“I was actually trying to join another organization, when I heard about PowerUp NC,” shared Ernestine Ledbetter, a PowerUp leader. “When I became involved with both, I found that PowerUp valued my input. The other organization didn’t. You can guess where I spend my volunteer time!”
Life has shown me that certain groups are always left out. If you’re poor or a person of color, no one listens. Over and over, I watched organizations get money and come into our community. As soon as the money was gone, so were they.
PowerUp is different. They listen. They value our expertise. They are in the community. They are here to stay. No one cares more about a community than the people in it. So, when PowerUp arranges a march, I’m there. When PowerUp hosts a table to help with rental assistance, I’m staffing the table. If there is a conference on affordable housing, I’m going. Whatever is needed, I’m there.
My mother taught me that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. PowerUp helps our community “squeak.” One thing in life is certain: if you don’t get involved, things don’t happen. I’ve learned that lesson. I’m involved!”
PowerUp NC is a program of NC League of Conservation Voters Foundation, working with communities towards a stronger economy, healthier environment, and a more inclusive democracy. We reach greater levels of justice when we connect the root causes of climate change and environmental degradation to those of other issues, and fight together to create impact.
