As the daughter of Mexican immigrants who grew up in a small town in western North Carolina, Vikki says “the personal has always been political.” She first got involved in political organizing as a college student at UNC, advocating for in-state tuition for undocumented students.
Now living in Raleigh with her husband Bill (who is an educator), Vikki is a public policy analyst at a multi-issue advocacy organization for children. “I love being able to take part in shaping public policies in our state and building a state where every family can thrive,” she says.
Check out this Q&A with Vikki, and then sign up to join her for an upcoming virtual phone bank!
How many times have you volunteered with FLIP NC?
I’d estimate four times since 2018. I’ve volunteered with other voter outreach organizations like Democracy NC, Neighbors on Call, and County to County. I’ve canvassed neighborhoods (including my own!) and participated in phone banks.
What has surprised you most about our voter outreach?
How easy it is to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
If you've participated in other voter outreach efforts, how are FLIP NC's different?
I love that FLIP NC is so intentional about fostering community. Even though we can’t see each other in person right now, I really appreciate that volunteers find ways to keep canvassers connected during voter outreach efforts. For example, they keep a Zoom chat open during phone banks. It’s a great way to stay connected with fellow canvassers and keep one another motivated as we make calls.
Have a funny story or touching moment to share?
I cherish conversations with young voters. I remember speaking with a first-time voter who had just wrapped up his work day as a construction worker. He told me he was looking forward to voting in his first election and was excited to learn that a fellow Latino, Ricky Hurtado, was running for office in his district [NC House 63]. Not only that, he also wanted to volunteer! It made my week.
What's your top tip for someone who is new to voter outreach?
Don’t be afraid of a pause in the conversation. People need time to process information, but the important part is that they’re still listening. Keep the conversation going and always be kind.
What is really motivating you to get involved? Obviously, you want to FLIP NC, but tell us a bit about the "why."
I’m motivated by the women in my family who have long been fighting for the right to vote. This spring, my momma survived COVID-19, and one month later she passed her naturalization interview and became a U.S. citizen. She’ll be voting in her first election this November! She’s a fighter through and through, and I wake up every day energized to do this work because of her.
My grandma Esperanza is 90 years old and became a U.S. citizen three years ago. In 2018, she was the last person to cast her ballot at her polling place on election day. She is the epitome of perseverance.
How are you feeling about the 2020 election?
I’m trying to stay hopeful. These past few weeks, I’ve been reminding myself of how I felt in 2017, wishing I could fast forward to this moment. I can’t take these next few months for granted. So, I’ll be organizing.
Other than politics, what’s a passion of yours?
I love crocheting. It’s a therapeutic activity for me, and I love making colorful scarves and mittens for loved ones. My grandmother teaches me new stitches virtually. I love that I’ll be able to carry on this tradition.
Who do you admire in politics? Why?
I really admire State Representative Sydney Batch. She’s a fellow social worker and a strong advocate for kids. I love that she leads with empathy and that she stays connected to her constituents. She also flipped her seat in 2018! I look forward to volunteering with her campaign again in the future.
What would you say to someone who is feeling totally dejected by our current state of politics? And how do you stay in the fight?
Remember the children and the youth. We have a profound obligation to them to build a better world where they can thrive. I’m continually inspired by our youngest citizens. There are high schoolers who can’t yet vote but are joining phone banks and calling prospective voters to encourage them to vote.
Tell us about a political moment that inspired you, whether it was a personal conversation, a speech given by a president, or a recent "blue wave" moment.
President Obama’s farewell speech in 2017 inspired me to get back up and keep working. His words of encouragement remind me time and time again that we can’t take democracy for granted. We must keep protecting it.
“Our democracy is not the buildings. It's not the monuments. It's you. Being willing to work to make things better and being willing to listen to each other, and argue with each other, and come together and knock on doors and make phone calls and treat people with respect. And that doesn’t end, this is just a little pit stop. This is not a period, this is a comma in the continuing story of building America.”