California

Citizenship Workshops Sponsored by NALEO with help from State Farm

Now is the time – time to become a U.S. citizen! Or as NALEO (the National Association of Latino Elected Officials) says it: ya es hora ¡Ciudadanía! NALEO’s citizenship campaign seeks to help residents become citizens and full participants in US civic life. State Farm was there to help support two recent Citizenship campaign events in Southern California. These events are free to residents seeking advice and assistance with the complex process of attaining citizenship.

On July 16, the NALEO Educational Fund and the YMCA of Greater Long Beach partnered with State Farm to host a citizenship workshop in Long Beach at First Friendship Preschool.  The timing of this event was to celebrate National Month of Citizenship that is part of NALEO’s efforts to inform residents about the value of full citizenship.

Nearly 300 people received help at no cost – including legal advice – In completing their application for citizenship. Support for the event was provided by NALEO, The Long Beach YMCA, the Long Beach AFO, and a grant from State Farm. Local State Farm Agent Vic Mady and members of his agency team were on hand to interact with workshop participants. Local Congresswoman Laura Richardson was among local leaders attending the event. 

A similar workshop took place on Sept. 10 in San Diego County, at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad. At this event, a coalition of local/national Latino, immigrant, LGBT, faith, and business organizations, along with State Farm supported this event. Representing State Farm was Oceanside Agent Luke Dix and two of his bilingual team members. More than 200 people were able to be helped with the citizenship application process. Dix reported that attendees were happy to see State Farm there.

“It was a great opportunity for my staff and I to get involved in the community,” Dix said. “We enjoyed meeting people and starting new relationships over the past few weeks as a result of our participation.”

More coverage of the San Diego County workshop can be found in the Human Rights Campaign’s Backstory Blog entry of Sept. 20.