The Garifuna Experience Podcast

Episode 52: Strengthening Democracy Through Nonpartisan Voter Engagement

• Jose Francisco Avila • Episode 52

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Is your voice being heard, or have you been labeled an "unlikely voter"?

In this powerful episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast, host José Francisco Ávila pulls back the curtain on the "participation gap" that has historically sidelined immigrant communities, youth, and people of color.

We dive deep into the political "feedback loop" that ignores non-voters and explain why nonpartisan outreach is the ultimate tool for democratic resistance. Learn how the Garifuna Coalition is utilizing its 501(c)(3) status to break this cycle, build "civic muscle," and ensure our community isn't just a checkbox on a census form, but a force at the ballot box.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The "Unlikely Voter" Myth: How political campaigns ignore new voters and how we are changing that narrative.
  • Nonpartisan vs. Paartisan: Why being independent of party loyalty allows us to be louder on the issues that matter.
  • Garifuna VOICE: A breakdown of our five strategic pillars, from Year-Round Registration, the 2030 Censusand Data Equity to Redistricting Advocacy.
  • Youth & Digital Activism: Bridging ancestral heritage with modern political power for Gen Z and Millennials.

Our vote is our voice, and our voice is our power. Tune in to learn how we are transforming the electorate to reflect the true diversity of the communities we serve.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The New York Connection: Why "smug" New Yorkers shouldn't ignore this ruling, and a look back at the "political trickery" that once required federal oversight in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
  • The Shirley Chisholm Legacy: How the VRA paved the way for the first Black woman in Congress, and how those same districts are now at risk.
  • Voices of Defiance: Hard-hitting reactions from leaders at NALEO, UnidosUS, and LULAC.
  • The 2026 Action Plan: How we can fight back through state-level legislation and local vigilance at the ballot box.

As we approach the 2026 midterms, the message is clear: We will not be silenced by judicial fiat. Our vote is our voice, and our voice is our power.

Resources:

Books by José Francisco Ávila

Soundtrack 

Our true power lies in THE POWER OF NONPARTISAN ADVOCACY 

HOST: Mabuiga! Welcome back to The Garifuna Experience Podcast. I’m your host, José Francisco Ávila.

Today, we’re talking about power. Not the kind of power that sits in a high-rise office, but the power that lives in your hands when you walk into a voting booth. 

We are living in a moment where the principles of an inclusive democracy are being tested—some might even say they are under assault. But if we want to protect our future, we have to understand the "participation gap" that has kept our community, low-income neighbors, and our youth on the sidelines for far too long.

Today, we explore how we break "Unlikely Voter Cycle” through Garifuna VOICE.

[02:15 - THE "UNLIKELY VOTER" CYCLE]

HOST: Now, you might hear people say, "Our people just don’t show up." But I want to challenge that. There is a "negative feedback loop" in politics that is designed to keep it that way.

Most voter outreach is conducted by political campaigns. Think about how a political campaign works. Their goal is not not necessarily to foster an inclusive electorate and to make sure everyone is heard; their goal is to win an election. To do that, they spend their money on "high-propensity" voters, those with a consistent voting history, oh and are affiliated with their political party!

If you haven't voted recently, you get a label: "Unlikely Voter."

Because of that label, the campaigns don’t call you. They don’t knock on your door. They don’t send you information. And because no one is reaching out, you might feel like your voice doesn't matter, so you don’t show up to vote. Then—and here’s the kicker—because you didn't show up, they keep that "Unlikely" label on your name for the next four years.

(Music: Drum beat shifts to a more urgent, faster tempo)

HOST: Nonprofits like the Garifuna Coalition are the only ones who can break this "negative feedback loop".

We don't see "unlikely voters." We see family, we see friends, we see neighbors, and we see a community with untapped potential. 

We have the trust and the cultural competency to turn that exclusion into empowerment.

[05:30 - THE POWER OF NONPARTISAN ADVOCACY]

HOST: One of the questions I get most is: "José, can the Coalition really get involved in politics?"

The answer is yes—but with a very important distinction. As a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Organization, we are strictly nonpartisan. This is not just a legal rule; it’s our greatest strength.

Being nonpartisan means our registration drives are open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. We focus on voters who have not voted in past elections, our goal I to  expand the voting electorate.

We don’t tell you who to vote for; we make sure you have the right to vote. We don't support candidates or parties. Our Materials focus on the process of voting, not the preference of political candidates.

We support the Garifuna people and all New Yorkers. Our commitment is to independence. We advocate for issues and civic participation, not for party platforms.

We can be neutral on candidates while being incredibly vocal on the issues that affect our lives, from housing and healthcare to immigration and affordability.

[08:45 - INTRODUCING GARIFUNA VOICE]

HOST: That brings me to our flagship initiative: Garifuna VOICE. That stands for Garifuna Voting and Organizing to Increase Civic Engagement. Our flagship initiative designed to build "long-term civic muscle." Rooted in local electoral data, this campaign focuses on the economic and social empowerment of underrepresented groups.

We are not just registering people for the Midterm elections; we are building "civic muscle" for the long term. Our goal is to transform first-time and occasional voters into habitual, lifelong participants.

Our strategy is built on five pillars:

  • Year-Round Registration: Democracy doesn’t happen once every four years. It happens every time there’s a local primary or a school board vote.
  • Data Equity & the 2030 Census: We need to stop being a "hidden" population. We are working to ensure we are counted as Garifuna, not just lost in a general "Hispanic" checkbox.
  • Culturally Sensitive  Voter Education: We create and distributes voter information guides, to assist voters on important election information, such as helping voters identify poll sites and obtain the status of their registrations. If you don't understand the voting process, you can't use your power.
  • Youth Engagement: We are connecting our Gen Z and Millennial voters to their heritage through digital hubs. Our ancestors fought for their survival; now we fight for our seat at the table.
  • Redistricting Advocacy: We have a Task Force watching the 2031 lines to make sure our community of Interest is not packed or cracked  by politicians.

[12:20 - COMMITMENT TO ASSISTANCE]

HOST: Registration is only the first step. The Garifuna Coalition is here to walk you to the finish line. We provide nonpartisan candidate guides, help you find your polling site, and even assist with absentee ballots.

We use our data to find the people the campaigns have ignored. We are looking for those "unlikely" voters to tell them: You are likely. You are necessary. You are powerful.

[15:00 - OUTRO]

(Music: Garifuna percussion returns to the foreground, celebratory and bright)

HOST: That wraps up another critical episode of The Garifuna Experience Podcast.

Thank you for listening. Our vote is our voice, and our voice is our power. We are expanding the electorate to reflect the community we represent. Remember: The future of the Garifuna people is in our hands.

Until next time, stay united, stay proud. Sungubei Lidan Aban. (Together as one). Ayo!

HOST: You can find new episodes of The Garifuna Experience Podcast every Tuesday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your shows.

Please rate and review—it helps our history and our struggle reach the world.

Soundtrack 

Head Shot

José Francisco Ávila

Host