BA History | Global Liberal Studies
Focus: Advocating for the rights of unjustly detained political prisoners in Georgia.
I was employed by the Public Initiatives Association, a small non-profit, community-oriented organization located in Tbilisi, Georgia. Their mission is to advocate for the rights of political prisoners, including the former president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, and to utilize all available resources to secure his release from what the organization believes to be unjust imprisonment. I conducted comprehensive research and pinpointed individuals across various demographics, including students, young adults, working professionals, and seniors, who were willing to express their support for Saakashvili. As part of my research, I had the opportunity to conduct interviews, collect data, and assist in gathering information regarding public opinion on Saakashvili, which proved to be essential for the organization's initiatives and agenda. Furthermore, I was involved in coordinating meetings for PIA with other organizations, organizing small-scale protests and demonstrations, and disseminating political messages that advocated for the release of political prisoners.
The work I have undertaken with the PIA, and continue to pursue, holds profound significance for me. It marked my inaugural foray into the realm of political engagement—where I immersed myself in activism and organization, encountered seasoned politicians, and championed the rights of those ensnared by the clutches of political oppression. This experience has illuminated the critical role politics plays in shaping the trajectory of our nation and the communities dwelling within its borders.