I was raised in an environment where the government, courts, police, and legal processes were viewed with fear, confusion, and distrust, because “they keep us poor on purpose”, “Don’t talk to cops”, and “Credit is a scam”.

Generational and cultural fear teaches us there is no access to justice or civil literacy because “The system is rigged.” I understand the overwhelming emotions someone experiences when your community teaches you “once you’re in the system, you never get out” and “snitches get stitches.”

I wrote this paper because I came from an underserved socioeconomic background. I am the first person in my family lineage to go to, AND complete college. My mother, aunts and grandmothers did not complete high school, I completed high school at 17 while ducking punches and running away from home.

At 17 years old, I learned how to become legally emancipated in order to escape an abusive home. That experience changed the trajectory of my life. I quickly discovered survival depends on thinking fast, reading, learning as much as I can as fast as possible and talking slow.

I learned a lot from the ages of 17-22. For example, laws are different in every state and in every country. So, i had to find laws that protected me as a young woman, and how to apply those laws.

Since then, I have spent decades teaching myself how to communicate with agencies, complete legal processes, research, source that research, verify information and effectively advocate for myself and inspire others to have the courage do the same. Over the years, I have personally navigated and worked with multiple state and federal agencies, including USCIS, the FBI, the FCC, and the FTC.

I have helped my community find resources, follow up and respond to civil matters, overcome fear surrounding government and institutional systems instead of “putting our head in the sand”.

My background now includes my degree in legal studies, operating a legal clinic for nearly a decade, working as a seasoned paralegal and legal professional since 2005, and continuing my education through research, policy study, and community advocacy.

I have spent years helping others understand paperwork, procedures, deadlines, documentation, and the difference between misinformation and verified resources.

This paper is about teaching the community I come from how to function in systems that already affects our lives every day.

Civil literacy impacts nearly every aspect of modern life from the DMV to not getting arrested!

If your family does not teach you how to navigate these systems, the Nevada public education will fail you here. If your community relies on fear, rumors, generational misunderstanding and social media misinformation instead of practical education then you will experience real downstream consequences.

This paper was written to bring awareness and help bridge the Nevada civil literacy gap. My goal is to encourage my community to have the courage to stand up, to be a voice, to look for information, source said information and teach their family and social circles to be informed, capable and make contact with systems designed FOR US!

Civil literacy gives us the empowerment to stand up for ourselves, our families and our community. Access to resources that have already been promised to us should not depend on privilege, income, family background, or proximity to power.