SI, SE PUEDE

At Marin Academy's Conference on Democracy Dolores Huerta Inspires Activism

On April 29, Marin Academy students, educators, alumni, and parents sat transfixed as Dolores Huerta, civil rights pioneer and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, ignited the activist in each and every one of us. Huerta brought an intersectional vision to her dynamic keynote address on civic engagement during MA's annual Conference on Democracy. As an American labor leader who, with Cesar Chavez, co-founded the National Farmworkers Association, Huerta recognized early on that the specific needs of workers varied depending on their diverse identities.

"Her lifelong pursuit of workers', immigrants', and women's rights and the courage she has had as a leader is inspiring to me. She has embodied her call to action of 'Si, se puede' in so many ways, including often being the only woman, or the first woman, to be in various organizations or leadership roles at the time. She is a groundbreaker and inspires me to be one too," Chiara S. '22, one of the conference's student organizers shared.

"Dolores Huerta reminds us that reforming democracy takes work every day on the individual level. Everyone has the space to recognize their own personal privilege, commit to making positive changes, and uplift the voices of others. When we gather together with a shared purpose and get organized, we can change the world." Chiara continued, "Conference on Democracy throws students into discussions and interactive sessions that allow us to investigate the state of our democracy and grapple with issues like voter suppression, police brutality, and the growing climate crisis. My hope is that we can all come away from the day feeling empowered to make a difference in our communities."

Although Conference on Democracy, founded in 2004, was virtual this year, Marin Academy's student leaders and organizers dedicated themselves to bringing together civic leaders and change-makers to shed light on systemic inequalities rooted in our society. The conference invited students, parents, alumni, and community members to identify meaningful ways to increase the sustainability of our democracy on an individual, local, and global level. From behavioral economics, neuroscience, and voting rights, to youth activism, and ethical listening, participants were challenged to listen, learn, and initiate change in an environment of collaboration.