We have to convince people that they have the power to elect people. The people they are electing are the ones making the decisions about how our tax dollars are going to be spent. Is it going to be for more jails, or for more schools? For more house services? It's very important that people understand that, do their research and find out who to vote for.

When you choose to give up your time and resources to participate in community work, that's what makes a leader.

We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for.

Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.

We have to get back down to basics. We have to start organizing at the neighborhood level to get people educated to vote.

Gloria Steinem in the women's movement. Eleanor Smeal of the Feminist Majority. There are all of these great wonderful women I've met that are so inspirational.

As a youngster and being a Latina, you see so much injustice.