What do you all want on this page?

You all will be taking this over from me, and you should be able to use it as a tool to engage in debate, present videos, news links, and exposure for other causes or organizations that line up with VOICE”s mission and ideals.

SO SIGN UP ON THIS WEBSITE AND MAKE IT YOUR OWN.

VIDEO EDITION

This post is dedicated to a wide range of videos covering topics such as…

the immigration debate (hat tip Link TV/Latin Pulse),

http://www.linktv.org/latinpulse/20080407

the rise of hate crimes in the USA (Al Jazeera),

Part 1.

Part 2.

a Latino voting drive, Voto Latino,

a website that is lobbying for the national DREAM Act, ADreamDeferred.org,

and Juan’s Story: Undocumented but Not Un-American, advocating for a pledge to support fair and just immigration reform and build a better America for all of us at www.buildingamericatogether.org.

AND I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THIS WEBSITE:

http://mmediap.umn.edu/resource

BECAUSE

“”These tools are very helpful for anyone looking to inform themselves or their organizations in matters concerning Latinos and the media, media activism and media justice.”"

And, finally, this is a good example what some organized high school students put together a few years back for May 1st

MAY 1ST

Check out the MINNESOTA IMMIGRANT FREEDOM NETWORK’s list of events being organized for anyone and everyone interested in social justice, human rights, etc. for International workers day. From MIFN’s blog.

“”"Dear Friends and Allies,

The snow in Minnesota is puttin’ up a fight and so is the immigrant rights movement! The big mobilization for immigrant and workers’ rights is just around the corner (May 1st ring a bell?) and there are plenty of events being organized by various groups that make up this dynamic social justice movement, check them out below.

La lucha sigue,

alondra MIFN Communications”"”"

For more info in May 1st, check out the article snipped below.

May Day – the Real Labor Day

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May 1st, International Workers’ Day, commemorates the historic struggle of working people throughout the world, and is recognized in every country except the United States, Canada, and South Africa. This despite the fact that the holiday began in the 1880s in the United States, with the fight for an eight-hour work day.

Also check out this website:

The National Immigrant Solidarity Network (ISN) is a coalition of immigrant rights, labor, human rights, religious, and student activist organizations from across the country. We work with leading immigrant rights, students and labor groups. In solidarity with their campaigns, and organize community immigrant rights education campaigns. From community education campaigns to direct actions and strategic organizing, we are organizing critical immigrant worker campaigns that are moving toward justice for all immigrants!

Education as a Human Right

“Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit…. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among … racial or religious groups….”

–Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 26

“The States Parties … recognize the right of everyone to education…. Education shall enable all persons to participate effectively in a free society, promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among … racial, ethnic or religious groups…. Primary education shall be compulsory and available free to all… Secondary education … including technical and vocational secondary education, shall be made generally available and accessible to all…. Higher education shall be made equally accessible to all….”

–International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Article 13

Hat tip to the The People’s Movement for Human Rights Education for the quotes and links.

U of M Student Association Endorses MN Dream Act

“MSA passed a resolution in support of the Minnesota Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act. The resolution also urges the University’s Board of Regents to support the act’s passage in the Minnesota Legislature.

The DREAM Act allows students who attend high school in Minnesota for at least three years to be eligible for in-state tuition, despite not being permanent U.S. residents.

The University has the option of doing this now, but nothing will be required until the act is approved by the federal government, Legislative Affairs Committee chairwoman Alicia Smith said.

“We are taking a good first step,” she said.”

http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/03/12/72166109

For more information about the Dream act.

Roosevelt Students visit the capital

“Hundreds of teenagers marched to the state Capitol Tuesday morning to show support for what’s known as the Minnesota Dream Act. But despite the show of enthusiasm, the legislation has little chance of passing this year.” MPR

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/03/04/student_march/

More coverage from Twin Cities Daily Planet via the Minnesota Daily:

“Dream Act causes tension at the capitol”

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/node/4229

Inspirational Quote:

“If you give me a fish, you have fed me for a day. If you teach me to fish, then you have fed me until the river is contaminated or the shoreline seized for development. But if you teach me to organize, then whatever the challenge, I can join together with my peers and we will fashion our own solution.”

- Ricardo Levins Morales…
who has worked for “thirty-five years… creating art for community organizations, grassroots publications, labor struggles, and movements for social justice. “

http://ricardolevinsmorales.com

Some important, creative work for immigrant rights:

http://www.northlandposter.com/immigrant_rights.html