up of government at the local, state, and federal levels.
To me, however, American democracy also takes another form: the ongoing dialogue between citizens and public servants, like us, whom they elect to represent them. It is in these conversations that we truly learn our constituents' hopes and dreams for the future; it is where we learn to make their priorities into our priorities; it is where we truly live up to our founders' ideals that the people should be allowed--and encouraged--to petition their government.
That is true civic engagement. And that premise is at the heart of BoricuActivatEd, a stellar volunteer-run organization that is now proudly celebrating its fifth anniversary. They are leading the way in fostering that active, ongoing dialogue.
The group was created in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, which struck Puerto Rico with tragic ferocity. The group found immediate success in marshalling the combined voice of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, proving its impact and displaying the power of civic engagement. They grew from there.
Through its civic engagement workshops, BoricuActivatEd has now supplied more than 2,000 people with the tools needed to make their voices heard. It has taught them how to advocate for their priorities and to garner the attention of their elected officials. I can personally attest, having participated in their workshops, just how effective and valuable these sessions can be.
To their credit, just as it was born during a moment of tragedy, BoricuActivatEd continued to grow its programs during another challenging period--the COVID-19 pandemic. Remarkably, during the past two years, it has developed a curriculum enabling the next generation of citizens to become engaged in their government. BoricuActivatEd has brought its lessons to students at the high school level, including Esperanza Academy in my district.
By training people of all ages, and by securing the active participation of elected officials at all levels of government, BoricuActivatEd represents civic engagement and empowerment at its best.
I am proud to congratulate BoricuActivatEd on its fifth anniversary and wish them every success as they embark on new accomplishments in the years ahead.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 159(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 159(2)
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