Through tireless local advocacy and a fierce commitment to justice, Oxfam Action Network activist Valari Taylor shows what can happen when one person turns their passion into action. We sat down with Valari for a chat to learn what drives her and what her story can teach us all about using our voices to create change.

A dedicated champion for democracy and equality in the Albuquerque region of New Mexico, Valari has been a powerful voice in the fight against unchecked billionaire power—one of the biggest drivers of inequality in the United States—as part of Oxfam's campaign to Tax the Ultra Rich. Over the past year alone, she collected over 300 signatures at a single protest urging Congress to tax the extremely wealthy, helped friends and community members send more than 250 postcards to lawmakers demanding that the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share, and met directly with her Members of Congress multiple times to advocate for tax fairness and economic justice. Her organizing hasn't slowed down. This summer, Valari brought Oxfam's message to a local May Day rally, where she helped build support for taxing the rich and collected more than 100 additional petition signatures.

[CALLOUT QUOTE BLOCK: “Something deep down inside of me says, ‘You can't let this moment pass. You have to do your part. You have to.”]

Valari is deeply involved with her local community and other activists in the Albuquerque region. She’s led peaceful protests, written and published letters to the editor, and is a leader in her local Indivisible chapter. She also collaborates with dietitians across the state to advocate for the protection of the SNAP program, so everyone can access affordable and nutritious foods.

When it comes to advocacy, Valari believes in a unified approach, grounded in the understanding that challenges around the world, directly or indirectly, have a broad impact on everyone. Valari says Oxfam stood out to her because of its “ability to seamlessly integrate domestic actions with global issues.” That’s why she’s supported the organization for years. Now, as a member of the Oxfam Action Network, Valari is channeling her passion for fighting inequality into local action.

That local action is leading to national impact. Valari’s work, alongside other Oxfam activists across the country has contributed to the 100,000+ petition signatures Oxfam has collected calling on Congress to Tax the Super-Rich.

Valari shared that she’s long believed in the power and importance of democracy. She feels the critical need to protect it. Following the surge in voter ID laws that began in the 1980s, Valari joined get-out-the-vote initiatives and got heavily involved in groups promoting democracy, effectively jumpstarting her long journey in advocacy that eventually brought her to Oxfam. She draws inspiration from leaders such as John Lewis, Congressman and pivotal figure of the Civil Rights Movement, and Nelson Mandela, the renowned anti-apartheid leader and global advocate for peace. Inspired by them, Valari doesn’t shy away from the fight for justice. “Something deep down inside of me says, ‘You can't let this moment pass. You have to do your part. You have to.”

Where does Valari get such an intense drive for action and justice? She says, “I never want it to be said that I did not do what I can for humanity… My motivation is absolutely eternal. Nobody has to tell me thank you.”

Valari’s story is a reminder that anyone can shape the future, one conversation, one action, and one moment of courage at a time. Through the Oxfam Action Network, Valari found another way to turn her passion into real change in her community and beyond. And she'll tell you there's room for everyone in this movement. "For whatever issue drives you, embrace it and let it move your activism forward." Sign up here to start YOUR journey with the Oxfam Action Network today [LINK].