Working down-ballot for a progressive future
Working down-ballot for a progressive future
Here at Village United, we believe in a progressive future and in a political system that represents all people of all walks of life. Our mission is to support progressive, down-ballot, minority candidates and initiatives.
"Down ballot is where the real work happens."
Here at Village United, we believe in a progressive future and in a political system that represents all people of all walks of life. Our mission is to support progressive, down-ballot, minority candidates and initiatives.
"Down ballot is where the real work happens."
Who We Are
Village United Political Action Committee, VUPAC, started as the brain-child of Dr. Michelle Cyr-Widolff and Mr. Charles "Chuck" Burk following the outcome of the November 8th, 2016 election. As many struggled to figure out what the election's outcome meant to them and struggled for a way to get involved, both Chuck and Michelle knew that they had a shared vision, passion, and drive to effect change in a meaningful way. From that vision sprung Village United PAC.
VUPAC's mission is to support progressive down-ballot candidates that come from historically under represented groups of people. Focusing down ballot is important to the founders of VUPAC, because down ballot politics is where some of the real work happens. Often these down ballot candidates and causes are underfunded and underrepresented. It is our goal to shine a light on them. Focusing on minority candidates and causes is imperative if we want broader, more-inclusive legislation for women, people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
FEC ID: C00631606
Our Team
Our Team
Michelle Cyr-Widolff
Michelle Cyr Widolff received her two BAs in Psychology and Human Development from California State University San Bernardino, her MS in Experimental Biological Psychology from Washington State University, and her PhD in Experimental Biological Psychology from Washington State University. She has multiple publications in top tier scientific journals and has presented at numerous conferences worldwide on the subjects of neuroscience and neuropharmacology. Michelle currently works in industry as a Medical Science Liaison specializing in neurology and psychiatry. Her political activity and interests span back to her childhood where she was exposed to her mother's advocacy and political lobbying for issues of elementary education. Michelle volunteers as a mentor for girls/women in STEM and has been heavily involved in women's rights advocacy. Most recently she volunteered for the Clinton campaign beginning early in the primaries and has worked with the Democratic Coordinated Campaign in get out the vote initiatives for down ballot candidates. Michelle also occasionally advises for film and television as a volunteer scientific expert for The Science & Entertainment Exchange. Organizational memberships include ACLU, SPLC, PP, NARAL, Emily's List, The Victory Fund, and The American Academy of Neurology. Michelle lives in SW Washington with her husband and two children.
"Reach back, pull up, and get to work"
Chuck Burk
Chuck Burk
Charles "Chuck" Burk is well versed in both the political and the corporate spaces. He manages teams of program and project managers across the globe in the travel technology industry where he specializes in Experience and Relationship Management. Chuck's interest in politics can be traced back to his first run for Student Council in middle school followed by volunteering to campaign for a referendum to build a new High School. The Referendum passed, and the seeds of political activism were sown. Since that fateful referendum, Chuck has volunteered on and worked for several campaigns including Hillary Clinton's 2007 primary bid, President Obamas' 2008 and 2012 election campaigns, and Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential bid. Chuck has also volunteered on several state and local candidate and initiative campaigns including Washington State's marriage equality initiative, campaigning to fight California's Prop 8, Washington Senator Patty Murray's reelection campaign, and several other local down ballot candidates via Get Out The Vote initiatives . Chuck has also participated in many marches, protests, rallies, and parades. In his free time, he splits his focus between holding a state-wide office with a non-profit educational organization and volunteering with Building Changes, a non-profit organization focused on eliminating homelessness in Washington State where his husband is on the board of directors. Chuck lives in Seattle, WA with his husband.
"Politics is my football" ~ Chuck Burk
Luis Acoltzi
Director Marketing
Luis is a creative currently working in the city of Chicago, IL. He was born in Mexico City, graduated from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM and moved to Chicago while pursuing a career in design and advertising. As a creative, his priority has always been to tell a brand’s message and story by finding new ways to engage with the consumer using art as effective advertising. He has worked with brands such as Coca-Cola, Target, Walt Disney World, and FTD on direction, campaign production, and strategic execution. He is always looking for a new challenge by providing a unique, multicultural perspective. Luis is excited to bring his expertise to Village United and help this diverse community grow. See more of his work at LuisAcoltzi.com