At the University of Michigan the number one way to get involved in any issues involving social justice is by joining student groups. Depending on group strategies and their focuses, organizations range from Teach For America MIRT (TFA) where graduating college students commit to two years post graduation to teach in urban and rural public schools and become leaders in the effort of expanding educational opportunities to underprivelaged youth. Current college students can choose to help increase Latino recruitment at Michigan by joining a group such asAssisting Latinos to Maximize Achievement ( ALMA). Students Organized for Labor and Economic Equality (SOLE),is another group whose focus is on social justice and educating Michigan's campus onto issues that both directly and indirectly affect them. Students can also choose to get involved on issues that affect a particular demographic. A group like MIRA, Migrant and Immigrant rights association, participated in a large degree of organizing last year around both anti-HR4437 efforts and the restaurant works rights campaign. On the statewide level, students can go join the Amnesty International chapter in Michigan where human rights and looking to internal appeal and awareness are the focus to stop human rights violations. If students do not have time to get involved directly with these groups if they belong to another student group collaborative efforts between these groups is always encouraged, providing that social justice is the goal. If you do not already belong to a student organization and do not have the time to join a social justice organization then attending events is great way to both learn about issues and take the opportunity to get involved. Events of this caliber are open to everyone who is interested in making positive change or anyone who is just looking to get more information.
The following page gives information on different ways to get involved in Latino activism on the University of Michigan campus, and the statewide and national level. Depending on the persons interests and passions there are many ways to get involved with issue regarding workers rights, education, immigration. Below you will find information on different ways to get involved and make a difference.
MIRA MIRA was formed in the Spring of 2005 by a group of concerned University of Michigan students who had all travelled to the US-Mexico border and witnessed first-hand the effects of larger social changes and economic policies on individuals and communities. In this light, the realities of immigration and migration became more evident, even in the relatively sheltered city of Ann Arbor. MIRA's mission is to raise awareness amongst the U of M community about the situation of migrant and immigrants in the US, as well as to work for more just immigration and trade policy that could better the lives of all people, no matter their country of birth. We hope to raise the local discourse on immigration and immigrant rights by bringing activists and academics to speak at Michigan, and by actively working for changes in the immigration system via petitions and direct contact with elected officials. Recognizing that immigration is not an isolate issue, MIRA also hopes to work such diverse groups as SOLE, Brewing Hope, Environmental Justice, Amnesty International and more to address related (though seemingly separate) concerns, such as Fair Trade, detention of refugees, and worker rights abroad. MIRA meets every Thursday at 8pm in the Michigan Union during the school year. For more information about meetings, or MIRA's activities, please email contactmira@umich.edu.
La Voz Latina La Voz Latina is a Pan-Latino student organization dedicated to addressing the various needs of Latinos at U of M. Through social, educational, cultural, and political functions they strive to be the collective voice of the Latino community. Some examples of how they have been active on campus include participating in AIDS in Black and Brown Week, and holding dialogues on different issues affecting the Latino community. Weekly Meetings: La Voz Latina meets every Thursday at 7pm in South Quad's Abmatana Lounge during the school year. For more information about La Voz Latina or its activities please contact lv.e.board@umich.edu.
SOLE Students Organizing for Labor and Economic Equality (SOLE) is a student organization at the University of Michigan that advocates for social justice and labor justice through direct action, education, and nationally coordinated campaigns. They are affiliated with a national student organization, United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS), and fight for worker's rights and against corporate domination locally, nationally, and globally.
PALMA PALMA (Proyecto Avance, Latino Mentoring Association) is a twice-weekly tutoring group that helps Latino students in the Ann Arbor area with their schoolwork, and helps adults with basic English as a Secong Language instruction. Our primary goal is to help foster academic excellence by encouraging the students to learn and monitoring their progress. We also hope working in a university environment will promote the importance of a post-secondary education. Beginning Thursday, January 11th PALMA will be meeting from 6 to 7:30 on Tuesday and Thursday at the Ann Arbor District Library (located at 343 S 5th Ave).
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MALDEF
"Founded in 1968 in San Antonio, Texas, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) is the leading nonprofit Latino litigation, advocacy and educational outreach institution in the United States. MALDEF's mission is to foster sound public policies, laws and programs to safeguard the civil rights of the 40 million Latinos living in the United States and to empower the Latino community to fully participate in our society. MALDEF achieves its mission by concentrating its efforts on the following areas: MALDEF achieves its objectives through advocacy, community education, collaboration with other groups and individuals, the awarding of scholarships in law and when necessary, through the legal system.
Through the years, MALDEF has been at the forefront of civil rights litigation, setting precedent in many cases and establishing new systems to elect officials, hire and promote employees, and educate children. On the non-litigation side, MALDEF works extensively on the issues of redistricting and census adjustment and is undertaking a nationwide media outreach campaign to ensure that all Latinos are counted in the 2000 Census. Additionally, through its leadership development programs, MALDEF trains and empowers Latinos to serve on policy-making boards and commissions at the local, state and national levels. Through the skills and training taught in its parent leadership programs, MALDEF also provides parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for a quality education for their children.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, MALDEF has offies in Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., with a satellite office in Sacramento and program office in Houston. The thirty-five member board of directors is comprised of leaders from the public and private sector, government, and law firms. MALDEF's staff of 75 employees include 22 attorneys."
UFCW
The UFCW stands for United Food and Commercial Workers, this organization is about workers helping other workers achieve better wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Despite the challenges of soaring health care premiums, costly prescription medications, retirement insecurity, and economic instability, the UFCW is a powerful voice for working men and women, leading efforts to protect and improve the livelihoods of all workers.
| University of Michigan History | How to Get Involved | Importance | People of Influence | Credits |
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