Last year, on a camping trip near Carbondale, CO, I had the good fortune of a special
encounter that offered a quality perspective on my life. Carolyn and I chatted at length about
our nation’s current socio-political state of affairs – Why is society in its current shape?
What is going on politically and what are we doing about it? As I told Carolyn about the many
wonderful people I am working with on this journey to transform the essence of civic
engagement in my hometown, she asked me a pointed question: “Do you think you have
found your tribe?” My answer was, and is, a beautifully satisfying “Yes.”
As I looked at the sea of people at the Democratic Party of New Mexico Pre-Primary
Convention, and as I think of the many souls working on efforts to revitalize democracy on
our West Side, I am humbly grateful to say, “Yes. I am amongst people who care about our
community and our system of governance in much the same way that I do.” This month, the
West Side Democrats opens a community-wide conversation on an issue that deserves the
attention of our hearts and minds. Individually and collectively, we are capable of exploring
the essence of, and solutions to, issues that shape our lives. It is my hope that as we
explore these issues through a socio-political lens, we work with an attitude of inclusivity
and respect that honors our commitment to building a better democracy.
We are building the bridge while crossing it.
Respectfully yours,
Flora Lucero