PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dondi McKellar, US Navy Veteran, on Increasing Veterans' Civic Engagement in New York City
1:06:53
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132 sec
Dondi McKellar, a US Navy veteran, testifies about the importance of increasing veterans' civic engagement in New York City. He shares his personal experiences and involvement with various veteran-focused committees, emphasizing the need for veterans to participate in the New York City Civic Engagement Commission's initiatives.
- McKellar highlights his role in securing votes for the People's Money Initiative, which directed funds to address veterans' food insecurity.
- He explains the citywide participatory budgeting process and its potential impact on veterans.
- McKellar urges the committee to recognize the NYC Civic Engagement Commission as a valuable resource for veterans to amplify their voices and drive positive change.
Dondi McKellar
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Good morning, councilman Holden, and members of the committee on veterans.
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My name is Dante McKeller.
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I'm a sixty two year old United States Navy veteran, a Bronx homeowner, a lung cancer survivor, a member of the LGBTQI plus community, and a New York City street vendor.
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These identifications are not just labels, but they represent the journey and the challenges I have faced.
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Today, I emphasize the importance of increasing veterans civic engagement in New York City and encourage my fellow veterans who take advantage of the opportunities the New York City Civic Engagement Commission offers.
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I have been dedicated to supporting veterans and ensuring invoices I hear throughout my career.
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I served as the chairman of the Veterans Committee for the Street vendor project from 2014 to 2018.
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And shared the Standard Long Veterans Committee for the Bronx Community Board 2 from 2016 to 2019.
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These roles help me to understand Veterans' unique challenges and how crucial civic involvement is to addressing them.
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In 2019, I joined the New York City engagement commission, participatory budgeting advisory committee to advocate for veterans engagement.
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Even after the committee ended in January 2024, I remain committed.
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As a coalition member for Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, I have to secure 347 votes in May of 2024 for the Peoples Money Initiative, directing $3405 to the James J.
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Peterson VA Medical Center food pantry.
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To address veteran's food and securities.
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Please review the attachments.
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The people's money initiative is a city wide annual participatory budgeting process.
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All residents, agents, 11 and up, regardless of immigration status, care decide how to spend a portion of the city budget.
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The 4 phase process includes ideal generation, burial assembly, voting, and implementation.
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Veterans participation is key in amplifying our voices and making meaningful community changes.
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Your participation matters.
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I urge this committee to recognize the New York City Civic Engagement Commission as a viable resource for veterans.
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We can empower veterans and drive positive change across New York City by fostering greater civic engagement.
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Thank you for your time, consideration, and most importantly, your dedication and well-being to our veterans.
1:09:02
I sincerely appreciate your commitment to this cause.
