Collected Resources for AB 540 Students & Allies

One of the first things I started doing when I made the choice to go to school, trying to adjust my legal status and just generally looking for help and resources was to try and find them. Problem is they weren't around back then. Everyone was pretty much going off by the seat of their pants and making things happen as they went along. 10 years later and those paths and road that were paved through by first generation 'dreamers' are not only still around, but much more accessible.  Thus, I present you links to Educators for Fair Consideration. They have created a hand full of student, ally and parent resources that break down tons of resources for both undocumented folks and allies. there's a full run down of the various resources guides they provide.

The first is Student Guides. This page has guides that can be downloaded which includes:

FINANCIAL AID GUIDE FOR COLLEGE-BOUND UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS 
The MALDEF scholarship guide 
Lucille Roybal-Allard scholarship guide as well

KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE: RESOURCE GUIDE FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

The 2006 USC Guide 

How to apply and fill out forms for public schools in CA

Applying to a UC 

They also have guides and information to counselors, teachers and school administrators in order to be better able to help students. 

Advise on how to help students for counselors and teachers 

10 ways to help undocumented students 

It's not just a 'Latino" issue

Why school administrators should support and aid undoc students

And of course a guide for parents on how to help their children succeed in school           one in English and another in Spanish. 

Superman for the Dream Act

California Dream Act (AB 131) Week of Action

California Dream Act (AB 131) Week of Action May 23 – May 27

The time to take action is now! We need AB 131 out of the Appropriations Committee! We have until May 27 to get the bill out of the suspense file!
Immediate actions you can take:

Call, call, call! (see script below)
You can also join us on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at a call-in center starting at 10 a.m.
675 S. Park View St.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Contact: dreamteamlosangeles@gmail.com for more details as needed

Make sure 5 of your friends do the same
Please call the following key legislators:

• Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes, Appropriations Committee Chair  (916) 319-2039
• Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, Budget Committee Chair  (916) 319-2040
• Assembly Speaker John Perez,  (916) 319-2046

Script:

“Hi my name is _______I am with________(affiliation or constituent). I am calling to thank Assemblymember (Fuentes, Blumenfield, or Perez)  for his leadership and his support on AB 130, half of the CA Dream Act. I also count on his support for AB 131; which is currently in the Assembly Appropriations’ suspense file. Thank you.”
Es hora de Actuar! Necesitamos sacar la propuesta AB 131 fuera del Comité de Apropiaciones!
Por favor llame a los siguientes legisladores claves:

• Asambleísta Felipe Fuentes, Presidente del Comité de Apropiaciones (916) 319-2039

• Asambleísta Bob Blumenfield, Presdiente del Comité de Presupuesto  (916) 319-2040
•  Presidente de la Asamblea John Perez,  (916) 319-2046

Comentario: Ten buenos modales

“Hola, mi nombre es _______ y soy parte de _______ (afiliación o constituyente). Estoy llamando para agradecer al Asambleísta (Fuentes, Blumenfield, Perez) por su liderazgo y apoyo a la propouesta AB 130, la mitad de la Acta del Sueño de California. Espero contar también con su apoyo para la propuesta AB 131, la cual está en suspenso en el Comité de Apropiaciones de la Asamblea. Gracias.”

Not Being Ready

Hey, you know what I haven't talked about in a while ?!? Women and
relationships. I don't have either, hence I don't write about it, but
hazza for I've had a moment of reflection that has shed new light on a
life time problem, I'm just not ready. It's true, as a man I'm not
ready to be in any kind of relationship, as much as I wish that wasn't
true.

I'm a romantic, holding hands, box of chocolates kinds guy and well, I
get bummed out when I see other couples hugging and stuff. I see them
and I want that with someone, to share those moments that never really
seem to matter when your in that moment.

But I've accepted that not only am I not ready for a healthy
relationship the way I am right now, I don't think I'm going to be
ready anytime soon really. I stop and think back on things I've done
or said and I realize how dumb they were. I don't regret them, but I
could have made things better, not worse.

I still have a ways to go before maturing in a healthy way. Whether
it's spiritually, mentally, emotionally and financially, seems I'm too
unbalanced to do anything with anyone. As much as I hate go admit
that. It's just not the right time for it right now, so I'll just keep
on trucking.

~ con safos ~

365/2 Days

~ Art by Swank One ~

Once, I threw a clock across a room just to see time fly (padum pish). Bad jokes aside, looking back is a human trait that can't be denied and it's something I do on a daily basis. I tend to reflect a lot on things that make me happy to be where I am and at times on things that make me realize I still haven't gone as far as I would like, but it's all a step by step process and we have to keep our heads up. May will forever be one of those times to reflect because of events, planned and unexpected, happening and changing lives forever. 

May means that Dream Team Los Angeles is another year older, that the first undocumented civil disobedience actions took place, Tam and Cinthya transitioned into the next life, my mom getting arrested for being a street vendor and life over all, just bringing people together to make things happen that will be remembered for years to come. Life takes us to strange places and puts us in situations that we can't understand or comprehend in that moment, days, weeks, months and years after they happened. 

Truly, looking back on everything that has happened in the time of a years make me realize that time is literally flying the older I get. I'm turning 27 in July and while I may be smarter, I still have ways to go in life. Everyday I realize that things are getting better and that progress comes slowly sometimes and we have to wait patiently. With zen like patience really. Things are different than last year that's for sure. 

While I can't really say they're better, sometimes variety is as good as it'll get. So what will the next few months bring ? More bike rides, more organizing, more parties, more memories, more late night soul searching conversations over tacos on the street, new friends, new loves and new trails. Whatever may come, I'm in a place and surrounded by people who will help me make sense of it all. To all of them, I say thank you.

One Year Later