Getting people to register to vote is only half of the battle. April Flores is devoting her summer to pushing people in her district to the ballot boxes. With her help in the voter turnout, she hopes to bring more comprehensive sexual education programs to schools throughout Texas.
“I am in charge of my area, the Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville, Texas,” she says. “With the Advocates for Youth of the Texas Freedom Network, I am advising people to register to vote and then actually vote. Because people don’t realize that it is a two-step process. We want people to vote for the State Board of Education in Texas to ultimately add to the curriculum throughout the state.”
Garrett Mize, The Youth Advocacy Coordinator for the Texas Freedom Network put her in charge of her community in the Rio Grande district.
“April’s work ethic is unmatched. She exhibits perseverance, dedication and creativity in all of her work to promote comprehensive sex ed and civic engagement. Her ability to attend college, be a mother and organize her community all at the same time is truly inspirational.”
It’s one thing getting people to register to vote. April Flores is devoting her summer to making sure that people register and actually vote.
April at the Leadership Development Institute – a civic engagement training – hosted by herself and the Texas Freedom Network Student Chapter at the University of Texas at Brownsville. April serves as the President of the TFN Student Chapter at UTB. (Photo/Garrett Mize)
Name: April Flores
Age: 21
School: University of Texas Brownville
Hometown: Brownville, Texas
Subject studying: History and Government
Favorite activities: I have so many. First off is reading. I do a lot of reading in both history and public administration. I enjoy blogging and photojournalism. Activism and of course, is huge for me. I also love spending time with my 2-year-old daughter, Frida. I think that the fun thing about blogging I get to let people know what I am doing and what work I am doing. I blog for Advocates for Youth of the Texas Freedom Network and I get to let everyone else know about it—especially in the valley.
I’m passionate about…I am passionate about activism, specifically advocating for confidence and sex education. I am a single parent and I fell in that statistic. I want to change the sexual education in Texas so that all students can be properly informed.
My inspiration: My daughter, of course. I would not be doing anything I am doing right if it wasn’t for her.
Program chosen and short-term plan: One of the things I have been constantly thinking about is a master’s degree. I am going to apply to graduate schools and study public administration and continue working in a nonprofit. I graduate with my bachelors in a year, but I hope to stay involved with Advocates for Youth.
In 10 years, I see myself… I see myself running for public office in my city. I think I would like to work my way up and be a representative in congress for my area or be the president of a non-profit organization. I am actually going to present at the National Council La Raza event. It is appealing to me because it focuses on all the issues facing Latinos like education, immigration. Bringing light to these issues and making a difference appeals to me.
