Comstock's Magazine 0720 JULY July 2020 | Page 26

DISCOURSE Power of Politics California Center for Civic Participation Executive Director Belen Flores on educating young people about civics INTERVIEW BY Sena Christian PHOTO BY Ryan Angel Meza Belen Flores became executive director of the California Center for Civic Participation in June 2019, after eight years working full time for the Sacramento-based nonprofit. Founded in 1981, the nonpartisan organization aims to engage young people — particularly those who have been historically disenfranchised — in the political process through civic education programs. Comstock’s spoke with Flores about how her organization has adapted in recent months and why its mission remains important. 26 comstocksmag.com | July 2020