For the last 4 years, Re-Imagine Los Angeles Coalition has welcomed interns throughout the academic year and during the summer season. Our small but mighty team hugely appreciates the capacity interns are able to bring, and we deeply appreciate getting to work with young advocates as they carve out their academic journeys and careers within the civic issues that matter most to them.
This summer we had the pleasure of working with Kaitlyn and Z during the busiest months of the LA County budget process. They were able to do a deep dive into the Board of Supervisors’ voting history and keep track of important budgetary items that moved through various county meetings.
We’re so grateful for the passion, commitment, and knowledge our summer interns brought to the work. Before their internship concluded, Kaitlyn and Z interviewed each other and reflected on their time with RELA. Below they share more about their experiences!
If you or someone you know is interested in interning with us, please reach out to hello@reimagine.la for more information.
An interview with Z and Kaitlyn, two of our summer interns
Tell us a little about yourself and your background. What interested you in this internship?
Kaitlyn: My name is Kaitlyn. I am an incoming sophomore student at UC Irvine. I am currently studying political science in hopes to become a lawyer one day. Which is what got me interested in this internship. I was really interested in exploring the policy side of law so I was ecstatic when I was offered this position.
Z: I am currently getting my MSW at UCLA and La Defensa served to complete my second year practicum hours. In my first year, I worked in Alzheimer’s care exploring the role of social workers in community healthcare settings. This year it was really amazing getting to switch things up entirely and learn more about macro social work and public policy, especially at an organization putting our shared abolitionist values into practice.
What experience meant the most to you during this internship?
Kaitlyn: What meant the most to me was getting the opportunity to learn from some of the most amazing people here at La Defensa. The passion this organization has was infectious and it was amazing getting to help change the carceral system.
Z: I really enjoyed getting plugged into a whole ecosystem of people doing really good work through the La Defensa’s various coalition members and community partners. In uncertain times, it was really energizing to make those connections. In particular, I’m grateful for getting introduced to TLC (Trans Latin@ Coalition) because I am really inspired by their work on multiple levels.
What one is one new skill you’ll be taking away with you?
Kaitlyn: One new skill that I will be taking away from this is how to read a budget. Something that will be essential as I continue my studies.
Z: Moving forward, my civic engagement is about to be through the roof! I feel more prepared to hold my politicians accountable, to decipher policy trends, and just show up and show out for what matters.
What is something that surprised you about this work?
Kaitlyn: Something that really surprised me was the lack of evidence from the board of supervisors. For example the motions to close MCJ has been passed for a few years and the fact that the jail is still running is baffling.
Z: It’s absolutely fascinating to watch the Board of Supervisors rubberstamp millions and millions and millions of dollars towards policing while every penny towards community investments requires a lengthy process reminding them what people actually want and need. I understood that contrast in priorities conceptually but seeing it so clearly was really eye-opening.
Were there any significant challenges that you faced during this process?
Kaitlyn: A significant challenge that I faced was the persistent frustration I felt at how slow this process is. There are real human beings suffering and people are dragging their feet. So I am trying to be hopeful.
Z: It’s been really frustrating to witness the Sheriff and Probation Department basically holding our tax dollars hostage while actively harming our communities and escaping accountability for it. On top of that, there is a push to limit settlements for survivors of in-custody sexual abuse and our DA Nathan Hochman is in favor of it. When that same goal of preventing future settlements could be achieved by changing the conditions dragging young women and girls into these facilities where they are being harmed. During his internship, it was also difficult to see issues such as sheriff, deputy gangs being painted as historical when they are an ongoing threat to all of our shared public safety.
Best part of this internship?
Kaitlyn: The best part of this internship was meeting all the people behind this amazing organization and learning from them. They have done some much amazing work in the fight to end mass incineration. So they had so many things to teach us.
Z: Feeling a renewed sense of purpose and dare I even say, hope? We are all in this together and there are plenty of ways to get involved supporting your community. Go out and find them or create your own.