Why our volunteers choose Central Valley Matters

Why does the Central Valley matter to us? The November election feels pivotal to the nation as well as the Central Valley. As the volunteers for Central Valley Matters prepare for our next fundraiser on Sept. 8, we are reminding ourselves why we work so hard for this. We wanted to share some of our own, personal answers in the hope they will resonate for you.

WHY we do this

Bob:

I deeply care about our country

I donate my time to CVM and my money to CVM’s grassroots groups because I care deeply about our country. We are heading in a direction I didn’t think was possible. CVM’s groups are helping the very people who are bearing the brunt of the terrible things that are happening. Right now, electing a new Democratic member to Congress will be a triple win – for the people of California CD-22, the Central Valley and our democracy.

Bernadette:

I will never forget … the children of migrant farmworker families

As a pediatric oncology RN, I will never forget the numbers of children from migrant farm worker families. I was inspired by their “village” of helpers. The grassroots groups we support give me confidence that families in CD-22 will finally have a strong voice through the community work of the young leaders as well as the energizing force in our dynamic Dem candidate, Randy Villegas. 

Donna:

I want to sleep at night

I give my time and money to CVM because I want to sleep at night. When I read about good hardworking people getting rounded up, torn from their families, and deported under nightmare conditions, I can't sleep unless I do something to stop that. I want to help elect a candidate for Congress who represents the neglected people of the Central Valley: a leader who will stand up and change the terrible direction our country is taking.

Ellen:

Bad air, bad water

When I began volunteering in the Central Valley, I saw how hard the lives of Valley people are: bad air, bad water, high child poverty, few jobs. And their elected officials didn't work to help them. I couldn't just go home and forget what I saw. Grassroots groups are the key to change.

Holly:

Free and fair

I volunteer so my daughter — and everyone's children — can live in a free and fair society. Hatred has never dispelled hatred. Only love dispels hatred.

Jim:

Breaks my heart

It still breaks my heart to know that over 500,000 people died when Trump and Musk killed US AID (Agency for International Development).  We need decent people in Congress who will fight against such outrages.

Michael:

Lasting change

I have always been taught that lasting change grows out of active listening, one conversation at a time.  I support the CVM mission of building civic engagement.  My wife and I are proud to support this worthy effort.  Adelante!

Shannon:

Opens my heart

What an honor it is to get to know the stories of CD-22’s hardworking people who put the food on our tables. The good work that the local grassroots groups are doing to build this movement opens my heart and fills me with joy! Our volunteers, partners and donors have worked together to make a difference. Thank you, Dolores, for being our mentor and for all you have done for CVM and the working people of America. Sí se puede!