We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jose Rico. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jose below.
Jose, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
On the night of Election Day during the May Primary Runoffs this year, I felt like my heart sank when I saw the results. I looked back at all the hard work we made and it felt like it just went to shreds. The unofficial results were in and our campaign was down by 72 votes. It’s true, every vote counts and I didn’t know the true meaning until that day. There wasn’t a clearer more qualified candidate than the one I was campaigning for but in the world of Politics anything can happen. I knew if we had a few more days or even a clear message from the candidates who endorsed us we could have been the Democratic nominee. Nevertheless, it didn’t happen that way and the results showed it, but I felt something I have never felt before. It felt like I needed to do something in order for the change our communities need to happen, so I did. I am in the process of forming my own PAC (Political Action Committee) to help Progressive candidates in Red Counties all over Texas get the aid, strategies, and funding for their campaign. I see how the party doesn’t help these candidates as much as the ones in strong Blue counties such as Dallas, Harris, Travis,etc… It’s not fair for those individuals and neither their community. If I have to be the one doing the work our party lacks then so be it. The team I have with me is dynamic and intelligent, I know that once we start planning we will definitely create something big and unique for these candidates trying to shape Texas into a better State.
Jose, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Jose Rico, I am a Precinct Chair, Field Director, Campaign Manager, Organizer, and a Advocate for Immigration reform and Equality for All. I got into this field 2 years ago but my interest began when Beto O’Rourke was running for Senate and that would be the first time I would ever vote. I started off in this world as a Field Director for a Congressional Campaign then a Campaign Manager for a Mayoral Candidate in the City of Garland, Texas. I just kept getting into campaigns which I truly enjoyed because I knew these candidates would create the difference our community needs. We faced a lot of problems especially in the Mayoral Race since I hopped in 1 month before the election happened meaning I didn’t have much time to gather volunteers, block walk, phone bank, and fundraise but we still made everything possible with what available resources we had. Problems I have faced came in every campaign but the one that I will always remember would be the Justice of the Peace 2-1 race where there was one clearly qualified candidate with over 12 years of legal experience going against an incumbent who had the name recognition. That was always hard to overcome because not only do we have to convince people as to why we are the better candidate but what are we going to provide that the current Judge isn’t. Luckily for us we advanced to the runoffs in a 4 way race. It was a lot of hard work, walking, sun burns, and sweat. Ultimately, we lost by a margin of 72 votes which isn’t much but definitely proved our point that we need to do more work in voter outreach. I’m most proud of this past campaign that I was apart of because we started a momentum that others are following, we lead with our true beliefs and people followed along. Our support base started in Mesquite then expanded to the likes of North Carolina!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
For every organization to be successful you need funding. The 2 best way I have found to fundraise is to contact your friends and tell them if they can pitch in a few bucks or however much they can on a monthly basis and the other one is to host fundraising events with organizations in Dallas County where guest would be provided with small snacks and drinks. It’s harder that what it sounds but when you are able to work together with individuals who are in the same field you are in then it becomes a little easier. Make it fun and memorable for your guests cause at the end of the day they are the ones who believe in your mission as much as you do or even more. Don’t push or force others to donate to your cause it will be their last time doing so and they won’t put in a good word to others when you need it.
Any advice for managing a team?
My team and I are passionate and motivated individuals yet respectful of others views. My foundation and values are simple, treat the team as if they are your family, hear their concerns, and always and I mean always thank them for their time and work that they have provided. This will not only show them that they are valuable to you but also that you believe in them. I’m not one where I demand respect or to be treated differently because that’s not how I grew up as, in fact I just want to be treated how I treat others. I also make sure to give my team enough time to work and to finish tasks accordingly. Lastly, never look down on your team because without them there won’t be an organization, group, or mission.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_rico_19/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051810253077
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-rico-aa2667188/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Jose_Rico19
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Atalia Garcia Williams, Chris Leal, Beto O’Rourke, Maria Aceves, Koni Ramos, Jasmine Crocket, Mike Collier, and Jay Kleberg.