As National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) approaches, we’re featuring Dominicanos USA (DUSA) for its powerful, dedicated efforts in empowering Dominican-Americans and other Latino communities through voter registration and civic engagement initiatives.
Founded in 2013 and based in Manhattan, New York, DUSA is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization with a clear mission “to empower the Dominican-American community and give them a voice through civic, social, and economic engagement.” Part of this mission is fulfilled through voter registration and mobilization campaigns, citizenship application assistance, and more recently, technology and esports initiatives.
DUSA’s impact is evident in their impressive numbers. Since their founding, they’ve achieved 185,000 voter registrations in the northeast, and over 116,229 in NY alone. These unparalleled outreach metrics have been achieved through effective peer-to-peer communication, social media, and data analytics.
The organization has been a dedicated participant in National Voter Registration Day since 2016. Their approach combines on-the-ground efforts with digital strategies. For instance, during NVRD 2022, DUSA launched a digital campaign that reached over 3,100 individuals through email, social media, and Google ads. They also partnered with the Castle Hill YMCA in the Bronx, setting up a table to register members to vote and provide crucial information about voting.
DUSA’s strategies for mobilizing their community are diverse and targeted. They collaborate with other organizations, run social media campaigns, recruit and train volunteers, distribute informational materials at events like the annual Dominican Parade, and encourage community members to spread the word about the importance of voter registration.
One of their most exciting initiatives is the Youth Ambassadors program, launched in 2022. This program is driven by the power of relational organizing, training youth organizers to reach out to their network of family and friends during voter registration and mobilization campaigns. As Eddie Cuesta explains, “Youth ambassador training empowers these young people to become leaders in the community and to learn important lessons about how voting impacts elections and policy decisions.”
The program has seen significant success, with over 90 high school students from various New York City schools completing it. These students come from schools such as the International School of Liberal Arts (ISLA) on the Walton Campus, English Language Learners and International Support Preparatory Academy (ELLIS), Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, and others.
Despite their many successes, DUSA is acutely aware of the challenges in engaging voters. They cite apathy as a significant issue, with the group’s leadership stating that some community members simply believe “that their vote doesn’t count or make a difference.” Misinformation is another hurdle, particularly, they say, around “understanding the importance of enrolling in a political party so they can vote in the primaries.”
To address these challenges, DUSA focuses on educational campaigns and creates user-friendly materials that aim to overcome any language barriers by being concise and easy to understand in English as well as Spanish. Their approach is rooted in their deep connection to the Dominican community; as Cuesta puts it, “Our shared ethnic background, culture, and language allow us to relate authentically to our community, though we recognize and respect its diversity.”
DUSA is embracing digital tools to reach their communities about voter registration. Their Youth Ambassadors host a podcast called “Civics Chat: Empowering Youth in Democracy,” available on YouTube and Spotify. The ambassadors also create individual content on voter registration, issues important to youth, and why voting matters, which is posted on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
As you can probably guess from all of these grassroots initiatives, volunteers are crucial to DUSA’s efforts. They help manage registration points, promote events, provide information about the voting process, and assist individuals with registration. As Cuesta explains, “their participation will be essential to expand our reach and ensure that we connect with as many people as possible.”
Cuesta shared a touching success story about a woman named Yrayda D., whom they assisted in becoming a U.S. citizen. After helping Yrayda complete her N-400 application in March 2023, DUSA staff were delighted to see her at a USCIS swearing-in ceremony in November 2023, where she eagerly registered to vote. As Cuesta recounts, “Yrayda expressed deep gratitude for the assistance DUSA provided in helping her become a citizen and also registering her to vote so she can take full advantage of all the U.S. has to offer.”
Looking ahead to this year’s National Voter Registration Day, DUSA is coordinating with other organizations to ensure consistent messaging and planning impactful events. They’re also preparing robust follow-up actions, including “phone banking, text messages, email, and mailers” to keep newly registered voters engaged and informed about upcoming elections.
As we approach National Voter Registration Day, organizations like Dominicanos USA remind us of the power of community engagement and the importance of ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in our democracy. Through their tireless efforts and innovative approaches, they’re not just registering voters—they’re building a more inclusive and representative future for all Americans.