An update on the DREAM Act

A message from LEAP’s Executive Director, Ricardo Sánchez:

Most of you are aware that there has been action this week in the U.S. Congress on the DREAM Act.

The House approved its version of the DREAM Act. The Senate, just this morning, voted to table consideration, which means Senate leaders don’t have the necessary votes. But by delaying the vote, they may be able to change some of the “no” votes to “yea” votes. I suspect they are close to getting the necessary 60 votes that are needed before the actual bill can be voted on in the Senate.

We want to believe that President Obama and Senate leaders are using all of their leverage and negotiating powers to get the votes in the Senate for the DREAM Act. We can be thankful that our two Senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, are strong supporters and advocates.

That’s the optimistic view. The alternate view is that the Senate delay means the bill is dead for this session. Stay optimistic—“It’s not over ‘til it’s over,” es el dicho.

As to the House vote, all of the Democrats, with the exception of Brian Baird, 3^rd District, voted yesterday in favor of the DREAM Act. Baird will not be in office next year because he did not run for re-election.

None of the House Republicans voted for the DREAM Act. No votes were Doc Hastings, 4^th District, and Dave Reichert, 8^th District. Cathy McMorris Rogers, 5th District, did not vote.

(We want to comment on the no votes, but we have decency laws… )

Something you can do:

We have been asking our representatives to support the DREAM Act. If you are in one of the districts where your representative supported the DREAM Act, now is a good time to thank them. Please do this – it’s important that they know we appreciate their support:

Jay Inslee, 1^st District http://www.house.gov/inslee/contact/email.html

Rick Larsen, 2^nd District Rick.Larsen@mail.house.gov

Norm Dicks, 6^th District http://www.house.gov/dicks/email.shtml

Jim McDermott, 7^th District http://www.house.gov/mcdermott/contact.shtml

Adam Smith, 9^th District http://adamsmith.house.gov/contact

And, thank our two Senators:

Patty Murray murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm

Maria Cantwell cantwell.senate.gov/contact/

Finally, don’t give up; never give up. Adelante Siempre!

Latino/a Educational Achievement Project

Ricardo Sanchez

VP, Communications and Educational Services

Sea Mar Community Health Centers

206.763.5277

Get into the giving spirit and donate to Sea Mar's toy drive

Sea Mar Community Health Centers is asking for everyone's support for their annual toy drive. Please consider giving to many deserving families. Read below for more information.
LEAP

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Nothing brings a community closer together than a smile to the faces of children and their families during the holiday season. For over 20 years, Sea Mar has been giving back to communities by hosting annual Christmas parties for its low-income pediatric patients throughout western Washington. This annual celebration is one of our largest and highly anticipated events.

This year you have an opportunity to give back directly to the patients you serve at Sea Mar. Your donation of a new unwrapped toy or children’s book will contribute to the holiday cheer of over 10,000 low-income Sea Mar pediatric patients in eight Washington State counties.

Please drop off your donation at any Sea Mar location between:

November 19 through December 17

Monday through Friday

8am to 5pm

Drop off your donation at the front desk at any Sea Mar site. The receptionist will make sure your donation is given to the Clinic Manager.

A portion of the costs for the holiday parties and donated toys is made possible through the fundraising efforts of Sea Mar’s annual summer golf tournament. The tournament raises funds for Sea Mar’s college scholarships, low-income housing, and holiday children’s parties. However, with your help and support, our staff at Sea Mar can give back and work together this year to secure a brighter holiday season for our children and communities.

Please direct questions to Jennifer Marroquin at jennifermarroquin@seamarchc.org or 206.788.3284.

Enter the LEAP YouTube Contest & Win!

Are you an inspiring film maker and passionate about HB 1079*? Well now is your chance to use your skills to inspire and educate others on this topic!

If you are a 7th to 12th grader or college student studying in Washington State, you are eligible to enter a video in the LEAP YouTube Video Contest, specifically answering the question - what's next for HB 1079 students. You can win a cash prize if you video is selected as the winner!

For more details, email info@leapwa.org

*State law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges or universities in Washington State.

Dont Vote Ad Causes Uproar

Last week, a television ad by the organization, Latinos4Reform, was aired suggesting Latinos should not vote. This, Latinos4Reform suggests, would show our political strength. The organization afterward told the media they were encouraging people to not vote for the congressional leaders who have not held their promises, such as passing immigration reform.

Regardless of whether this was true or not, the words "don't vote" should never be encouraged. The best way for all voices, including the Latino voice to be heard, is to vote.

I'm voting, are you?

Letter to the DREAM Movement

A email that was sent to LEAP in relation to the current movement of the DREAM Act.

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September 20, 2010

Greetings!

LETTER TO THE DREAM MOVEMENT

Introduction: We convey this letter from Raul Al-qaraz Ochoa, an ardent student activist of the DREAM ACT movement, who has given tirelessly of his time, his life, and has sacrificed much to fight for the rights of himself and others, and therefore, has the highest authority to express this view in relatiion to the current status of the DREAM ACT and the advocacy for its passage by the U.S. Congress.

The Mexican American Political Association (MAPA) and the Hermandad Mexicana Latinoamericana have historically supported the DREAM ACT conditionally from the initial versions of the proposed legislation. We oppose war and militarism, but recognize that it is the right of option of anyone to serve in the military. We oppose that the ACT has as an option military service without also including community service as an option. We oppose that the ACT excludes financial assistance, such as CAL-GRANTS or similar other states' student grant programs, to help students in their venture into higher education. We oppose that the ACT does not permit the legalized DREAM students the opportunity to immigrate other family members after the initial years of qualification, however, we do support that these students would be able to immigrate themselves and obtain legal resident status.

What many people seem to forget is that the initial versions of the DREAM ACT were truly an opportunity for literally millions of young people to legalize their status, avail themselves of the option of community service, and/or higher education, in order to legalize their status; and it included the opportunity to immigrate other family members; and it included access to financial aid. The most recent version has stripped the best clauses of the first and second versions of the proposed legislation. The current version is a bastardized clone of the best first version, and it was made even worst by the militarized connection to the legislation.

However, one can argue that being connected to the defense budget is only a medium whereby this legislation can see the light of day. The sad reality, however, is that the Democrats (and that inlcudes President Obama) are a penny short, and an hour late and know that they do not have the votes in the Senate to make the DREAM a reality. But, with this failure they can point to the Republicans as the culprits while both parties slide into the mid-term elections. It is all about the Democrats attempting to hold on to the Latino electoral base without passing anything of substance in the way of immigration reform.

I now cede the word to Brother Ochoa......

National President
Mexican American Political Association (MAPA)
310 N. Soto Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033

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Letter to the DREAM Movement:
My Painful Withdrawal of Support for the DREAM Act

Septiembre 18, 2010

by Raúl Al-qaraz Ochoa

I have supported the DREAM Act, despite my critiques and concerns over the military service component. In fact, I was one of the arrestees at the sit-in at John McCain's office in Tucson, AZ; an act of civil disobedience where four brave undocumented students risked deportation and put the DREAM Movement back in the national political stage. I made peace with my participation because I felt I was supporting the self-determination of a movement led by undocumented youth and I felt we could subvert the component that was to feed undocumented youth into the military pipeline if we developed a plan to support youth to the college pathway.

First, let me say that I applaud and admire the tireless work you have all done for the past 10 years. Your commitment and dedication parallels giant student movements of the Civil Rights era. Your persistence in organizing even when the world turned their back on you is inspiring; your creativity in tactics, visuals and media strategy is amazing. Your movement gives hope to hundreds of students I have come across here in Arizona and beyond. It is because of your grassroots efforts-not the politicians' nor the national Hispanic organizations'-that the Dream is still alive and has come this far. As an organizer with permanent resident status privilege, let me assert that your cause for access to college and path to legalization is just. No one can tell you that what you are fighting for is wrong.

With that said, I want to share how I am deeply appalled and outraged at how Washington politics are manipulating and co-opting the dream. I understand that some folks may say, "we just want the DREAM Act to pass regardless", but it is critical to examine the political context surrounding DREAM in its current state. It is disturbing to see how Democrats are attaching our community's dreams for education/legalization to a defense appropriations bill. This is grotesque in a number of ways:

1) Democrats are using the DREAM Act as a political stunt to appeal to Latino voters for the November elections because it is seen as "less" threatening than a broad immigration reform. The Democrats have the political will to recently unite and pass a border militarization bill in a matter of hours ($600 million!), yet they won't pass a broader immigration reform? And now they are up for the DREAM Act? I'm glad they feel the pressure of the Latino voting bloc, but they obviously do not care about our lives, they only seek to secure their seats in November-which by the way look very jeopardized if they don't move quickly to energize their "base". They are also seeking to secure the gay vote with the gradual repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy as part of this same defense bill. All in all, insincere, token political gestures only serve to stall real justice.

2) Democrats are telling me that if I support access to education for all my people, I must also support the U.S. war machine with $670 billion for the Pentagon? Does this mean I have to support the military occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan? By supporting the DREAM Act, does this mean I automatically give a green light for U.S. forces to continue invading, killing and raping innocent people all over the world? This is really unfair. Here in Arizona I struggle with a climate of fear and terror. Yet even though I am so far away, I hear the cries of Arab mothers who are losing their children in U.S. sponsored bombings and massacres. There's a knot in my throat because victims of U.S. aggression abroad look just like us victims of U.S. aggression at home. This ugly and twisted political system is dividing us and coercing us into supporting the funding of more bloodshed and more destruction if we want the DREAM Act to pass. Does this mean that our dreams will rest upon the nightmares of people that suffer globally? Obviously, students that call their Senators are supporting their future NOT bloodshed abroad, but we have to be responsible to the larger political implications of this.

3) Democrats are vilifying and criminalizing our parents. A really insulting argument prominently used for passing the DREAM Act that I keep hearing over and over is that because undocumented students "didn't choose to come to the U.S. to break the laws of this country" you shouldn't have to pay for the "sins" or "illegal behavior" of your parents. Are they serious?!? It is not okay to allow legislation to pass that will stand on and disrespect the struggle, sacrifice and dignity of our parents. What about blaming U.S. led capitalist and imperialist policies as the reasons that create our "refugee" populations. Our parents' struggle is not for sale. We must not fall for or feed into the rhetoric that criminalizes us or our parents. We all want justice, but is it true justice if we have to sell out our own family members along the way?

Again, I support this fight-it's part of a larger community struggle. It's personal to all of us. Passage of the DREAM Act would definitely be a step forward in the struggle for Migrant Justice. Yet the politicians in Washington have hijacked this struggle from its original essence and turned dreams into ugly political nightmares. I refuse to be a part of anything that turns us into political pawns of dirty Washington politics. I want my people to be "legalized" but at what cost? We all want it bad. I hear it. I've lived it. but I think it's a matter of how much we're willing to compromise in order to win victories or crumbs.

This again proves how it is problematic to lobby the state and put all our efforts in legislation to pass. We should know that this political route is always filled with racism, opportunism, betrayals and nightmares. History repeats itself once again.

So if I support the DREAM Act, does this mean I am okay with our people being used as political pawns? Does this mean that my hands will be smeared with the same bloodshed the U.S. spills all over the world? Does this mean I am okay with blaming my mother and my father for migrating "illegally" to the U.S.? Am I willing to surrender to all that in exchange for a benefit? Maybe it's easier for me to say that "I can" because I have papers, right? I'd like to think that it's because my political principles will not allow me to do so, regardless of my citizenship status or personal benefit at stake. Strong movements that achieve greater victories are those that stand in solidarity with all oppressed people of the world and never gain access to rights at the expense of other oppressed groups.

I have come to a deeply painful decision: I can no longer in good political conscience support the DREAM Act because the essence of a beautiful dream has been detained by a colonial nightmare seeking to fund and fuel the U.S. empire machine.

I am so sorry and so enraged that this larger political context has deferred those dreams of justice and equality that we all share.

In tears, rage, love and sorrow,

-r

SAVE THE DATE!

LEAP Education Conference & Legislative Day
February 24 - 26, 2011
Hotel Murano * Olympia

More information to follow

Vote on the DREAM Act?

There have been reports that Senate Majority Leaders Henry Reid is considering bring the DREAM Act to a vote, for more information follow the link below


http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2010/07/reid-considering-dream-act-vote-before-election.html

Chillin’, Grillin’, and ... Postsecondary Education?

Side Note: REMINDER! LSU is having a fundraiser at the Panda Express in Burien Saturday July 31st, all you have to do is order some food and part of the proceeds will go to LSU. If that isn't enough motivation for you, below is a great reason why we should support this group.


LSU has done it again. On Sunday May 30, 2010, Latin@s Stand Up! Movement, better known as LSU (Movimiento Latin@s Arriba, in Spanish) had their 4th Annual Barbecue.

This group of Latino students from Global Connections High School in the Highline School District, was founded in 2006 by a couple of students after attending the LEAP Conference. “The LSU mission is to motivate Latin@ students to go for a higher education, prevent them from dropping out of high school, and college awareness. LSU also wishes to help the Latino community make good decisions and help increase their opportunity for a better life.”

Every year, among hosting other events, LSU celebrates the end of the school year with a BBQ for the Latino families in the community. In the past, the focus had been Global Connection students and families. This year the word spread to other members of the community whose children would soon attend high school.

“Me parece un muy buen grupo...me gustaría que mis hijas se involucraran en esto,” (“I think this is a very good group...I would like my daughters to get involved in this”), said a mother, whose daughters will soon attend high school.

The BBQ was hosted at Angle Lake in the city of SeaTac. Students, parents, friends, and members of the community all enjoyed the delicious food and music. Even Global Connections’ teachers and Principal Rick Harwood joined the celebration. Among them was LSU advisor Jill Weseman, who, along with other teachers, including Jennifer Wittenberg and AJ Campanelli, has supported the club back when it was only an idea. "Over the past four years, the LSU has become a powerful force for positive change in our school and community. The annual Family BBQ has drawn in new members and engaged their families in the work. This year's BBQ was completely planned and facilitated by parents and students, and was the most successful and well-attended it has ever been--despite the rain!"

As usual, the BBQ consisted of student-led workshops. In the past, the guest were divided into three groups and rotated to the different workshops. This year, due to the rain, the workshops were presented to the entire group of attendees.

The first workshop was presented by Rafael Vasquez, Jose Lopez, and Gabriela Osorio; three of the founders of LSU. Their workshop was entitled “Más Allá Del Salón” (Beyond the Classroom). The workshop invited parents to share their educational experiences and reflect on what educational goals they had in the past and whether or not they achieved them. The presenters also talked about what students should expect in college and what impacts college life may have on a students’ culture and points of view.

The second workshop was presented by Senior Yessica Perez. Yessica has been involved in LSU since the very beginning. She joined the group not long after it was created. She will be attending the University of Washington in Tacoma. Her workshop was about the DREAM Act. She had presented the same workshop in the 2010 LEAP Conference.

The third and final workshop was presented by two LSU parent volunteers, Lorena Mendez and Martha Maldonado. They shared their experiences in working with LSU with a slide show of photographs. These photographs reflected the dedication LSU and parent volunteers have had throughout the school year.

The Latin@s Stand Up! Movement had a successful BBQ this year. New faces from both the community and LSU itself brought about rewarding experiences. Nothing less was expected of them. Congratulations and hope next year’s BBQ is just as great.

Brought to you by Gaby Osorio, LEAP Volunteer and Scholarship Recipient

Drumming to the beat of Leadership & Education

Edward Alfonso Esparza
In Vancouver, WA a mentor for Latinos leads our youth into a path of creativity, passion, and leadership. One of his programs is well recognized. This program is a mixture of empowering the Latino youth as well as using music as means of personal expression. It is none other than One of a Kind Drumline!

What exactly is the program?
One of a Kind Drumline is about leadership through performance which consists of several kids that range from Kindergarten to twelfth grade. Kids learn that the drum is a part of them and can be used to reach success.

It is important act upon good citizenship. To emphasis this, the group does community service. They plant trees and clean around the community.

One of a Kind Drumline promotes education. Last October the youth went online and research different careers; it did not matter what grade they are in, they all did it. That way they can start looking into different career opportunities and see how they can apply their interests with what they can do for careers. Eddie also engaged all his students into the national college fair. They got criticized for taking the younger students. But, Eddie believes that exposing the kids even if they are young is the way to go. That way promotion of higher education is instilled in their young growing minds early on.

Eddie said “expose kids to music, community service, and career research will prepare the youth for what is in store for them as they continue to grow and learn”. He wants to make sure these kids obtain skills to make succession a reality.

What is behind your aspiration to form this program for the youth?
Growing up in poverty, Eddie used the drums to help him deal pain. We all have our own means of dealing with various life experiences. Eddie having a mixture of Native American and Mexican blood running through his veins was tempted by rhymes of the drums. The drums allowed him to overcome a lot and have made him who he is today. Eddie saw the positive impact the drums had with his life and formed this program to make his method of coping with things available.

When did you start the program?
One of his co-workers, Tammy, had a troubled foster child. He reminded Eddie of his own childhood. Eddie was going to teach his son how to play the drums and invited Tammy’s son to join them. They started with having a bunch of broken equipment and gathered kids to play them. Eddie was used to fixing drums; so he would buy stuff from E-Bay and fix them. From then on, they would get more drums and more drums to fix up. Later, they received grants which allowed them to expand their amount of equipment.

What is the foundation of the program and what are you trying to achieve with it?
“If it was not for my drums…I do not know where I would be right now,” Eddie says. Eddie grew up dealing with complex issues and understands that as minorities, we deal with a lot of issues which can either empower us or break us down. He used the drums to empower himself so founded this program to bring out a positive notion of dealing with the complexity of the life of a minority. The program gives the youth tools to empower themselves with.

Do you plan on expanding this program into other regions?
“Yes,” Eddie says, “we do plan on expanding it but first we have to finish establishing the non-profit status.” Their plan is to develop the program to where they are teaching students and providing them with an area to study. He loves all his students equally; but relates to Latinos more because they share the same culture and history. His mission is to serve everyone but especially the Latino youth.

It’s me Dani…bringing you the news from our Communities, Leaders, and Youth

Eat at Burien Panda Express for a Good Cause

A message from Gaby, one of the many students doing great work in their communities. Please find time to support Latin@s Stand Up, an excellent high school club who work to improve the Latino dropout rates at Global Connections High School (in Sea Tac) by educating Latino parents in their language on important educational issues affecting their student in an un-intimidating location and encouraging parents to partner with the school. Some past LSU events include an annual BBQ for Latino parents, visiting a college classroom, and attending educational conferences.

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Hello Everyone,

Global Connections High School's Latin@s Stand Up Movement (LSU) is having a fundraiser. On Saturday July 31, 2010 from 11am - 10pm present the attached flyer to the Burien Panda Express and 20% of your purchase will be donated to LSU. Please tell your friends, family, and colleagues.

Thanks,

Gaby

Hola a Todos,

El Movimiento Latin@s Arriba de la preparatoria Global Connections estara recaudando fondos. El Sabado 31 de Julio del 2010 presente el volante adjunto al Panda Express de Burien y 20% de su compra sera donado al Movimiento Latin@s Arriba. Favor de pasar este correo a sus amigos, familiares y colegas.

Gracias,

Gaby

LEAP in the News

On Friday, LEAP, the Washington Commission on Hispanic Affairs and Alianza student coalition hosted a leadership forum in Vancouver, WA. Here is an article the Columbian wrote on the forum.

http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jun/26/latino-youth-zero-in-on-issues-involvement/

Marysville School Board Member: “Inferior” Students Need Not Apply

A parent volunteer has brought to our attention, Marysville School Board member, Michael Kundu. Kundu has recently been making headlines based on an email he sent commenting on the achievement gap and "certain ethnic groups possess[ing] biological advantages and disadvantages compared to others, in areas including brain sizes and intelligence levels" (quote taken from Seattle PI news article).

The ACLU in Washington recently an posted an excellent article on their blog in response to this recent situation. You can view the blog by clicking on the link below:

http://www.aclu-wa.org/blog/marysville-school-board-member-inferior-students-need-not-apply

If interested, there will be a Marysville School Board Meeting (4420 80th Street NE, Marysville, WA 98270) at 6:30 pm on Monday June 21st where the school board will vote on Kundu's achievement gap proposal. This meeting is open to public comments.

College Bound Scholarship for 7th and 8th Graders

Ojo! the deadline for 7th and 8th grade students to sign up for the College Bound scholarship is the 30th of June. Don't miss this great opportunity!

For more information visit the HECB website: http://www.hecb.wa.gov/CBS2010deadline.asp

Follow Up to Daniela, our new LEAP Student Reporter

A continuation of Daniela "Dani" Najera, our LEAP Student Reporter's leadership influences and background...

My Story:

I am a Latina born and raised in a small agricultural town in the North Central Washington called Brewster. I was born to an undocumented immigrant who raised me and my two sisters as a single mother. I may not have had a father or much money growing up but love and inspiration was always by my side. I was always a leader within my friends and liked being in charge of things. Later on in life, I began seeing the reality of life. I was growing up and saw how people were treated differently based on class, race, gender, and legal status. I was eight when I told my mom I was going to become a lawyer and help her fix her papers.

During my early teen years, I began to rebel. I did things I should not have done; disobeying my mom so many times. I know karma happens and believe me karma hit me hard or at least I thought it did. My mom was taken away from me, my family, and community on November 2007 one cold fall night when ICE surprisingly knocked at my house and walked in. That day forever scared my life and the lives of my household. For a while I was depressed and blamed myself for being a bad daughter and not appreciating my mom for all her worth. With the help of my Aunt Elvia and friends, I realized it wasn’t my fault and that God allowed this to happen for a reason. So I decided to learn from the adversity and take it as a sign to change my rebel ways and strive even more to graduate, go to college, and make it in this world not only for my sake but for my mother’s sake as well.

I could not be where I am today if it was not for all the love and support I have received. I have chosen to get educated and make something of myself to show that all the love and support I have received did not go to waste. Love and support work as my soul’s battery to keep me going no matter what my struggle is. Hardships are never easy to face. Pain does not decrease as the frequency of hardships increases. I have taken many falls; but with the falls, I regained strength to pick myself up and continue my journey to what will one day be my destiny. Adversity has given me a better perceptive of my dreams, my reality, and how to make my dreams my reality. Nothing in life is eternal. Adversity will continue throughout my life; I have learned the hard way I will lose a lot of what I love. I must and will stay positive. God has a purpose for me and allows things to happen for a reason. Adversity and pain exist to push me to grow and prepare me to learn, live, and lead. Despite life’s ups and downs, only I shall decide what I want my life to be; thus I shall strive to make my want my only reality!

Role Models:

My role models are the two women who raised me, my mom Maria Ignacia Martinez and her sister Maria Elvia Martinez. They both have sacrificed so much for our family. In the U.S., my mom worked in the sheds and orchards. She is always willing to help, expecting nothing in return. Being the oldest, my mom was like another mother to her siblings. She did not have the chance to get far in her education but she was a leader in our community and church. My aunt graduated from high school in Mexico. When she came to the U.S. she worked the same jobs my mom worked. Later on, she went to college and became a certified Registered Nurse. Today she is the school nurse for the Brewster School District. As I get older, I am finding out more about the life stories of these two women. They both have gone through their own adversities and remain standing strong as they hold on proudly to their native roots.

Her Goals:

Become a lawyer of civil law and defend the human rights of all. My ultimate goal is to become a leader of this world and make an emphasis for human rights that will strike profoundly and thus bring change so desperately need not just to this country but to the world. It is a very ambitious goal but I’m still young and if God allows me time, I will get educated enough to pursue my goal and make it a reality!

Mt Vernon LEAP Club hosted Retirement Dinner for Rep. Dave Quall

On May 18th, Representative Dave Quall, an amazing state representative and a big supporter of LEAP, was surprised by students of the Mount Vernon High School Latino Leaders Club (aka LEAP Club). After 18 years serving as the representative for the 40th District, Quall has chosen to retire. This dinner was to celebrate and appreciate his service in the state legislature.

Students organized and prepared a delicious meal of mole, enchiladas with rice and beans for Rep. Quall, a true champion for students in the state legislature. Students also invited MVHS Superintendent Carl Brunner, Skagit Valley College President Dr. Gary Tollefson, Representative Jeff Morris and others who all describe memorable Quall moments.

LEAP Club members wrote a dedication in the program that read:

Some of us have seen Representative Quall in Olympia for the past few years when we go there for legislative day during the state LEAP conference. He always takes time to talk to students from MVHS, and we especially like taking pictures with him.

We have learned that he cares a lot about futures and we appreciate very much that he wants to see all of us have the ability to go to college and be able to have good jobs.

We feel that we are fortunate to have a represenative like Dave Quall and we wish that he wouldn't retire. He inspires us to want to keep a positive attitude and never give up even when things are difficult for some of us.

Thank you Representative Quall for being who we have learned you are - an individual with courage and a passion for helping others. We hope you will continue to come and talk to students involved in the LEAP Club at MVHS. You will always be welcome.

At the end of the ceremony, LEAP Club President José Sánchez and Vice President Fanny Silverio presented Rep. Quall with an award. Rep Quall told students of all the retirement dinner he's attended, this was the best one.

Meet LEAP’s New Student Reporter – Daniela Alejandra Najera!

Daniela is LEAP’s new Student Reporter and a current University of Washington freshman from Brewster, Washington. She is majoring in Political Science and American Ethnic Studies; and minoring in Education and Diversity. Daniela will be finding time in her busy schedule to interview Latino youth and bringing to you many of the exciting and interesting things Latino students are doing in Washington state.

Daniela has extensive leadership skills and served as one of the LEAP Conference planning committee member. She has also:

- served as her class president for 3 years,
- was a Junior Counselor at La Cima Bilingual Leadership Camp,
- a GEAR UP Camp Junior Counselor, and
- is currently involved with the UW Latino Student Union.

But its not all business with Daniela, she loves to sing, dance, and is one mean baker. She enjoys jogging but especially loves soccer, whether it’s playing, watching, recording stats, or being the manager or stats keeper of the team.

Daniela likes to express herself through her writing and says:

As I think, I have this vision of my idea and want to express it to reflect the vision in my head; so others can see and feel what I see and feel. I like expressing myself through writing because it is a way of keeping a tangible record of important things and I enjoy looking back at what I have written (diaries, journals, papers/essays, poems, etc). A record of the past influences the future and keeps memories alive. As LEAP reporter, I will keep a record of LEAP activity to inform others of what is going on with LEAP and to have documentation of the actions LEAP is taking. I want to assure that when I no longer exist, ideas, belief, and memories important to me still remain; I can guarantee this will be through writing. The life of one’s body is not eternal but a piece of writing is and can carry so much life within it.

We are very proud to have Daniela as part of the LEAP Team and we will bring you more on this amazing leader at a later time.

Senator Dick Durbin, Illinois, supports students who would qualify under the DREAM Act

U.S. Senator Richard (Dick) Durbin from Illinois, one of the main sponsors of the DREAM Act, recently sent a letter to Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, urging her to defer the deportations of students who would be eligible for residency under provisions of the DREAM Act.


This we see as a precursor to his effort to get the DREAM Act passed this year. Please join us in thanking Senator Durbin for his leadership letting him know we support passage of the DREAM Act as a first step in comprehensive immigration reform.

Given the mood of the country following the divisive healthcare reform debate, proceeding carefully and thoughtfully on immigration reform is a reasonable and wise strategy.



Here is a link to see Senator Durbin’s correspondence to Secretary Napolitano.
http://durbin.senate.gov/showRelease.cfm?releaseId=324015


IT IS IMPORTANT FOR SENATOR DURBIN TO HEAR THAT HIS EFFORTS ARE APPRECIATED.

Please thank Senator Durbin for his leadership by phone, fax or email at:


(202) 224-2152 - ph
(202) 228-0400 – fx

email: http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Advisory Board Meeting April 16th

The LEAP advisory board consists of teachers, administrators, community members, and students from all over Washington state. LEAP's advisory board meets 2 to 3 times a year to develop LEAP's educational policy priorities and discuss important topics centered on improving the academic achievements for students.

The Advisory Board meeting is a great way for students, and others in the community, to participate and have their voices heard. The Advisory Board meetings are used as a time to reflect on recent LEAP activities and how we can improve our efforts. We discuss different educational situations affecting Latino students and begin thinking how we can affect policy through our yearly recommended educational policy priorities. Sometimes these priorities are complex, such as SB 6778 (alternative graduation requirements), other times they are local efforts to federal bills (seeking sign resolutions from school boards in support of the DREAM Act), other times it is controversial but much needed (in state tuition for 1079 students) but all seek to increase the number of Latino students in Washington state who are graduating from high school, continuing their education beyond high school and excelling in their efforts.

As students, sometimes we are intimidated by these types of meetings but we are an open group and enjoy hearing what students have to say. You are the ones living the situations that we want to improve and would like to know how it may affect you. Some of the concepts discussed might be difficult to follow (believe me, I still have difficulties) but the more you attend, the more accustomed you become.

If you are planning to be near Central Washington University on April 16th, take a moment out of your day to join us at Shaw 113 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Leadership 1000 scholarship deadline May 1st

The College Success Foundation is accepting applications for their Leadership 1000 scholarship. Open to all students. The deadline is May 1st.

CSF Application Portal

DREAMACTIVIST » Washington State Youth Come Out on Video

For students and others interested in Washington state's efforts to pass the DREAM Act, check out the newly formed Washington DREAM Act Coalition (www.wdac.info). They recently were recognized by DREAM Activist, a national organization, for the video they created asking for Senator Cantwell and Murray to push harder for the DREAM Act (both are co-signers of the DREAM Act).


DREAMACTIVIST » Washington State Youth Come Out on Video

Sea Mar Scholarship

There is still time to apply to the Sea Mar scholarship open to migrant high school and college students. Its a great scholarship that can be used for tuition, books, food, transportation, phone calls home or registration fees to an awesome conference like the 2011 LEAP Conference :) The deadline is approaching quick, so make sure you have already started on your personal statement. Also ojo! it says the application must be RECEIVED by March 26th, not postmarked.

For more information, read below
LEAP
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Each year, Sea Mar awards one-time $1,000 scholarships to students in Washington who are of migrant or seasonal farm worker* backgrounds. In the past three years, more than 60% of applicants were awarded scholarships.

If you are awarded one of these scholarships, you may use the money for anything you need while enrolled in a post-secondary program, such as a college, technical school, or professional training program. Eligible expenses include tuition, food, housing, and transportation.

The application deadline this year is Friday, March 26, 2010. Don't wait! Download the high school student application packet or the college student application packet and fill it out today. Mail, fax, or email the form, your personal statement, and your transcript to:

Scholarship Committee
c/o Colleen Lee
Sea Mar Community Health Centers
1040 S. Henderson St.
Seattle WA 98108
Fax: 206-788-3204
Email: colleenlee@seamarchc.org

*For the purpose of awarding these scholarships, a migrant farm worker is an individual whose principal employment is seasonal agriculture and who travels to work and lives in a different community while working. A seasonal farm worker is an individual whose principal employment is agricultural labor and who resides all year in one community. Farm workers do not include farm, ranch, feedlot, or food- or meat-processing plant owners/operators.

Thank you!

Thank you to all who attended, volunteered or in any way contributed to the 2010 LEAP Conference.

We had a great time and hope to post pictures here right away.

Photo of some of the LEAP Volunteers from Eastern Washington University, Central Washington University, Centralia College, University of Washington, Aviation School, Highline Community College, Sea Mar and Dr. Loco

Going to the 2010 LEAP Conference?

We at LEAP would like to know what students are thinking before attending the conference. Provide your answers in the comment section of this post to any or all the questions below:

1. What are your expectations about the LEAP conference? Any? None? Need answers? Tell us.


2. What do you know about the LEAP Conference, and what do you hope to learn from your involvement this year? What do you hope to take back to your school/community?


3. What would YOU like to ask or tell your representatives?


4. What are your current college plans? What are some questions you have about college? What do you hope to learn at the Academic Showcase?


5. Who are you hoping to meet? Other students? Dr. Loco? LEAP? Particular speakers?


6. What questions do you have about Legislative Day? What are you hoping to learn or accomplish at Legislative Day?


See you in February!

Need more info on the LEAP Conference? www.leapwa.org

SEMY seeking Donations & Applications for Scholarship

Hello everyone,

I hope this email finds you in good health.

I want to invite you to please encourage students to apply for our scholarship. As of right now, we only have about $500 in funds; however, we have a couple of fundraisers in the horizon and more pledges starting this next month, as well as a matching donation of $1000 from the Washington Apple Foundation. Our goal is to have at least $2000 for our 2010-2011 scholaships winners.

Application information-- Please encourage students to apply for these scholarships. http://www.waef.org/files/documents/WAEF_Universal_Scholarship_Application.pdf

Donation information--feel free to make a check out to WAEF and mail to: WAEF, 2900 Euclid Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801 OR go to their website and do the contribution online. If you chose to do the contribution online you can go to WAEF.org, allocate the donation to "other" and then designate it to the Migrant Student Leadership and Academic Scholarship.

Thank you in advance for contributing to our scholarship and sharing the application with students.

Con respeto y cariño,

Isabel

New Scholarship from Western Union Foundation

Just learned about this new interesting scholarship called the Family Scholarship Program from Western Union Foundation (thank you DREAM Activist for the info).

There is no citizenship requirement but 2 members of your family must apply, for instance, yourself and your father or sister. Here is the link for more detailed information http://foundation.westernunion.com/ourProgramsScholarships.html