Carter Center Inclusive Democracy Gathering in Atalanta, GA - In April, Damon Clark, Development Director, and Jaynie Parrish, Executive Director attended the Democracy Gathering to meet with colleagues from Georgia, Michigan, South Dakota and discuss our grassroots work and teams in our respective regions. These few days allowed for enriching discussions and an exchange of valuable insights regarding the barriers we face in this work and also the challenges and strategies we’ve developed to overcome them. Arizona Native Vote is proud to be in the Carter Center network and look forward to more opportunities.

Panel: Successfully Engage Tribal Rural Voters in Arizona

2025 American Democracy Summit in Gila River, AZ - In May, Triston Black, Navajo Nation, Director of Young Peoples Project, Jandi Craig, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Deputy Programs Director, Missa Foy, Board Member, and Jaynie Parrish, Navajo Nation, Executive Director presented on how to ‘Successfully Engage Tribal Rural Voters in Arizona’. The session highlighted the work of our rural and tribal organizers, and leadership shared proven strategies for engaging communities year-round, hiring and training local leaders, and building effective grassroots and electoral systems. The Native vote holds real power—and protecting access to the ballot is essential to unlocking it. One big bonus, we got to meet with and talk with actor, Micheal Douglas who was there to show and discuss a documentary he helped with.

Democracies Under Attack - A Global Convening in Guatemala - In May, Arizona Native Vote was invited to participate in a historic gathering of leaders from Latin America, the US, and Canada committed to defending democracies in the region and working to develop responses to the crisis we are facing. Guatemala was chosen specifically for its strength and being home to the largest percentage of Indigenous people in Central America. Our goal is to continue creating spaces for collective strategy-building and learning. It was truly a memorable experience that allowed for an Indigenous grassroots team like ours to analyze the political landscape from a global perspective and share our stories. Stay tuned for a longer write up from our executive director.

Arizona Native Vote Organizers and NOA Fellows

Native Organizer’s Alliance Training in Federal Way, WA - In June, Kaia Aiello, Youth Field Organizer, Shara Dosela, Field Coordinator, and Theresa Ross, Field Organizer participated in NOA’s summer training program. For Kaia, Shara, and Theresa this summer marked their first year work anniversary with Arizona Native Vote and for some, the 2024 election year was their first time voting and organizing their communities. They are passionate about the work and are helping peers and community members along the way. We are so proud of them and super excited they get to be in more spaces like NOA’s training program so they keep growing, being inspired, and are in community with relatives from across Indian Country.

Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation (FCCP) in Montgomery, AL - In June, Arizona Native Vote presented at the annual FCCP convening along side Rural Democracy Initiative colleagues from Georgia and Texas. We talked our work and direct local impact in the Rural America Can Save Democracy panel session. We know first hand rural America is diverse and full of rich talent. Thanks to Danny Diaz for creating space for grassroots groups like ours. Having more champions opening up pathways for us to share our stories with potential donors and partners is critical to the sustainable of the work. We look forward to connecting more with our ‘rural’ colleagues. Rural communities are diverse!

Protect the Sacred and Arizona Native Vote

Protect the Sacred Youth Summit in Shiprock, NM - In July, Triston Black, Director of Young Peoples Project, attended the youth summit to reconnect with the Protect the Sacred team, students and community members. He also shared information about the youth program, Indigenous Democracy classes, civic fellowship programs, Firekeepers initiative, and so much more. The event hosted Native youth from across New Mexico and Arizona to learn more about organizing, voting, culture, and film. And to get ready for the 2026 midterms. When more young people are leading and creating space to strengthen civic engagement the stronger our voices get! Thank you to our team and Protect the Sacred.

Arizona Native Vote Presence - We’ve Been Everywhere!

Destinee’s Story: Why Culture Belongs in Every Civic Conversation”

Cody’s Story: The First Time You Vote Feels Big—Because It Is