From Frustration to Action: My Volunteer Journey
In a time of political uncertainty, discover how one act of service can spark a lifetime of impact—and how RootsCamp can be your starting point.
I remember the first time I volunteered. It was a warm fall day at Florida A&M University, and I had just started my freshman year at 17 years old. Fresh out of Detroit, I was adjusting to life in Tallahassee, balancing classes, newfound independence, and a growing awareness of the world around me.
The political climate at the time was tense, much like today. Headlines screamed about injustice, inequality, and decisions that seemed to move us backward instead of forward. Like so many, I felt a mix of anger, helplessness, and frustration. What could one 17-year-old college freshman possibly do to make a difference?
That’s when I met an upperclassman who was deeply involved in organizing on campus. After a long conversation about the state of the country and the power of community action, she invited me to volunteer for a voter registration drive. I’ll admit—I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I showed up, clipboard in hand, nervous but ready to try.
What I found that day wasn’t just a task—it was a purpose. I realized that even small actions, like registering one voter, could ripple out into something much larger. I began to see that change didn’t happen by accident—it happened because regular people, like me and you, decided to make it happen.
That experience set me on a path I never could have predicted. Over the years, I’ve worked in cities across the country—Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix and beyond—organizing communities, empowering young leaders, and fighting for progress. I’ve led voter registration initiatives that significantly increased civic participation, secured abortion access in Arizona, and promoted reproductive freedom in Colorado.
I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the power of collective action, from engaging with volunteers in all 159 counties in Georgia to building programs alongside colleges that inspire students to take action. Each step of the journey has deepened my belief in people power—the idea that, together, we can challenge the status quo and create a more equitable world.
Now, more than ever, America needs changemakers. Decisions made in Washington feel heavier every day, and the ripple effects touch every corner of our lives. The rights of marginalized communities are under threat, and progress we’ve fought so hard for feels precarious. But history shows us that it’s in moments like these that action matters most.
That’s why I’m so passionate about RootsCamp. It’s more than just an event—it’s a launching pad for change. It’s a space where organizers, dreamers, and doers come together to share strategies, build connections, and create solutions.
Volunteering at RootsCamp isn’t just about the logistics of managing a career fair or supporting an event (although we need that too!). It’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about giving people the tools and opportunities to take action, including at our Career Expo, where progressive employers connect with purpose-driven individuals looking to make a difference.
For me, it all started with a single volunteer opportunity at 17. That one small “yes” led to a career of working in diverse communities across the country, challenging systems of inequality, and building people power wherever I went.
So, if you’re tired of feeling overlooked, tired of yelling at the TV, and ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of the solution, I’m inviting you to join us at RootsCamp. Together, we can transform frustration into action and build a movement that shapes the future.
Sign up to volunteer here: Volunteer Form
Let’s not just talk about change. Let’s make it happen. Together.
Contact Me:
📧 rodericksmithpr@gmail.com
📱 313-404-5532