.png/:/cr=t:30%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:40%25/rs=w:1209,h:605,cg:true)
BLOOM Rio Grande Valley offers three different types of programs created to engage students in high schools and universities throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Our approach is targeted, creative, and data-driven. We draw on a combination of on-campus and community programming that energizes first-time voters and their families.
A Better 956 is designed to foster civic responsibility and develop organizing skills in young people living in the Rio Grande Valley. In participating, students work with local community organizations and agencies on service projects that help provide insight into issues related to economic justice, public health, conservation, city welfare, food insecurity, and education. Students learn about BLOOM partner organizations, the importance of their work in the community and how it affects the region, and how to become more involved.
This program builds youth power by assembling cohorts of rising student organizers. This series educates young voters on the historical landscape of voting and voter suppression in South Texas and how to combat harmful narratives around young people and civic engagement. Additionally, participants nurture skills such as public speaking, organizing a campaign event, and relational organizing. Each student is paid for participating, becomes a volunteer deputy registrar, and helps cultivate capacity for youth-led BLOOM RGV initiatives.
This program facilitates youth voter education and civic education programming for first-time voters in high schools, colleges, and universities throughout Hidalgo and Cameron counties. Lessons range from Local Elections 101 to creating your own plan to vote. At each presentation, BLOOM RGV leadership fellows register voters and colleges pledges to vote, connect students with direct services from BLOOM partners such as ID assistance, and distribute nonpartisan voter guides and civic education materials. Students connect to bLOOM RGV turnout efforts and program initiatives via text banks, mailers, and community outreach events.
Where our staff has registered students
