NJ Interns Award Ceremony

On November 2nd, 2011, Korean American Voters’ Council’s New Jersey interns received community service commendations from NJ State Senator Loretta Weinberg, NJ State Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, and NJ State Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle.

KAVC interns participated in various community grassroots projects for thirty-six weeks from April to November. Fourteen interns helped with voter registration drives, mail-by-vote campaigns, and held a community survey with 400 participants in an attempt to gain an understanding of how other ethnic groups feel about Korean Americans. Also, in an effort to help revive the local economy, the interns participated in the “Buy Local, Shop Smart” project which urged residents to purchase their goods from local stores. This project was also presented to local politicians.

Despite their busy schedule campaigning for re-election, Senator Weinberg and Assemblyman Johnson presented their awards to the interns one by one, congratulated them, and took individual photos. Senator Weinberg stated that young people are the future of democracy, and gaining experience with working for the community is absolutely essential. Assemblyman Johnson urged KAVC and its interns to raise awareness for the next year’s elections since young bilingual Korean Americans will play a huge role in providing information to the older generations.

This year’s New Jersey interns received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, commendations from Congressman Scott Garrett, State Senator Loretta Weinberg, State Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, State Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle, Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan, Bergen County Freeholder David Ganz, and award certificates from KAVC.