Desi Deschaine, A Simply Wonderful Person
Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!
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SFP Editor: When/Why did you move to DC?
Desi Deschaine: I spent the summer before my senior year of high school (1996) studying at Gtown University and I fell in love with DC and decided this was the place where I wanted to attend College. In August 1997 I came to the Catholic University of America where I graduated form in May of 2001! I spent every summer in college living and working in DC for I knew that this was the place where I was going to make my home!
SFP Editor: How did you get involved in politics?
Desi Deschaine: I dislike politics BUT....... When I was 15 years old I spent a summer helping poor and homeless children in the country of Guatemala. Growing up very comfortable in suburban Connecticut I had never experienced such utter devastating conditions for children. At age 15, during my Guatemala experience I saw first hand things that most people in this country never get a chance to see---at age 15 I grew up real fast! Its hard to imagine a country where children--thousands of children roam the streets homeless, sick and hungry! When I stepped off the plane in America it was from that day forward that I decided to do everything I could to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities given to people in this country to make this world a better place. I realized that we are so blessed to live in a thriving Democracy, and the only way we can keep it this way is by getting involved and making a difference. Every day of my life Is thrive to make a positive difference! Imagine what those children would give to live in America, we complain to much here, but we are truly such a blessed country. We have the choice and we have the power, we one day could become like Guatemala, but if we realize we have the power, we can make sure that we do not let such a thing happen in our country. We must fight for equality for all and we must fight for our children--it is our moral duty to give each child in this country the opportunity to achieve the American dream!!!! I do no like politics, its a pain in the ass really, but to make a change for the better its a necessary activity to engage in. Democracy requires work and involvement!!!!!!
SFP Editor: What is your position with the Mayor's office? What do you do?
Desi Deschaine: As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Wards One and Two, I serve as a link between citizens and the Mayor/District of Columbia government. I will conduct and coordinate town hall meetings, monthly mayoral neighborhood walkthroughs, monthly citizen coffees with the Mayor, and the Mayor's community briefings, forums, and other projects. I serve as a liaison between the Mayor and community organizations, civic groups, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (Ands). As many of you know Wards One and Two consist of some of the most wonderfully diverse areas of Washington and include: Georgetown, Dupont, Foggy Bottom, The National Mall, Downtown, Shaw, Logan, Kilogram, Adams Morgan, Mt. Pleasant, U Street, Le Droit Park, Burleith, Chinatown, West End and other wonderfully diverse and dynamic neighborhoods in the District of Columbia!
SFP Editor: What do you hope to achieve in this position?
Desi Deschaine: Washington DC, the Nation's Capital, is great place to live and the doors to the District Government are open for business! We have come along way since Anthony Williams first took helm of our great city in January of 1999, anyone who lives or works in Washington can attest to the fact the city as a whole is a lot better off now than it was before the Mayor took office, but we still have a way to go and please know that we are working very hard every day to continue to move this city forward in the right direction and together, with your help we can make DC even better! I am working day and night to assist the Mayor in fighting crime, bettering Education and creating opportunity for all of the district residents.
SFP Editor: When you are not working for the mayor, how do you spend your time?
Desi Deschaine: My life has always been full of events, activities, people, places etc etc, it seems that now that I am working for the Mayor I spend most of my time in Wards One and Two doing what I have always been doing! I like to mountain bike, working out (results the gym--both Dupont and the Hill is where you will catch me.)
SFP Editor: What is your favorite area of DC and why?
Desi Deschaine: There are so many wonderful areas of DC! I urge everybody to check out our new City Museum! The City Museum opened on May 16, 2003. The museum tells the story of the city of Washington-the vision that created it, the influences that shaped it, and the people who call Washington their home. We invite you to rediscover the vibrant and colorful community we call our nation's capital. Here, this story will come alive. The City Museum and Historical Society of Washington, D.C. 801 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 202.383.1800
SFP Editor: What is the best way for DC citizens to voice their concerns to the mayor?
Desi Deschaine: VOTE on Election Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get involved and give a damn!!!!! We all lead busy lives, but what goes on in this city effects us all and its important for every resident of DC to get involved in their neighborhoods. Volunteer (www.doingsomething.org) Anyone can volunteer in the District. There are so many wonderful organizations that are doing great things for Washington DC who need the help of the residents of DC!!!!!!!! Also check out www.DCVote.org
We all have concerns, and it is important for us to voice our concerns to our local leaders. But we have to be part of the solution when we see a problem. It takes everyone in a city, we need your help! We are working so hard everyday to make DC a great place to live, but whether its fighting crime, bettering our schools, or creating opportunity for all, we need the help of everyone. Please become a literacy volunteer, join a local neighborhood crime watch organization, and remember that we are one people, whether we are white, black, Hispanic, male female, young, old, gay, lesbian, rich or poor. This city belongs to all of us and we all have a stake in what is going on in our city and we all have a duty to get involved and to make a difference. Don't ever discriminate! Give everyone a chance! Treat everyone as you would want to be treated!!!! Make a positive difference in the District of Columbia. Don't forget to VOTE VOTE VOTE.