S6E4 - Andrew Taban
This week’s guest is Andrew Taban, school board candidate and activist.
Andrew grew up in Santa Clarita, CA, a community north of Los Angeles. Some may recognize it as the home of Magic Mountain. He is now running for William S Hart Union School District Trustee Area 2.
Andrew’s participation in his community started at age 13. He became an activist in response to school budget cuts taking away the chance for kids to take part in a promotion ceremony from junior high to high school.
In high school worked in the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) and joined board of PFLAG. He has worked as an education advocate and youth-based non-profits including Lifeworks in Los Angeles which is part of the Los Angeles LGBT center. We talk about all of this work and how he was impacted by the homeless youth who had come out and has helped facilitate conversations with parents.
During State Assembly person Christy Smith’s term, Andrew worked as the education liaison in the State Assembly. His current platform for his school board campaign is three-pronged focusing on representation, funding and student wellness.
Learn more about Andrew and may spark your own activism along the way!
Note from Rabiah (Host):
It’s Pride Month and I’m very proud to have had the chance to speak with Andrew for this episode. He is one of the people I thought of when I started the podcast because he has been so authentic in how he lives his life and pursues his goals since that first day. This episode is also my way of honoring the LGBTQIA+ this month which is very important to me. Happy pride.
At the top of the show, you’ll hear a pre-roll which indicates I support a woman’s right to choose. I do, wholeheartedly. The decision made by SCOTUS last week was appalling and is scary. I stand 100% in opposition to it and was proud to participate in the project to add this pre-roll in support of women to my podcast. Thank you to Arielle Nissenblatt from Squadcast for thinking of this and getting the project started.
Rabiah (London) chats with Andrew (Santa Clarita, CA) about his path to service and school board candidacy.
Find Andrew
Website: https://www.andrewtaban.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewTabanCA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewtaban.ca/
Mentioned in the Episode
Christy Smith: https://www.christyforcongress.org/
PFLAG: https://pflag.org/
LifeWorks : https://lifeworksla.org/
Betty White: https://www.facebook.com/bettymwhite
Dolly Parton: https://dollyparton.com/
Transcript
[00:00:35]
Rabiah Coon (Host): Hi More Than Work listeners. . Before I get to the episode, I want to take a moment to address the United States Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe versus Wade on June 24th, which stripped away the right to have legal and safe abortion restricting access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all people, which we've already seen with abortion bans and restrictions in countries like Poland and Malta.
Everyone should have the freedom to decide what's best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety, and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans and all people who could get pregnant anywhere in the world.
Listen more by visiting pod voices [00:01:35] dot help (podvoices.help). If you're able to support others, please consider donating to abortion funds. I encourage you to speak up, take care, and spread the word.
This is More Than Work, the podcast reminding you that your self worth is made up of more than your job title. Each week, I'll talk to a guest about how they discovered that for themselves. You'll hear about what they did, what they're doing and who they are. I'm your host, Rabiah. I work in IT, perform standup comedy, write, volunteer, and of course podcast.
Thank you for listening here we go.
Hey everyone. So, first of all, thanks for listening to the pre-roll. I'm running that on my show right now, because I have to speak up, have to say something. I'm also really proud that I have the guest I do this week. Last week, there was a little bit of focus on [00:02:35] inclusion, especially for the L G B Q community.
And this week there's even more with my guest, Andrew Taban. He is running for school district. In the town I grew up in which is pretty cool because he's stuck around and he is really doing the good work there. I met him when I was working on Christy Smith's campaign out in California, Katie Hill's campaign too.
And generally at the time the Clinton campaign, because I was, I was there during the 2016 election, which is insane that I was, I was there that long ago, living there, but, um, it's great to have Andrew on. He's also done a lot of work with a center in Los Angeles for LGBTQIA+ youth. We talk a lot about how he's helped families through that and PFLAG, and then also just how he's led his life of service which doesn't just focus on that, but also education and many other things.
It it's special to have someone on who's quite a bit younger than me, who I respect so [00:03:35] much for what they're pursuing and a little bit different episode of more than work, because it's someone who's pursuing what he loves right out the gate. We talked a little bit about what he thinks that means in the future and what he might be doing.
So I will keep it short and sweet today because you've already listened to my voice at the top too. Just do what you can to, to help people. That's that's all I'm asking on this episode. And, and I, I think that Andrew is a great example of someone who does that. Andrew, thank you for the impact you've had on me.
Uh, this is for you listeners who are celebrating pride month. This is for those who have come out and haven't yet come out. This is for everyone. So take care.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Well, everyone today, I have a really special guest on because he's someone that I know personally that I actually met when I lived, lived with my mom when I was in my late thirties. So, and, and, I met him in my hometown, but his name is [00:04:35] Andrew Taban and he is currently the candidate for the WIlliam S Hart Union School
District Trustee Area 2.
So he is running for school board and does a lot of other work. So thanks for being a guest, Andrew.
Andrew Taban: Thank you for having me. I'm super excited to be here and also to just be on the, be on a podcast with you cuz you don't live in the same hometown anymore.
Rabiah Coon (Host): No, no, I got out of there again. Um, and out of the country. So, uh, where am I talking to you from right now?
Andrew Taban: I am in Santa Clarita, California, and I'm currently in my living room.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Well that's, I mean, that's one of the better places to be sometimes is like, just in a comfortable spot. People try to take podcast interviews from like their car sometimes and stuff, and you don't wanna do that.
Andrew Taban: Oh no, very noisy. And it's pretty quiet here. My air is not going and you know what, thanks to COVID, I have fully now have a place where I can have video or voice calls at all times. So it's been beneficial.
Rabiah Coon (Host): cool. So, um, first of all, I guess we can just talk [00:05:35] about where Santa Clarita is, and it's a unique place in California, just because in Los Angeles county, it's
Andrew Taban: Yeah. Yeah.
Rabiah Coon (Host): really the only place that's notoriously like been red. But can you talk a little bit about Santa Clarita in your experience growing up there basically?
Andrew Taban: Yeah. So, uh, for those who, who kind of wanna know, like geographically, we're part of Northern LA County, not the furthest region, but we're Northern LA. A lot of people know us more for, uh, Magic Mountain, so Six Flags. Santa Clarita. So I, I have been more in the political sense I'm in this region, but it's, uh, it is a quickly changing part of, of Southern California.
So, um, I mean, right, we just got new census data for our 2020 and. You know, we are, we are increasingly diversifying. We are, uh, increasing a lot in population. Um, I personally love living here. It has changed a lot since I've been here when I was, [00:06:35] oh boy. A while ago. I think I like moved here when I was eight years old.
Um, so growing up here was pretty interesting. We, we had been more, I'll say conservative mindset on how things are. But you know, we've really, we've changed as an area, as people. Overall I love my community. It is a great place to grow up. I really like that we' re like 30 minutes away if I wanna go and do stuff like in Hollywood or Los Angeles, and then I can just come back and be in a little, little quiet area. I live in Newhall in specific, so I'm pretty close to our Main Street. That's the name of the street, by the way. Yeah, just main street for people who are listening. And, um, it's now where all like this, this stuff happens on the week, uh, week, nights and weekends. It's become like a cute little boutique street where we have all these city events and whatnot. So it's, it's actually pretty nice place.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah, it's funny cuz I, I mean I'm quite a bit older than you, so I grew up basically a whole generation before you. I hope not more than one generation in Santa Clarita, and when I [00:07:35] lived there as a kid, it was very much conservative. And when I left, I remember I left when I was 18. And I remember telling my mom, I will never be back.
And she's like, okay. And I did come back for holidays and
Andrew Taban: Yep. I,
Rabiah Coon (Host): whatever. And then I moved home for a while, you know? And it had changed a lot in that time, right?
Andrew Taban: Oh yeah. I, I actually, it's so funny. I have so many friends who are, who are like, I'm moving out of Santa Clarita and this was cuz now I'm 25 and they're all in their forties. And they all live back in its Santa Clarita because you know, it it's a place that brings you back. We're the third largest city in LA County, but we are also just a very tight knit community.
So it's, it's just, it's like this weird, beautiful thing. And then all my friends ended up moving out all came back.
Rabiah Coon (Host): mm-hmm I can see that. It was a good place to grow up generally and pretty safe. And there were a lot of just nice things there. I remember like my first jobs were there and everything. So I'll just talk about like, when I [00:08:35] came back and I met you, I started working just.
In the politics space. And I'm fine mentioning people who listen to this podcast. I haven't hidden the fact that, you know, I've worked in Democratic politics just based on who I've had on even, but I met you during that. I was impressed because this had to be about five years ago now, actually, which is really weird to think, but you were really young. You were 20 and you had already been doing a lot of stuff. You started actually doing things to serve others though from junior high, basically, right? Like this has been something ingrained in you for a long time.
Andrew Taban: So I guess I kind of started this when I was around like 13 years old. And the first way it started was that was around budget cuts when we had our, our big recession, um, in, in around 2008. And so like one of the things that, the district that I'm actually running for now, um, that we faced at that point with budget cuts when I was.
Going from junior high was they cut all of our promotion ceremonies and, you know, it was like, it's a big deal to go from junior high to high school for, for, [00:09:35] for a teenager. It's like this Rite of passage up. And, um, one of the things that, and all of us were disappointed by, it was, I was like, well, this can't happen.
So it wasn't just me. It was like this great team of people. We came together. Consistently and how we can do this, this promotion ceremony for all the students in the district, for those who want to participate. Right. Cuz to some people it's, it's not a big deal. Um, and so for anyone who want to do it, and that's kind of how I just started my, my journey, I guess I really more came from the nonprofit sector of it.
And all I've known is like since growing up is I really wanted to help people. And, you know, when you're a kid, the first thing you think of is like, "oh, that's a doctor." But then I realized those people work with blood and, uh, needles. And I was like, yeah, maybe doctor or medical is just not the field I'm gonna go into.
So from 13 on it was like this really interesting journey of just finding out what I was gonna be doing.[00:10:35] Cuz I knew what I wanted to do, which was to help people. I just didn't really know how. I went on to working with young individuals with disability and helping them through equestrian therapy.
And, I kind of started helping my, my local schools that I moved on from. And so would help in the classroom or work in English language development or a special education program. And I would be volunteering with my aunt at, uh, her school cuz she was vice principal at the time.
I ended up, it just looked to be really driving into education based. I developed a big passion for it and it just kind of kept going in there and then helped on a couple of nonprofits out here. And it was all mostly youth based. And so, and, um, and here we are fast forward over, over 10 years later.
Um, and I'm still doing what I do, I guess. Yeah.
Rabiah Coon (Host): mm-hmm yeah. So as far as just the education space, I mean, I, I know for me as a kid who, you know, just had [00:11:35] different things going on at home or outside of school, some educators became very important to me in like forming my beliefs about even myself, right? And kind of changing those things for me. And, and that's my experience.
And also I really love school. What is it for you? Do you think that's driven you to care about school and the education space?
Andrew Taban: So for me, there are a couple of educators who always stick out to me as one of my people, right? Um, so educators and it's perfect cuz it's also teacher appreciation week right now.
So mace. Yeah, May 2nd to the sixth. Um, so it it's to see the potential that a person has to change a young person's life to put him on the right track, um, help them.
So to me, education really, isn't what I think people think it was, it, it's not just this kid is gonna go to this school and, and be taught for eight hours and then go home. Right. It's educators and, and all of this like support staff. They're not just educating anymore. They're, they're a friend, a role model.
Sometimes the [00:12:35] person who's giving that kid access to a, a meal. Giving them products that they may need. So education has really taken on a much greater role, I think, than people realize. And to me personally, when I was in, like in the state assembly, we got to work in a lot of education policy and, I really loved doing that, but also one of the things.
I think in education is to me, it is one of the greatest equalizers all people have. So, you know, a great society starts with a great education. And I think when you're, when all your individuals of society are educated, has always proven to be a better society. You know, you get, you get greater industry growth in those cases. You have a better medical industry, education system. So really education to me is really the root of a lot of solutions to problems that we currently have and that we know we're gonna have. And so it builds innovation. It is this incredible concept to think that when you start with this young person and they can end up becoming [00:13:35] the most incredible person in society and, and could be one of our greatest problem solvers or could just be this great contributing member to society, or could just be a great person, right?
Education opens up so many doors and it's not just, you must be a productive part of society, but it's just, you're opening your mind to so many different new opportunities and possibilities.
Rabiah Coon (Host): think of. Maybe educator that did change things for you?
Andrew Taban: Yes. My English teacher. In high school I had one English teacher and we're actually still very good friends to this day. I always thank her for where I am in my life because I was going through a pretty rough time in high school. I'm not like I wast an awful student or anything, but as one does in high school. And, she was like this one person who just did not give up on me.
She would be there during lunch time to talk during brunch. Also known as recess for like elementary school students. It's, it's just different, you know, in the middle of, of [00:14:35] class periods or, you know, she would check in on me. Like when I was not feeling hopeful about myself, I knew she did.
She saw something in me and that was just a really big deal growing up, you know, it's sometimes when you feel like you got nobody, but to know that there is somebody there who's counting on your success in life and who's really rooting for you. That was a really big deal.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah, that's great. No, it's really great. And one of my favorite people is actually an English teacher too. And maybe that's where we're both such good talkers. We, we on the language now.
So you mentioned the, your work in the California state assembly and you were an education liaison there, right?
So can you talk a little bit about your experience that way?
Andrew Taban: Yeah, so, at that time I had. Well, we had just gotten in and I worked as with the one term assembly woman who brought one of the greatest change to some public education reform in I think over 20 years or longer. It was assembly woman, Christy Smith and [00:15:35] so she actually had served in our local school district out here for nine years and had moved on to they uh state assembly. And so when I was hired on, I got to be the, the head of education liaison. Which, you know, to me was a really big deal. And I thought I was gonna have to argue about it. Nobody else wanted this position, like. And so it was really just me. And the reason why I thought was so fascinating is because, you know, education in the state of California, it, it equates for about like half of our state's budget.
It it's a really big portion. And so I thought that's fascinating. And for somebody who has the opportunity to influence what could go on in, in education, not me personally, right? The assembly woman and the, and the state legislature, why would somebody not wanna be a part of that, you know? One of the, to me, greatest things that, uh, the assembly woman did at the time,
and I got to be a part of it was, we met with all the superintendents of our districts first and foremost to see, okay, what is it that we need in education? What can we do better? What is [00:16:35] it that our districts need? Can we bring resources back? Can we change anything? And to see that kind of was a defining moment to me, cuz this was a political figure who was really putting the actions to what she believed.
You know, like a lot of people say things, but she did it and it was great to meet with these superintendents because the State of California is extremely diverse in what we need and what the, what I mean just throughout the state, right? Northern California is so different from Southern California.
What they may need in schools could be different than what we need in schools. So it was so interesting to see what is it that our superintendents need within the districts. They were already pretty, pretty different. I mean, of course the number one thing that everyone says is we need money, which makes sense.
That is always gonna be this issue. But so when we had some pretty increasing reform, so one of 'em was how we can do transparency in our school systems cuz there's a responsibility to our taxpayers, right? They should know where their money is going. [00:17:35] And how can we be holding ourselves better accountable to report to our taxpayers?
One of 'em would involve like teacher credentialing. I think what a lot of people wanted was more of a, of an elected official who, who hears out what's going on.
You don't necessarily need to create laws to change things, but maybe it's about the dynamic of, of your administration, of your school, whether it could be a school board. And I think a lot of parents and ed, uh, educators and students were like, I wanna be heard. And so I think people were realizing the direct impact, a local school board or their, their admin team of a school has on their life.
And I think that was the most interesting thing about talking to them was, okay, well maybe the state doesn't have a direct impact and we're not, we don't need to write a law about this, but what we can do is we can help build this dialogue between your admin. And yourself to see what is it that you may want.
It could be a, a board policy change. It could be maybe a new rule in just your school, but to really see from that, cuz I think what people want [00:18:35] most of all is to know that you're elected or you're representative or who's supposed to be your champion is they're listening to you talking this out with you, seeing how they can best resolve this issue with you, cuz at the end of the day, You know, if you want your student to get, or just students in general, to get a good education, we have to start lifting these barriers that could be presented to them.
And I think that was one of the most interesting things about being an education liaison with it is. Okay, well, let's see what we can do on this level, but let's also see what we can do on this level for you.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah, that makes sense. And I think that people, you know, the, in any kind of politics, the national politics always take over, but. Locally, that's where things will change that affect your day to day life. And that's something I learned, um, even just working with you for quite a bit of time and, and a few other people, but it's, it's really interesting.
And so I guess one question then, um, I have for you too, is, [00:19:35] did you think about when you were looking at like your career and you're still pretty early, but in your adult life, but. And you talked about service, but I'm wondering, did you consider other options before going into the political side of things?
And did you even start working towards something before you ended up in, in this area?
Andrew Taban: Yeah, so politics was kind of an accident like it, it just happened. Um, so I was really more eyeballing the nonprofit sector of things and. I, so I was actually one of the youngest people to, or I think the youngest person to actually run in my city. Um, cuz this is my second bid for school board. The first time I did, I was 18 years old.
I was like, all right, let's, let's go for it. I was more encouraged to do so. Um, but it, it was like that ended up being the start to something that I didn't think I would, I would be where I'm at now. Um, so I, like I said, it was just always about helping [00:20:35] people and to me, the nonprofit sector. Is is really where you get to do that.
Um, so that was kind of more what I was going for. And I, like, I accidentally ended up here. So I started like doing, um, in high school, I did a policy and advocacy camp over the weekend, and that was really more to understand the, the dynamics and systems of government and how like me as a citizen. Right. I can, I can benefit my fellow citizens or residents of the area that I'm.
And to advocate my state legisla, uh, legislators and, and so on, but that was kind of just where I was going. And then I slowly started to get involved more and more in like policy work and, and, and government and politics. And somehow, um, it it's like a trap. It just kind of, it gets you and then you can't leave
Um, and I love the work I do, you know, I mean, at the end of the day, it's you wanna help people and, and there are so [00:21:35] many different avenues of doing that. Um, and somehow this just became mine. And so,
Rabiah Coon (Host): yeah.
Andrew Taban: yeah, here and here I am to this day.
Rabiah Coon (Host): So what's changed for you. I mean, I know a lot in your life has probably changed, but from when you were 18 running to now, is your approach different
Andrew Taban: yes and no. Um, I guess you could say, you know, as you grow older there, you learn how to better maneuver through systems. Um, one thing that for sure changed my here, when I was 18 now I don't. So that was really the biggest thing. Um but I, I think the mission has never changed is, is how do we leave the world of better place than, than when we entered it.
Right. Um, so the mission of that has not changed for me. I do wanna leave. I don't think I'm dying anytime soon. Right. But like, [00:22:35] I, I still wanna leave this planet, the systems that are in place, a better place for our future generations. Um, I guess the, the way I've gone about it has changed, right. I'm now in the, in this political sphere.
Um, but even when I look right as cuz this is, this is really where we are as just as a country. Um, and I think worldwide is right now, we're all very divide. um, and things are in a really tough situation, but for me at the end of the day, um, I think we all agree. We want clean air. We want clean water. We want a good future left for our young people.
And, and I think that is something that we can all agree on. There is too often, this, this moment where, where we will disagree on things and right, there are some things that there, there is no coming together, right? And I understand that, but when it comes to systems of like that I'm going for right now, like local governance, [00:23:35] I know there are things we all want.
We have different ways of getting there, but, and we need to get to a point where we can come together again. Uh, even though we may disagree and say, okay, well, how do we achieve this goal of, of what we both want and how do we negotiate or make it better? I know it, it always feels like we are at a tipping point of society.
And there are some things that, right, there are some people you just can't work with. And, and I get that I've been there. But how do we bring the people to the table who we can work with? And even maybe some that we, we can't and, and find a way to make this better. So, and push egos aside in everything and say, okay, this is our goal.
We wanna make it a better place for the future generations and even the current generation. And how are we gonna achieve it. And so that mission has never changed. And I want to get back to a point where, where we can do that.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah, no, that's great. And I do think, yeah, it's interesting cuz even in work, I mean there's [00:24:35] all places in our lives and it happens over time where there's someone that we don't necessarily want to work with but we have to. And, I've heard people say before, I'll never work with them again. Well, that's fine. You can say that. But then if you end up at the same table, as you're saying, it's really hard not to, right? And so I do think that even though I'm very stubborn and I know me personally, there's certain people I've unfriended on Facebook, for example, but that's not a real space where I have to engage.
But if I am with someone in person and stuff, I do have to engage or if it's part of my job. And so I think that then yeah, you have to find the commonalities. And I like that. That's kind of, that's what you're thinking and you're right. There are certain things we all want too. So as far as your campaign, and then I wanna talk about some other things, but just, I, you know, do some research.
I don't know if people know that, but the podcast host usually tries to research the person a
little bit. You , you have three areas of [00:25:35] focus, so representation, funding, and student wellness. Can you talk a little bit about those just because I think, especially in the area of representation, people would hear that word and think all different things about it?
Andrew Taban: Yeah. So representation, I think goes on multiple fronts. If we're just looking at me as just a person, right? I I'm young. I am a middle Eastern mixed individual who is part of the LGBTQ plus community. So I think if we're just looking at that, right, okay, there's, there's that form of representation.
But also another thing, when I look at representation, it is about having we'll call 'em stakeholders of the district, represented in a district level. So one of the things I've gotten a lot of talking with parents, faculty, educators, students is they are not heard at the district level. And if they are it's by a very select few board members. It's not really a majority.
And so I think when it comes to representation, what I kind of always say is you don't need to just have a seat at the table, but you deserve a voice at the table and you shouldn't have to fight for it. You, we are, we are [00:26:35] elected to be that voice for you, and we should be getting that voice and representing you.
We may not all agree right, on what one another is saying, but we are elected to represent everybody of our district. And I think representation is really a critical role in that. When it comes to funding, funding is a very interesting mechanism and people are estimating, right? We're gonna go into a recession in, in here.
And the way that California education works is our, our funding really is dependent on what we are making. There's not a big consistent. It kind of just depends. And so I think when it comes to that is when you, there are of course things that must be done, right? So there's restricted funds, there's unrestricted funds, things that you already have allocated.
So salary and that. but there's a pool of funding that a, a board gets to decide on, on what happens to it. And so I, I always say as a, as a person running for office, I will never make promises like, yeah, this is exactly what's gonna happen with that because I, I [00:27:35] am one person. Uh, it is majority vote. It's a five person board. And you don't really know fully all the resources you have until you're in that position, right. And seeing all the asks on the table. But I really want to focus a lot and it, and it kind of ties into student wellness and, and our faculty We've had a really rough two years in with, with COVID and so when it ties in with student wellness and all these other resources is our budget reflective of our values as a district?
Are we making sure that what our student teachers need? Are those things being met? Are we doing good pay? Are we having modernization of buildings? Are we really keeping the promise to the taxpayers that we are using their money wisely? And so that's kind of what I want to see on that.
And when we go into student wellness, it has a lot to do with, you know, we have wellness centers throughout the district, but also are there needs being met? I got to do a couple of tours, um, with we, we call them wellness centers in the district.[00:28:35] So I wanna make sure that the needs of our students are being met on what level. And I think another big, important factor to that when it comes to equal representation is, it's a big deal to me, I know when I was a student in the district, if a board member comes up to you and says, you know, what is it that you need?
Or is at these open houses. That's a big deal because it is a person working on achieving the goals of not only what the district should be doing, but what is it that the individuals that are in the district need, you know? So student wellness is, is a really big deal because a student doesn't have the ability to succeed if we're really not meeting their most basic of basic needs. Does the student have a student have stable housing? Are they being fed? Are they being able to sleep at night? Are they psychologically at like peace? Pretty much. Do they have all of these needs being met before they can go up to the next level because you are not gonna get an education, or a great [00:29:35] education, if you are worried about where is my next meal gonna come from tonight? So I think that student wellness is a pretty big thing. And I think it, the district has a role to play in that
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. And a lot of kids have very adult problems to deal with and and they need to be addressed. And though maybe the school can't address everything and I feel like that with work like my company can't make sure everyone's happy, but it can definitely help in certain ways, right? So one thing you did mention when we talked about representation is that you are part of the LGBTQ plus community and you've done work in that area too...
Andrew Taban: Yeah. So the way it kind of started was I was part of a GSA network in, in high school. So we worked on a lot of legislation at, at those goodness gracious. We worked on a lot of legislation actually. Um, so we worked on bits of those and I became a board member of PFLAG,
so parents and friends of lesbians and [00:30:35] gays in my local chapter. So I've been on a board of that working with parents and, and young adults and youth, just to, you know, how can we make home life better? I was also in the state assembly of the LGBTQ plus, uh, representative for that. And my college experience I was the head and president of our GSA in college and high school.
I used to work it's called LifeWorks and it was part of Angeles LGBT center and this was, not too long ago, but it was a, it was a little bit ago. And so one of the things that we used to do there is we would do, uh, trainings and, and like little classes for young individuals. And so I would go and we would be able to teach LGBTQ plus history and, uh, just pretty much what it was kind of developed around what the students wanted to hear.
So a lot of it was history. They want to know about, you know, the, their culture and their history as students. And anything else kind of that the, the, the program would set for us to teach at the time. [00:31:35] And so that was, it was wonderful. And I used to be part of, or I guess I still am now. Yeah. The models of pride.
So it's one of the largest LGBTQ conferences in the United States. And set for parents and students, um, on all levels to pretty much just come in. It's a place for parents to understand what's going on in their life and see how to be a better ally or supporter, or even just help other parents and for students in multiple different types of workshops.
And so I used to teach there as well. Swell.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Oh, that's great. And I mean, you could just be part of the community again, but not be involved in advocacy for it. And did you, was it a decision for you or did it just kind of happen in the way other things did that you just kind of are there to help? Because I can see that not, not everyone who. Is part of that community is gonna be able to stand up and talk to parents or talk to other people.
And I'm sure you have encountered different conversations that
Andrew Taban: Yeah, so [00:32:35] it, I kind of like most of it stumbled into it. Um, I think one of the biggest driving forces for me was it was, there are so many people in this community who feel marginalized and they feel like they don't have a voice. And to me, that is the, it is the, one of the worst things. Because not only are you just part of this community where you feel like you're not being heard, but you, you don't have a mechanism where you can see it happening.
And so it was the, to me, it was how do we ensure a system where people who don't feel heard can be heard? And so that's kind of just how I, I started getting into it but it, it kind of came back to the end of the day, like your home life as a young person, you deserve to feel safe and loved in your own home.
And for, for those students who were in that, coming out process, it it's a rough experience. You don't necessarily know how the family's gonna react, or even if it's, it's a positive experience, it's a transition in, into a [00:33:35] new, I guess kind of life. And so I want to be able to help with that in any way.
Right. I, I wouldn't just be like, hi, I'm Andrew. Like, no, like it would have to be like, can you help with the situation? Of course, if they're comfortable and what they're comfortable in. But yeah, it was interesting having conversations with some parents, because one of the things that we always said was when a child comes out of the closet or not even a child, right?
Whatever age, young adult comes out we always say the parent would go back in the closet. And because, you know, you have also much like your child, you have an image in your mind of what your kid is going to be or whatnot. And so that, that has now also been altered a little bit. And so how do we find the best path forward for both parties to really come together? Because at the end of the day, most of the time that parent just loves that kid, no matter what.
And so a lot of this comes from fear or, or questions and what, what is gonna happen for my child? And so, and [00:34:35] also the, the young individual has that same, a lot of those same questions. So it's like, how can we best maneuver and have these conversations and be educating the families as well as making sure that the, the best outcome for the young individual is met?
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah. And it's important work because I mean, there there's, even though I think to the people who are kind of just it's they don't look at people's sexuality as something that's their business basically. Or they don't care. Like this is my friend and this is my friend. This is my friend. They could be any sexuality, doesn't matter. It's hard to see that that's not the case for everyone. And so, and you think, well, it should be easy, but actually there's still a lot of people who think a different way or maybe even people would go, well I'm fine with people being just gay, just to make it simple to say. Right. But then if it's someone that that's in their family or their kid, then all of a sudden it's not okay cuz it's like, well it was other [00:35:35] people. It wasn't me. And I, I think that it's interesting because I've heard people like different people say, you know, I don't know why there's all this messaging or I don't know why there's all this, um, like special like programs now and stuff, but it's it's because there's still a, a problem, basically, right? There's no one ever has to come out as straight.
Andrew Taban: Yeah. Uh, you know, and I think what, one of the biggest things that killed me was part of our center was we took in homeless youth who were, who were displaced from housing. And I remember one time they like, okay, well, we actually need to get more beds because we have more people than we do beds now. And it was this insane thought to think that these youth were kicked out of their homes.
I mean, for, just for this mere thing. And so. It, it was just, it was painful to see, and these are, I think they were great kids. Like sweet people, just every day person, just like us who, [00:36:35] who was removed from their secure housing because of, of who they are. And I think that was the most insane thing that, that, that just blew my mind is, you know, there you're flesh and blood and yeah, it, it was just heartbreaking.
Rabiah Coon (Host): It's good that there are people and organizations that are helping because it, it is really important and just people yeah getting displaced. And it's kind of, that's not always a story of someone else, but it could be a story in, in people's families.
I don't know who listens, you know, so it could be anyone.
You're a unique guest because I would say because of your age, you didn't go through this whole thing that a lot of my guests have gone through where they did a career for 20 years, completely burned out, decided to do something new, but you've actually just, you've figured out your purpose and you've been pursuing it. Have you wondered if this is gonna be your path for your entire life, or how is that looking for you and working for you? Because I know when I [00:37:35] was 25, I didn't know that there were other careers possible after the one I chose so I was just kind of stuck already. And so I think it's different in your generation because you guys are already being told, like you can do several things.
So how are you feeling right now just in thinking about. Like the path you're on now and, and how it might look in the future cuz someone young, younger listening might be thinking about how, oh, if I do this thing now I'm stuck doing it forever still, you know?
Andrew Taban: Yeah. I mean, to me, the most interesting thing is a person could just leave at any at any point. Um, I've I mean, I'm, I'm running for office, so I think it'll be really awkward to just be like, all right, bye y'all. and but I, I mean, I do, I do love what I do. To where I see myself in like 10 to 20 years.
I don't know. To me the mission hasn't changed is again, how can I best help people? Um, the most interesting thing about elections, right, is, the voters decide. I could very well [00:38:35] not win. And I think that is the most interesting thing about elections. Sometimes it really is not up to you. The public decides whether or not your life will be changing or not in the ballot.
But to me, like, right, if I don't win, which I really hope I do, but the, yeah, I'll have, I'll have to do some, a little bit of changing here of what, what the plan is. But again, the mission just doesn't change. It's how do we leave the environment, like the environment environment, but also just the, the image as a whole, the best for the future?
And, um, that's not gonna change. I don't know what would be held next for me. And I mean, I could say right. Oh, I'm just gonna go right back to nonprofits. I, I don't know. I, I don't know that for sure.
So to me, nothing guaranteed. Politics in general is a tiring field. There is no, no disagreement there because how do you collectively get a big chunk of society to agree on, this is what we should have.
It's, [00:39:35] it's difficult and I've sat on boards with seven people and it's hard to come to an agreement at that point. It's challenging, but it it's something I love to do because I think there's something interesting in, in when you, when you work in this realm of knowing that there are things you are doing to benefit people's lives in which you will never meet.
And they will never meet you, you know. But there, you know, that like, okay, there's, there's a family out there who's doing better because of policies or beliefs that we, we set forth or in listening to a community of, okay, this is something we could just impact and change and make someone's life a little better.
Um, and, and you, and, and you can do that. And so I think that's kind of the most interesting thing.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah. Cool. And speaking of you being in a difficult field, what do you do to get a break? Or how do you do that? Because in a way, if you're in an office or even you've been working for other people, you're doing work that really impacts other people's lives. And I imagine there's a [00:40:35] little bit of a burden that comes with that.
So what do you do to create some balance for yourself?
Andrew Taban: That is a very good question. You know, I think it varies. I think self-care is a very important factor. Um, I think for anybody who works with, with other human beings because it really does come or I mean, even animals, right? Like it comes back to this point of how do you make positive impact if you're not in a positive place yourself?
So for me it kind of varies. There are some nights where I just wanna be with friends. I love to be with my friends being in a, in a or family in like a positive environment. Sometimes it's just that, uh, sometimes it's just coming home having a cup of tea, sitting down, watching a show, or just kind of being at peace.
Sometimes it's going on a hike where there's no cell service, which is a beautiful part of hiking trails. So I, I think it varies.
It depends on my stress level or, or, [00:41:35] or kind of what's going on. I told you I had just, I today's my first day negative of COVID after nine days. I was isolated at home and honestly it is the, for me personally, this is not the case for everybody.
It was the biggest pain to me to know that I could not be out and out in my community, right, doing stuff that I do on a, on a regular basis. I couldn't be at, at, at doing a drive for somebody or helping. Like, so I, I think that kind of is my joy, is, I love to do community service and be out and about with my community members.
I love where I live and I love the people that I get to serve alongside and, and the community I get to to serve. And so I think that is kind of my, my joy and that I feel that is my purpose. Um, but I think just. Like everybody, right, if you love your job, you still need to have a little bit you time.
And, and I think that's really the most important thing I just need to do, [00:42:35] um, get a little break here or there, right? It's it's like read a book or something. I don't know. So that's kind of my thing.
yeah.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah, totally. So Andrew, do you have any advice or mantra that you would like to share with people that, that you either got imparted onto you or that you just kind of have thought of over time?
Andrew Taban: Yeah. So, and it actually has a lot to do with running for office, but I think it qualifies for a lot of things in life. Um, and I could have used it probably when I was growing up is, in everyday life, I I'll just use, in my example, I was running for office. A lot of people tell you what to do, who to be, what you should say.
Honestly, and it sounds so cliche, but just like, just be yourself, uh, you know, people love authenticity and the real reasons of things. And so I, I think for any aspect of life, be authentic, be who you are. And just, you know, what live your life and your as yourself. And I think that kind of what [00:43:35] what's gonna bring you the most joy in life.
Not everyone's gonna agree with you and not everyone's gonna like you, There's this saying I heard, and I can't remember who was from, but they said, "you know what? You could be the sweetest peach on the tree, but some people just don't like peaches."
Rabiah Coon (Host): Huh?
Andrew Taban: and yeah, that's kind of thing, but just be authentic, be yourself.
And I think life just has a funny way of working itself out in the end.
Rabiah Coon (Host): I like that last, last one. That last part too. And I mean, I grew the whole thing, but I like that,
that saying about the peaches too. That's really cool.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Okay, so now we just have the fun five left. So these are just five questions I ask every guest. The first one, all right. What is the oldest t-shirt you have and still wear.
Andrew Taban: It's actually the one I'm wearing right now. It is my, this California shirt. I love the state of California. If you could do like a little tour around my house, it is all California themed. But it's just the, [00:44:35] the state flag. I mean, without the, the, the shape of it, but it's the California bear with a little star on top.
Just all over. And I've had this shirt for, I don't even know how long now, but it is absolutely one of my favorite shirts.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah. Super. I love California too, actually. I mean, that's one thing that living away from, well, living away from the United States and even in living away from that state, uh, several times as an adult. I do know that I love California, so we definitely love the same, the
Andrew Taban: It. I, I know like the viewers can't see, but I, it, I, this during the pandemic, when we had that weird, we're kind of open, but we're not, um, I got this tattoo actually of the little California bear on my, uh, forearm and it has the word hope in the middle of it, but yeah, big, big fan of the, you know.
Rabiah Coon (Host): So if moving on to a different animal, basically, other than the bear, um, if every day was really Groundhog's Day, like it seemed well and probably your life the [00:45:35] last nine days or so. Um, what song would you have your alarm clock set to play every morning?
Andrew Taban: Um, it's "Move Your Feet" by Junior Senior. I think it's just, it's a really fun song. It's just a really fun, like unifying song. And so that, that is what I enjoy to hear about almost every day. And, um, yeah, I also really weird, this, I guess there's a two part it's, um, "Time to Say Goodbye" by, um, Sarah.
oh goodness. I am. I believe she's an opera singer, but I, I love that song. It, it is, um, I believe Italian
Rabiah Coon (Host): Oh, Sarah Brightman.
Andrew Taban: Yes. I absolutely love that song too. So I guess those two.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Okay,
Andrew Taban: which there was one, but sorry,
Rabiah Coon (Host): No, that's all right cuz sometimes people don't have one. I can find on Spotify, so you'll get to on the playlist. Cool. All right. Coffee or tea or neither?
Andrew Taban: Coffee. I am a big coffee person. I mean, I also like tea, [00:46:35] but yeah, every day I need to have a cup of coffee.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Do you like it any certain way or any certain brand or anything?
Andrew Taban: Um, I just, every morning I have my little, um, cup of coffee with, uh, it's sweetened almond milk. And if I don't have that, it's something called I think coco nut, like it's coco and then nut, but like N U T is like brown and Coco's white. Um, it's an unsweetened coconut creamer with two sweetener pack.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Nice.
Andrew Taban: don't know why so specific, but that is it. Yeah.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Well, no, but theme is that you have some kind of milk and some kind of sweetener.
Andrew Taban: Yes. Yeah.
Rabiah Coon (Host): theme is that you have some kind of milk and some kind of sweetener, so I gotcha. All right. And then can you think of a time that you like laughs already cried or something that just cracks you up when you think of it? This is just for me. Cause I like to laugh
Andrew Taban: Yeah, it, so this probably will not be funny to most viewers, um, or listeners, because it's so weird to explain, but, um, there was [00:47:35] this one when we were in San Diego, my friend and I, we were just like my best friend. And we, we were just sitting in our hotel room, like I think at two in the morning just cracking up and it was one of those things I'm sure everyone has it where they can just really like, they're just with their best friend. And for some reason, no matter what you say, it is just dead hilarious. And I, I felt so bad for our neighboring rooms because they probably want to strangle us. But yeah, we were just sitting there cracking up at like two in the morning over, I don't even remember probably the stupidest thing, but it was just funny.
I don't know why, but I have a lot of those moments with my friend where general public will not think it is funny, but we thought it was hilarious. And that's just, yeah, we, I think we probably laugh for a solid, just 15 minutes, just gasping for air, but then you like think you finally stop laughing and then you look at each other and then you start laughing.
So yeah, it was a, a vicious cycle of just gasping for air and cracking up.[00:48:35]
Rabiah Coon (Host): That's good. Yeah, even though it's not something that makes me laugh right now, but it's a feeling I understand for sure. Right.
You know that someone? Yeah.
Andrew Taban: Yeah.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah. Oh, that's good. All right. Last one. Who inspires you right now?
Andrew Taban: okay. So this is a, another two person or two answer kind of questions. There are so many different people who inspire me for different reasons. But right now, one rest, God rest her soul, uh, Betty White.
Because right she just, I don't know how you live that long without having nobody, not like you. Like everybody loved Betty White and, and her passion for, for just being a good person and animals and, and charitable work really was just in incredible to me. I, I, I mean, in Hollywood and just this, this habit of making people happy.
And I really admire that about her.[00:49:35] And also I grew up watching the Golden Girls, so like just, she was wonderful. And for that time too, she took on some really controversial issues at that time, which we don't think are controversial now, but, you know, And then, um, my second one is Dolly Parton.
I think, you know, again with the charitable work and to see the foundation that she has and what she does for those who are affected by natural disaster, or just focusing education or public health. She, she takes on this, just this really wonderful role of she identifies as
a Christian woman who really has dedicated her life not just to entertaining people, but also, you know, making sure the, the world is a better place without, without, I guess, making people upset. And I think that's just such an incredible thing I see in people is it has nothing to do with her. It has nothing to do about the credit that she receives.
It's just, she wants to. Good work. And, [00:50:35] and I really just admire that in for, for people who've been there for that long, you know, it's, it's just incredible to see.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah.
Andrew Taban: Yeah.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Yeah. And just to stay so consistent.
Andrew Taban: yeah. Yeah. I think it's, it's wonderful. And, and I think it shows people that, you know, you can, you can be beneficial to, to this world at any point in your life and, and nothing should ever deter you from doing it.
One thing I heard, which was incredible. And I, you know, they say like the one rule, if you're like a time traveler, right, Is never change the past because it can alter the future that you're coming from. And I say that because um, the, the second part to that when I heard it was, so why do people think right now the smallest actions that they can do or the, the tiniest impact won't affect future?
And so, uh, I think that's just incredible of a lot of people. Like what I do won't make a difference, but it will. It will, we don't know how, [00:51:35] but it can, it will, and, you should do that. If you can make any positive impact on this world, I think you should absolutely go for it. Yeah.
Rabiah Coon (Host): totally. I agree. I, I'm definitely an advocate and I like that that's the message you're sharing because I think that's one reason this podcast is here is to help people. I mean, part of it's because I really like podcasting and the medium, but a lot of it's just to get people's voices heard
and hopefully help other people. So thank you for that. And, um, as far as if people wanna find you no more about you or maybe even contribute to your campaign, where should they go?
Andrew Taban: Uh, so they can visit my website, andrew taban dot com (andrewtaban.com). So A N D R E W and then T A B as in boy, A N dot com. All my social media is, is about the same. So I think like my Twitter is the, like at andrew taban CA like CA for California ((@andrewtabanca). Same thing with my, Facebook. And then my Instagram is that, but it's andrew taban dot [00:52:35] ca (andrewtaban.ca).
And it has all my information if they wanna reach out as well, they can contact me through the website. Um, and yeah, just happy to connect with people.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Super. Alright, Andrew. Thanks so much for joining me. I really appreciate it. It was a lot of fun talking to you and, um, inspiring too. So thanks.
Andrew Taban: Thank you. Of course. Awesome. And that was my pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.
Rabiah Coon (Host): Thanks for listening. You can learn more about the guest and what was talked about in the show notes. Joe Maffia created the music you're listening to. You can find him on Spotify at Joe M A F F I A. Rob Metke does all the design for which I am so grateful. You can find him online by searching Rob M E T K E.
Please leave a review if you like the show and get in touch via feedback or guest ideas. The pod is on all the social channels at at more than work pod (@morethanworkpod) or at Rabiah comedy (@rabiahcomedy) on TikTok. And the website is more than work pod dot com (morethanworkpod.com). While being kind to others, don't forget to be kind to yourself.
