[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 159 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1006-E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF BORICUACTIVATED

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BRENDAN F. BOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 2022

  Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, when most people 
imagine the American democracy at work, they picture this House--or the 
other chamber--and the work we do as lawmakers.
  Or they picture themselves or their neighbors in the voting booth, 
casting ballots to determine the make-up of government at the local, 
state, and federal levels.
  To me, however, American democracy also takes another form: the 
ongoing dialogue between citizens and public servants, like us, whom 
they elect to represent them. It is in these conversations that we 
truly learn our constituents' hopes and dreams for the future; it is 
where we learn to make their priorities into our priorities; it is 
where we truly live up to our founders' ideals that the people should 
be allowed--and encouraged--to petition their government.
  That is true civic engagement. And that premise is at the heart of 
BoricuActivatEd, a stellar volunteer-run organization that is now 
proudly celebrating its fifth anniversary. They are leading the way in 
fostering that active, ongoing dialogue.
  The group was created in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, which 
struck Puerto Rico with tragic ferocity. The group found immediate 
success in marshalling the combined

[[Page E1007]]

voice of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, proving its impact and displaying 
the power of civic engagement. They grew from there.
  Through its civic engagement workshops, BoricuActivatEd has now 
supplied more than 2,000 people with the tools needed to make their 
voices heard. It has taught them how to advocate for their priorities 
and to garner the attention of their elected officials. I can 
personally attest, having participated in their workshops, just how 
effective and valuable these sessions can be.
  To their credit, just as it was born during a moment of tragedy, 
BoricuActivatEd continued to grow its programs during another 
challenging period--the COVID-19 pandemic. Remarkably, during the past 
two years, it has developed a curriculum enabling the next generation 
of citizens to become engaged in their government. BoricuActivatEd has 
brought its lessons to students at the high school level, including 
Esperanza Academy in my district.
  By training people of all ages, and by securing the active 
participation of elected officials at all levels of government, 
BoricuActivatEd represents civic engagement and empowerment at its 
best.
  I am proud to congratulate BoricuActivatEd on its fifth anniversary 
and wish them every success as they embark on new accomplishments in 
the years ahead.

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