Benoit Jurion: Starting to Make an Impact in Our Community
As a Policy and Research Intern at Veggielution, I've gained a deeper understanding in
both policy work but also the East San Jose community. Stepping into the Veggielution
office, I immediately felt the energy and dedication towards creating a strong social
impact in East San Jose. In just a few months, I have developed new skills and created
new connections in the community. My first project was researching and aligning
California election propositions to Veggielution’s strategic goals and then seeking
approval from Veggielution Directors, of which all were approved. I then designed voter
guide material and presented them to community members at Veggielution's "First
Saturday" community engagement event, where I facilitated communication with both
English and Spanish speakers. During this experience, I worked to overcome language
barriers and engage in productive discussion about the proposals. I am continually
surprised with how these incredible new experiences invite me to step out of my comfort
zone.
In my role as a Fellow, I aspire to make meaningful contributions by helping create
Veggielution's first policy platform, ensuring that all Veggielution's projects and
partnerships align with the non-profit's wider goals and strategy. I am excited as my
work will coordinate Veggielution's numerous involvements and guide them in making a
lasting impact to help the East San Jose community. I also am excited to bring fresh
perspectives and innovative ideas to help foster growth in developing projects such as
Urban Growers Network, which is building a collaborative model for enhancing access
to healthy food through the creation of urban farms and gardens throughout Santa Clara
County. My ultimate goal is to be a dedicated and valuable member of the Veggielution
team, working collaboratively and diligently to create a positive and lasting influence in
our community.