This week, in a space of 24 hours, I had the privilege of attending not one but two gatherings that reminded me of why I am so proud to be part of ECCO – the ECCO Boat Cruise and the Work and Family Mobility Act bill signing at the State House. In combination, these two events remind me that the ECCO community is not only effective in pursuing justice but also joyful, connected, and caring across so many lines of difference.
The Boat Cruise
On Sunday, there was the ECCO Boat Cruise, which was a memorable opportunity to connect with people across ECCO's diverse community and dance ourselves ragged through conga lines, a soul train, and all manner of line-dancing.
We are so grateful to everyone who made this year's cruise possible, and helped us create the most diverse and most financially successful boat cruise in recent history, raising over $9000 for ECCO! Thank you!
In particular, we want to thank our Boat Cruise sponsors for making the cruise so successful. See our list of sponsors here.
Witnessing History in the Making
ECCO staff and leaders at the Drivers’ Licenses Bill Signing
Less than 24 hours after our Boat Cruise, ECCO leaders and staff had the honor of attending the State House signing ceremony for the historic Work and Family Mobility Act bill, which will allow trained drivers to get drivers' licenses regardless of immigration status. Together, our coalition partners and legislators chanted "Si se puede? Si se pudo!" "Yes we can? Yes we did!"
Looking around the room, it was truly inspiring to realize that this bill only passed because of the commitment and collaboration of thousands of local leaders over 20 years. It reminds me that even when change sometimes seems impossible, with perseverance and good organizing, we can win in the long run. I hope we can hold this memory close and remind ourselves of this victory when things get hard.
Click here to read Marlon and Aviva from ECCO speak about the meaning of this victory in El Planeta newspaper.