County’s youngest elected official urges young people to ‘do things that matter’

by Paul J. Pickett

Navarra Carr

Navarra Carr, a Port Angeles City Councilor, is pretty easy to spot. Going to meet her for an interview, I saw her crossing the parking lot with her shock of black hair floating above her. She has a calm intensity as she goes about her business, but a friendly smile when you talk with her one-on-one. At 33, Navarra is one of our youngest elected officials in Clallam County. I talked to her about her experiences and values.
 
Tell me a little about your past – where did you grow up, where have you lived?
 
“I grew up in Arcata, California,” Navarra begins. “I got my degree after four years at Sacramento State University. Then I worked two AmeriCorps jobs. The first year I taught ESL (English as a second language) in Salinas, California. Then I worked a year in Arcata, where I helped with transitions for the homeless.”
 
Navarra describes what brought her to Port Angeles. “The homeless work included writing obituaries and organizing memorial services. After a year, I needed a break. I got a job serving the North Olympic and Jefferson Land Trusts doing financial work, administration, and eventually I was the Office Administrator.”
 
In 2021, Navarra entered law school at Seattle University. It was the time of COVID-19, so she could get her degree online. She had internships in Port Angeles with the Attorney General’s office and Clallam Public Defenders. “I’m looking for work”, she explains with a smile, “My dream job would be with the ACLU! But right now, I do some freelance legal writing, and my City Council position keeps me busy and pays the bills.”
 
What led you to the Democratic Party? 
 
“My parents were strong supporters of the Democratic Party. They were community organizers and believed strongly in Democratic values: equal rights, the environment, our climate, the social support network. I learned to fight for those values, through protests, letters to the editor, and eventually running for office.” She cites the book “Rules for Radicals” as her influence on how to organize.
 
She talked about her time with the Clallam Young Democrats. “I was active through 2021 and 2022. It’s how we connect for change. If you see something is wrong, you start with just showing up.” I asked about why the local Young Democrats seem to be inactive, and she thought they were just “aging out.”
 
What has been the highest point for you as a Democrat?
 
Navarra is quiet for a minute while she ponders the question. “It’s funny – it was a long time ago. My Dad took a group of college students to lobby our Congressman about climate change, and I went along.” She was 14 at the time. She told the Congressman she was disenfranchised but still impacted by what he does. She told him, “we’re young people, and you need you to do things that matter.” Navarra pauses, then continues. “This started me on a path. It doesn’t matter if I couldn’t vote, I have a voice.” She pauses and then says “there have been other good moments – just being with people.”
 
What leadership positions have you held in the past? How did that experience prepare you to be an elected official?
 
“It started with my family’s organizing background,” Navarra explains. “I learned that if you complain, then do something about it – fix it. Sometimes you just say ‘enough is enough’ and you can’t take it anymore.” In college she was a leader in a sorority. After college Navarra served on a couple of nonprofit boards. “One was a Food Stamps Board, and another was a student group at Humboldt State University. Then I was Vice Chair of Clallam Young Democrats.” She smiles and admits “I seem to be the person people ask about candidates in an election.” She continues intensely: “I’m always trying to figure out how to see a problem and find a solution! That helps on the City Council.”
 
What advice would you give to a volunteer thinking of taking on more responsibility in the Democratic Party?
 
Navarra is quick to reply: “there’s always room to help, to do something, to get involved. Go for it! Put yourself out there. Dems are nice people – they will be glad. Bring your great ideas! There are a lot of supportive people – it’s a welcoming community. Anyone who wants to volunteer, but doesn’t know what to do, people will help. There are so many needs – writing letters, commenting at government meetings. There’s room for everybody!” 
 
How do we pass the legacy of the Democratic Party to future generations?
 
Navarra suggests after-work meetings. “People come to live here for the natural beauty. Everybody I know goes outside when it’s sunny.” She says that after-hours meetings will help bring in young working people. “And the best time is often after the meeting. We go down to the local pub and do some networking. Do work and have fun at the same time.” She thinks some more and continues. “Look at issues young people care about. And get young people to talk to other young people.”