Corinne_Chacon

Name: Corinne_Chacon Location: El Paso, TX

A little about me

I am a spiritually-oriented ultra-progressive mystic who is engaged in political communications, visionary art, and applying the principles of quantum science to influence the events that manifest in so-called "reality," or, the field. Living here in El Paso, Texas, I see everyday the effects of poverty which no one wants to address, chronic disappreciation of the Mexican American culture, and the tip of the civil war that is taking place throughout Mexico. These past two weeks, we are also witnessing the battle for the border in its most recent manifestation in Arizona's proposition 1070. I am also a lesbian, Chicana writer who was born into politics and who believes intensely in the promise of our country. The potential of technology to mobilize change is still an unknown to most of the leaders in this city--I want to change that by learning the cutting-edge techniques and demonstrating how this force can be utilized.

I would describe myself as a

lurker

Why I deserve a Netroots Nation Scholarship

I am committed to communicating what is possible with technology and cutting-edge strategies to enable grassroots communities, which in El Paso, are low-income Mexican Americans, new and older immigrants, and women, high school dropouts, gays and lesbians, and the undereducated, to engage in civic action. I want to inspire others to realize that this country's promise is not a guarantee and that we must "work the system" to make the system work. But, clearly, the election of our president demonstrated that it can still work in magnificent ways. Our dreams are not in vain.

What first inspired me to get involved

I was born into politics and it speas to the deepest impulses of my soul. My mother has been working in public service for over 30 years. My father is a retired police officer. Service is wha we do. Applying my background as a network engineer to further a progressive agenda and link communities with low-incomes to technology is hugely satisfying. Most recently, a group of us has started the Chicana-Chicano Library Online which is still in the design stage. This is our effort to create an online encyclopedia that tells the true story of our accomplishments and reveals the hardships that previous generations have experienced in this country. Most institutionally-oriented history efforts neglect the impact of discrimination, racism and inter-cultural clas warfare on our story as a people.

How I've gotten others involved

Mostly through direct contact and/or through my work. Taking action online, in a community where people don't have adequate housing, jobs, healthcare or access to the justice system, is not the first priority. Yet, it can be the key to unlock the rest! So, my work here must begin at the beginning. With the new strategies in hand, however, our learning curve is minimalized and we can move forward with massive leverage. A well-organized effort could utterly shock this city's power structure--and the state's--because we have yet to act as a unified bloc of voters and citizens. Training from the conference can make this happen.

Why I think participation in the blogosphere is important

Because the Internet creates new public spaces where dialogue about critical issues can take place and where new voices can be heard. Consolidation of the media is a reality so the Internet's promise becomes a tool that is vital to the preservation of democratic values. We cannot wait for mainstream television to come around...consumer-driven movements, guided by informed decision-making, have instant results that are discussed in corporate boardrooms.

More about my involvement with DFA and local work

I volunteer with the Children's Grief Center of El Paso which helps children and families recovering from loss. I am also involved in the establishment of Voces del Pueblo, an effort to save a historic neighborhood from destruction at the hands of the City of El Paso which is working in conjunction with the city's most powerful developers. In addition, I assist my mother with her work to help civil rights movements, gain recognition for the accomplishments of Mexican Anericans, and assist farmworkers to attain equity and resources.

More about my volunteer work

I am currently handling communication technologies for a candidate for Texas' State Senate, the Hon. Jose Rodriguez. With a voter turnout of only 11% in the recent Democratic primary, we want to implement a long-term strategy to "build the electorate." Our goal is to generate such a powerful turnout that we help elect a Mexican American to the position of Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, the Hon. Pete Gallegos. AND: to help elect Bill White as Democratic governor of the State of Texas. El Paso can play THE KEY ROLE in achieving these major goals and this is the year it can be done.

My Twitter manifesto on online activism

The Commander-in-Chief was elected through the work of online activists. You owe your job to this phenomena so when you look at your paycheck, say "thank you."

My suggested bumper sticker slogan

Live your values. Vote your values.

My idea for a cool new online action

Walk around as a portable Internet kiosk so people can experience the power of the Internet in its immediacy, its extensive reach, and its potential.