Are you a civil society leader interested in going into politics? In this #CrossoverInitiative video Gina Romero, former Chief of Staff at the Secretariat of Education in Colombia shares two key pieces of advice for civil society leaders interested in crossing over into government. First, power can be felt. Know yourself and know your values. Second, get to know your position and the institution you will serve at, so you know what is possible and what is not.

Gina Romero (Colombia) was recently appointed as the new United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association. She is the co-founder and former Executive Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy (REDLAD). She has also served as an independent consultant for international and local organizations working on civic participation, political affairs, and youth and gender issues.