"Being new to a city can present many challenges. Learning the landscape, geographically as well as politically, is paramount in determining a person's ability to be useful and impactful. Alliance San Diego’s NRI program shortens that learning curve. Panel discussions with speakers from various groups throughout the city provided a quick snapshot into the issues that affect citizens. Alliance San Diego created a space full of diverse individuals who live throughout the community which allowed for opportunities to learn from one another. NRI’s canvassing initiative further provided opportunities to interact with San Diego residents. I left the program gaining a more well-rounded understanding of the various issues that impact the citizens of San Diego. Understanding the “how” and “why” of an issue helps me as I continue to pursue a ministerial lifestyle."

- Isaiah Ham, 2018 NRI graduate