AAOP has been a young person-led, mostly femme and queer-led organization since 2016 and while you may have met staff and young leaders in community events, while volunteering for canvassing or even in the past, who are the people behind AAOP? Over the next few weeks, we’ll be re-introducing AAOP staff! Get to know who is part of AAOP, our likes and dislikes, experiences and stories.
Next up is Michelle, Gender Justice Organizer!
Favorite Part of Your Role: I love engaging with community members, whether that’s at an event, a 1:1, or small group setting. Connections and stories from community members motivates me to make change.
Least Favorite Part of Your Role: Writing grant applications and reports is probably my least favorite part of the work, but I understand its importance..
What inspires your work? I want youth and young people to be able to advocate for themselves and for us all to strive for a more just and equitable future. Young people inspire me.
Life motto or quote that inspires you: Unity is a byproduct of Justice
Share a story or a memorable moment that happened while at AAOP: During my first canvassing effort, we went door knocking, and we had a surprising amount of successful contact with community members in St. Paul, (50% contact rate?)! That was memorable and exciting!
Testimonies from other staff:
I hadn’t met someone so interested in bees until I met Michelle. Funny thing was that I was reading a book about bees and I learned so much about bees reading the book and hearing Michelle’s stories working with bees. Also, about life in Texas. Go bees! – Jeffrey
Although I haven’t worked with Michelle for long, I’ve seen that she brings a really positive energy to the team. She is really fun to work with, a great communicator, and I am inspired by her passion for the work and courage to make such a big career shift! – Clara
Michelle did a whole career change and I’m amazed at that and how she’s caught up in the organizing world. She’s also done SO much in building the Gender Justice program, especially with leading the YPAR work with our interns. ALSO, did you know she’s also a fantastic skater?? – leyen
Best singer goes to Michelle during the night of the karaoke. AMAZING VOICE. – anonymous