Why Gathering with the Community During Election Season is More Crucial Than Ever
With election season in full swing, community gatherings have become a vital source of connection, understanding, and action for voters across Arizona. At Corazón Arizona, a multi-faith organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented communities, we see these gatherings as more than just events. They are a call to action for every citizen, a place to amplify voices, listen to experiences, and respond to the real, lived impacts of policies and laws on those who often go unheard.
As an organization that regularly partners with other faith-based groups, Corazón Arizona is committed to providing a platform for diverse communities—particularly BIPOC individuals who bear the weight of policy outcomes. By working together with organizations like CAIR and the Arizona Muslim Alliance, our gatherings offer a forum for community members to speak openly about how specific propositions and laws affect their lives, whether through town halls, forums, or casual community meetings.
At a recent town hall event, this collective experience was powerfully evident. Attendees expressed how vital it is to gather during election season to raise awareness, foster mutual support, and take action. Darby, a community member, captured this sentiment by saying, “It’s really important to know what is going on within our community and the issues that people find important so that we can find points of connection within our struggles and support one another.” Another attendee, Consuelo, emphasized the far-reaching importance of the moment: “Taking into account the situation of our countries and the role that the United States plays in the world… it’s very, very important.”
The first words of the Constitution, "We the People," ring especially true in spaces where community members can freely share their stories and concerns. Gathering to listen, learn, and support one another during election season isn’t just about getting out the vote; it’s about empowering people with knowledge, awareness, and the solidarity needed to advocate for change. At Corazón Arizona, we know that these moments of connection are essential in amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. And as these conversations continue, the importance of engaging with the community stands out as both a privilege and a profound responsibility.
As we head toward November, we encourage all voters, and people of faith in particular, to come together, listen, and recognize the critical role these shared spaces play in strengthening our democracy, one gathering at a time.
