Hello, I’m Rachel Myles, the new Youth Organizing Associate with the Children’s Defense Fund of Texas. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with young advocates across the state!
Book an appointment with me here!
I was born and raised in Garland, TX and I graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in political science. I kind of fell into the work of community organizing because, while both of my parents were politically active to varying degrees in their youth, I didn’t really see any opportunities for me to be.
I grew up learning about activists and activism, but I didn’t get a chance to see it firsthand until a friend invited me to volunteer on a political campaign where he was serving as a campaign fellow. I didn’t know that was something you could do, and I especially didn’t know that it was something you could do in high school. On that campaign, I worked my way from volunteer to fellow and it changed the path of my life completely.
I studied Political Science at the University of Houston and that is where I got to see another side of activism and community organizing. I got hands-on experience with coalition building and witnessed the power of young people looking to make change. I got to experience the interconnectedness of political power and people power. I would even get the opportunity to become a congressional fellow and work in the office of the same congressman I campaigned for.
Working in a congressional office, on a political campaign, and in community and campus organizing allowed me to see how much people, especially young people, can accomplish when we work together. This is why I leapt at the chance to work for the Children’s Defense Fund, which works tirelessly to uplift the voices of young people. In my work, I want to help young people become more aware of the power they possess and share with them the ways they can wield it to become advocates for themselves and their communities. I want to connect more young advocates and young advocates in the making with each other so that they can build lasting relationships and coalitions. Together, we can make DFW and Texas a beacon of civic engagement!
Please feel free to reach out and book an appointment with me if you have any questions or would like to chat!
Authors
Rachel Myles
Organizing Associate – Youth Engagement, Children’s Defense Fund – Texas