The Power of Community Engagement
When I look back at my journey—from immigrating to the United States with big dreams to serving as Mayor of Anaheim—what stands out most are the people who helped build this city alongside me. Anaheim isn’t just buildings, parks, and roads. It’s people. Families. Small business owners. Students. Seniors. Neighbors from all walks of life.
And what makes Anaheim, or any city, truly strong is the way we come together. Civic involvement and cultural exchange are two of the most powerful tools we have to strengthen our communities. They create understanding, build trust, and bring new ideas to the table. In today’s fast-paced and sometimes divided world, we need more of both.
Getting Involved Matters
Civic involvement simply means participating in the life of your city—voting, volunteering, attending public meetings, joining a neighborhood group, or even just speaking up when something needs fixing. These small acts add up to a big impact.
When residents get involved, local government works better. Leaders hear what matters most. Solutions are more thoughtful and rooted in real life. I always encouraged open dialogue when I was mayor, whether it was through community forums, town halls, or just walking through neighborhoods and listening.
One of the most inspiring things I saw during my time in office was how many young people, retirees, and new immigrants were stepping up to make Anaheim better. Whether it was helping out at food drives, organizing cleanup events, or joining city commissions, these residents reminded me that change doesn’t always start at the top—it starts with people who care enough to act.
Civic Involvement is for Everyone
Some people believe civic involvement is only for politicians or activists. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. You don’t need a title to make a difference—you just need heart.
I often tell the story of my early days in the U.S. I worked as a janitor, saved every dollar I could, and built a better life one step at a time. But what made me feel part of the American story wasn’t just hard work. It was the community around me. It was learning how this country works, attending school board meetings, and getting involved in local causes.
That experience gave me the confidence to run for public office and serve my city. But whether or not you run for office, your voice matters. Every person in a community brings something valuable to the table—especially those who have lived different lives or come from different backgrounds.
Celebrating Our Diversity
Anaheim is one of the most diverse cities in America. You can hear dozens of languages in our neighborhoods, enjoy food from every continent, and celebrate cultural festivals from all over the world. This diversity is not a challenge—it’s one of our greatest strengths.
Cultural exchange is what happens when people from different backgrounds share their traditions, stories, and values. It could be as simple as a potluck dinner at your child’s school, or as big as a citywide festival. These moments break down barriers and remind us that we have more in common than we think.
As mayor, I supported events like the Anaheim International Festival, where communities came together to showcase their heritage through music, dance, food, and art. These events weren’t just fun—they helped build pride, connection, and belonging. They helped people feel seen and valued.
Bridging the Gap Between Cultures
One of the biggest challenges in any diverse city is making sure no one feels left out. That takes intentional effort. It means offering city services in multiple languages, hiring staff who reflect the community, and making room at the table for new voices.
Cultural exchange also means listening. When you understand where someone else is coming from—why they celebrate a certain holiday, why family or faith is so important—you build empathy. That makes it easier to work together, even when we don’t always agree.
I often met with community leaders from different cultural backgrounds, whether it was Latino churches, Asian business associations, or Arab-American nonprofits. Those relationships helped me be a better mayor, because I wasn’t guessing what people needed—I was hearing it directly from them.
How You Can Make a Difference
You don’t have to be in politics to help build a stronger community. Here are a few ways anyone can get involved and promote cultural exchange:
- Attend a local event that celebrates a culture different from your own. Ask questions. Try the food. Learn something new.
- Volunteer for a cause that supports newcomers or underserved groups in your city.
- Join a city board or commission, or just attend a town hall to share your thoughts.
- Invite your neighbors over for coffee or a meal. Start a conversation.
- Support local businesses, especially those run by immigrants or minority entrepreneurs.
Each of these steps may seem small, but they create ripples. They build trust. They create connection. And over time, they transform neighborhoods into true communities.
Final Thoughts
My journey from immigrant to mayor was only possible because I lived in a place that welcomed civic involvement and celebrated diversity. I will always be grateful for that, and I believe every city in America can offer the same opportunity.
By encouraging people to get involved and supporting cultural exchange, we make our communities stronger, safer, and more united. We build places where everyone feels they belong—and that’s the kind of legacy we should all strive to leave behind.
Let’s keep showing up for each other. Let’s keep learning from each other. And let’s keep building cities that reflect the very best of who we are.