Meet the BPSOS Staff! Trent Martin

Today, we are continuing our meet the BPSOS staff series with my story. My internship with BPSOS started last summer and it has been a rewarding ride ever since! I am an undergraduate student majoring in government, who loves to travel, cook, and perform in my school’s acting troupe.

One of my major roles at BPSOS this last summer involved helping to organize our Vietnam Advocacy Day. The annual advocacy day draws hundreds of citizens from around the country to D.C. who have the opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives. They voice their input to their representatives about important initiatives that the U.S. can support to promote freedom in Vietnam. It was an honor to work with the brave people who devoted themselves to defending those who face injustice in Vietnam.

I also had the opportunity to participate with BPSOS in the first ever State Department Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. It was inspiring to see so many nations and organizations coming together to advance this fundamental right for persecuted groups throughout the world. It will be exciting to see how these new international religious freedom initiatives continue to progress.

While it has been rewarding to learn the ins and outs of D.C.’s metro, the diverse restaurants, and the governmental process, the best part of my work with BPSOS is getting to know the people who have devoted their lives to fighting for justice for all Vietnamese. They have inspired me to look outside of myself for ways to serve those in my community and stand up for the dignity of people everywhere.