Local Engagement Matters – Volunteer Today!
Local Engagement Matters
“My husband became a citizen yesterday, and it was a little bittersweet as no one was able to go into the ceremony with him due to COVID restrictions…”
In a continuing season of COVID concerns and bitter cold, it can be hopeful to read about how our local volunteers make a true impact. Recently, LWVMpls received an email from someone expressing gratitude for the volunteers that were present when their husband became a new citizen. Due to COVID restrictions, the writer was not able to be present with her husband, but volunteers were able to come up and welcome him:
“...[T]he volunteers were there when he exited the ceremony, and he told me their excitement and joy made him feel so welcomed. They were offering to take photos of the new citizens with their naturalization certificates and sharing their happiness. To have strangers be so welcoming to him made a big impact, and he mentioned it several times through the day.”
If you’re thinking about more ways to participate in local democracy this year, consider participating in new citizen ceremonies! As the writer said, “Thank you for the efforts you make to celebrate new citizens and encourage their participation in our democracy. It has an impact!”
From LWVMpls: Hats off to our state organization, LWNMN, and especially to Judy Stuthman, for their all work on the new citizen ceremonies.
See below for dates of upcoming ceremonies and how you can be involved.
RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN is still following COVID measures, so masks will be needed. Approximately 1,200 will become citizens each day. If you are able to help, please email Judy Stuthman at [email protected] and indicate which shift you'd like to work, or if you'd like to work all day. Thank you for volunteering!
Ceremony Dates:
Tuesday, February 15
Morning session, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM – 16 volunteers needed
Afternoon session, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM – 16 volunteers needed
Thursday, March 17
Morning session, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM – 16 volunteers needed
Afternoon session, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM – 16 volunteers needed
Friday, March 18
Morning session, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM – 16 volunteers needed
Afternoon session, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM – 16 volunteers needed