Tag Archives: Chicago

Building Blocks of Peace, Youth Development

UP2Youth Program Facilitator Positions Available

Leave a comment

Positions available at our community center on 2801 S. Hamlin Ave. for Youth Program Organizer. Read description below:(Expires 12/16/16)

up

Job Title: Youth Program Organizer (UP2Youth) :

January – June 2017

Program  Overview 

UP’s Program staff is responsible for with the following four components and delivering it to youth in the community.  Provide tutoring assistance to youth and to ensure the successful operation of the program.

    1. Create an outline and calendar that includes youth empowerment and leadership development activities.
    2. Recruit and serve at least 35 youth (11-17 year old)
    3. Develop a mentoring model that engages youth development
    4. Include parents in the program development

Responsibilities

  • Be familiar with UP’s Mission and respect UP’s policies.
  • Participate in events hosted by UP.
  • Able to create lesson plans according to youth needs.
  • Maintain record of participant’s attendance, assessments, etc.
  • Document participant’s progress.
  • Prepare monthly statistical and narrative reports and notify the director of any changes with the program or schedule.
  • Assist with student recruitment, registration and assessment
  • Develop students files to document academic progress and personal growth
  • Compile students’ writings for publications
  • Attend and participate in staff development workshops weekly
  • Other assignments, as required by the job.

Requirements 

  • Bilingual in Spanish and English.
  • Previous experience working with youth.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and know how to use the Internet.
  • Be culturally sensitive.
  • Ability to work well with others.
  • Social media experience.

Accountability: Youth Program Organizer reports directly to executive director

Please bring cover letter and resume or email it to apply@universidadpopular.us
Universidad Popular
2801 S. Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60623
(773)733-5055

Youth Development

Annoucement: UP2Youth Program launches with new positions!

Leave a comment

Universidad Popular’s (UP) youth program has been assisting at-risk youth and families in Little Village since 2008.  This program has evolved to include partnerships with many institutions and community organizations such as the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children, University of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Sinai Urban Health Institute, Boy and Girls Club, Enlace Chicago, Gary Elementary School, Little Village Academy, Farragut Career Academy, Little Village High School, St. Agnes of Bohemia School, Violence Prevention Collaborative, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Public Library and the Chicago Public Parks – including many community groups and advisory committees. The program is intended for youth to find a place where they feel comfortable and safe through mentorship with caring adults. This program nurtures youth minds with social, cultural, reading and writing skills, academic achievement, life skills, parental involvement, sports and recreations, health literacy and service learning. Each youth develops leadership skills to achieve their goals and inspire others along the way.

UP to Youth is a youth-led initiative that seeks to empower young people through an environment where they can express themselves and engage their community freely through service-based projects that build skills among youth to enable them to create positive change in their world.  UP to Youth is founded on the model of popular education as conceived by the social theorist and educator, Paulo Freire with the goal of providing a holistic approach to youth leadership and positive youth development that serves as a gateway to higher education.

Since early 2014, Universidad Popular has been advocating with the assistance of youth and parents to reach out to State legislators to support funding efforts of after school programs. We urge you to help us build upon the structure for youth programming we have created and share these job descriptions with others.

Positions available below:

1.)

Job Title: Academic Specialist Fiscal Year: 2017
Department: Youth Programming Program: UP2Youth

Job Summary:
The Academic Specialist assists and supports the UP2Youth Program Coordinator with curriculum-based tutoring plans and tracking grades and progress of youth. In addition, the Academic Specialist is responsible for delivering programmatic activities and tutoring assistance to youth in the community, The Academic Specialist reports directly to the Youth Program Coordinator

 Job Responsibilities:
Create curriculum-based after-school classes that focus on educational achievement and academic outcomes.

  • Oversee tutoring and studying groups to ensure tutors/mentors are using techniques that will help participants develop assets crucial to learning.
  • Collect progress reports and report cards from participants and/or schools to track and analyze academic progress.
  • Meet with participants quarterly to analyze their strengths and weaknesses in school and together create a plan for educational success using goal setting, plans for healthy study habits, and other techniques.
  • Match academically low-achieving participants with volunteers, staff, and peers who excel in areas of weaknesses for individual or group tutoring sessions.
  • Plan and facilitate quarterly trips to college and high school campuses for program participants to learn more about higher education and the benefits of academic achievement.

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Bilingual Spanish/English is mandatory.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, and Excel.
  • Experience working with youth.
  • Be patient, good listener, responsible, and culturally sensitive.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the growing needs of the organization.

Send Cover Page and Resume to:                                            apply@universidadpopular.us

Universidad Popular
Olivia Flores-Godinez
2801 S. Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60623

2.)

Job Title: Program Coordinator Fiscal Year: 2017
Department: Youth Programming Program: UP2Youth

Position Overview
UP’s Youth Program Coordinator will administer the design and implementation of the UP2Youth program. He/she will ensure program quality and performance, which includes overseeing staff development, communicating with parents and youth participants, and maintaining relationships with funders, community partners, media, and other youth development providers. This programs hours of operation are Monday – Friday 3pm – 5pm

Responsibilities
 Create program design and work plan for the current year to be approved by Management Team.
 Oversee recruitment and registration process for new participants.
 Maintain participant and volunteer records updated and organized.
 Develop and manage a strong team of youth facilitators, providing leadership in the vision for the program and training and assistance for day-to-day program activities.
 Cultivate current and prospective funding for the UP2youth program.
 Develop relationships with other youth providers, local high schools, parishes, community organizations, local businesses, and ensure UP2Youth’s presence at community events.
 Plan and organize program events.
 Attend administrative conferences and other available trainings.
 actively participate in weekly coordinator meetings, staff meetings and organization-wide events and activities.
 Adhere to UP’s mission and policies
 other duties as required.
 Guide Youth research/advocacy projects
 Encourage Civic engagement on UP2Youth
 Do PR on UP2Youth matters issues

Requirements
 Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in positive youth development, social work, psychology, education or another related field.
 Two or more years of experience working with youth.
 Bilingual and bicultural in Spanish and English.
 Proficient in basic computer software: Microsoft Office, Internet, basic database management and data entry.
 Demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing and reporting.
 Familiarity with the participatory education.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the growing needs of the organization.

Send Cover Page and Resume to:                                            apply@universidadpopular.us

Universidad Popular
Olivia Flores-Godinez
2801 S. Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60623

3.)

Job Title: Outreach Specialist/Facilitator Fiscal Year: 2017
Department: Youth Programming Program: UP2Youth

Job Summary:
The Youth Outreach Specialist assists and supports the UP2Youth Program Coordinator with recruiting new youth and networking with local schools and organizations. In addition, the Youth Outreach Specialist is responsible for delivering the sports and psychical recreation program to youth in the community. The Youth Outreach Specialist reports directly to the Youth Program Coordinator. This programs hours of operation are Monday – Friday 3pm – 5pm.

 

 Job Responsibilities: 

  • Create recruitment and outreach plan to attract local youth participants to programing
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with all schools participants attend.
  • Create mutual agreements and contracts with principals and other administrators that assist the program with data collection and information gathering on participants.
  • Become familiar with standards in physical recreation and implement them in program design
  • Plan daily opportunities for physical recreation that appeal to a broad spectrum of youth interests including team sports, various styles of dance, yoga, aerobics, and others
  • Evaluate progress in participant’s physical health based participation in physical and nutritional activities
  • Actively participate in community coalitions and dialogues with the purpose to explore resources, prevent violence, and promote cultural expression among youth

 

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Bilingual Spanish/English is mandatory.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, and Excel.
  • Experience working with youth.
  • Be patient, good listener, responsible, and culturally sensitive.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the growing needs of the organization.

Send Cover Page and Resume to:                                            apply@universidadpopular.us

Universidad Popular
Olivia Flores-Godinez
2801 S. Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60623

4.)

Job Title: Parent Engagement Specialist Fiscal Year: 2017
Department: Youth Programming Program: UP2Youth

Job Summary:
The Parent Engagement Specialist assists and supports the UP2Youth Youth Program Coordinator with parent communication in addition to referring families to proper agencies for assistance. The Parent Engagement Specialist reports directly to the Youth Program Coordinator. This programs hours of operation are Monday – Friday 3pm – 5pm

Job Responsibilities:

  • Act as a liaison between the organization and families of youth participants
  • Maintain continual contact with parents regarding activities, events, youth behavior and progress, and other relevant issues as they occur
  • Plan and deliver new parent orientations at the beginning of each school year
  • Provide all families with information regarding rules, policies, events, daily activities and other items and ensure their understanding
  • Connect families to internal and external resources
  • Refer youth and their families to services not provided by UP
  • Plan and host monthly Parent Advisory Council meetings to share information about the program with the parents and to gain feedback
  • Distribute and collect evaluations to analyze and monitor success of program
  • Provide quarterly workshops for parents based off interest surveys
  • Organize parents to provide bi-weekly healthful meals for youth participants

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Bilingual Spanish/English is mandatory.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, and Excel.
  • Experience working with youth.
  • Be patient, good listener, responsible, and culturally sensitive.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the growing needs of the organization.

Send Cover Page and Resume to:                                            apply@universidadpopular.us

Universidad Popular
Olivia Flores-Godinez
2801 S. Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60623

These positions expire 11/18/16

English Literacy, Volunteers, Youth Development

Vanderbilt University Alternative Spring Break in La Villita

Leave a comment

Universidad Popular welcomes Vanderbilt University’s students once again for their Spring-break experience in Chicago.

15

The week of March 7th to Mach 11th, 2016, Universidad Popular’s adult education LEARNING TO SUCCEED, English Language Development Program and the youth after-school program had, once again, the opportunity to exchange life experiences and re-enforce learning skills with 10 students from Vanderbilt University’s Alternative Spring Break from Nashville, Tennessee.

13Facilitators and participants alike had a meaningful experience by sharing their why’s and their struggles of learning a new language. Participants had the opportunity to work in small groups which facilitate their learning processes.  Vanderbilt University students from were able to use their language skills to help our participants feel more comfortable asking and answering questions to strangers.  But most importantly, they had the opportunity to get to know each other and share life experiences.

1Universidad Popular is very thankful for this great interacting and we invite anyone who wants to support our community empowerment mission to come out and start building bridges with us.  The only degree required is to care for people.

Here are some comments from Vanderbilt University students’ experiences including a video during our health literacy activity -Zumba

Reflections from Vanderbilt University Alternative Spring Break

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time at Universidad Popular with its vibrant and passionate community.  Though only here for a short time. I made great relationships with the participants and community at large.  I am sad to go, since I learned so much about the people of “La Villita” and their stories as well as a little more about myself.

16Getting to directly interact with the participants and people here was always a happy occasion, and was probably my favorite aspect about UP.  Universidad Popular is not just a place for people to come to learn English or simply pass the time, but a place where the community comes together to learn from each other as they try to better themselves and the community.  Universidad Popular is a school for life.

-Miguel Gómez
Vanderbilt University

17Coming in to tutoring my first day at UP, I had no idea what to expect. However immediately when I walked into the room, I noticed how warm and friendly everyone was.  Cesar and all the participants were so kind and welcoming.  Everyone is really dedicated to learning English, and it was an amazing experience to help them.  Even in just one week, I was able to connect and help my participants. Not only did they learn, but so did I.  I loved every moment from presentations to Zumba to playing soccer with the kids at Universidad Popular.  I wish I could come back and continue to be involved.

-Student
Vanderbilt University

12It has been a pleasure working with Universidad Popular this week. I’ve been blowing away by this organization’s mission and focus on the community and its members as more than just clients or students.  It’s been so inspiring and eye-opening to spend time in conversation with all of the participants and hear their stories and hard work and resilience.  I’m so thankful that Universidad Popular has graciously given us the opportunity to learn more about this community and its people.  UP has been so welcoming in letting us be members of this community for the short week we were here.  Being able to partake in the experience here has been an invaluable experience and memory.  I leave Chicago and UP with so much more knowledge about the both the assets and needs of this community, with great experiences, and most importantly new friends.  Thank you to UP for welcoming us into this wonderful, constructive community.

-Student
Vanderbilt University

10At Universidad Popular I learned the realities of many Latinos living in the US. It was amazing receiving the drive and desire that all the participants have to learn English.  Better their lives and living situations here.  It was also so interesting hearing everybody’s story –it gave me so much appreciation for the effort they display and the difficulties they face every day.  The kids were so full of life and welcoming to us.  Even though we broke their normal routine.  It was great to see them in a program like this to keep them safe, busy and enriched outside of school I hope to see UP get more funding in the future because this is such a special place to the Latino community.  I wish you all the very best in the future and I hope to visit one day!

-Student
Vanderbilt University

9¡Muchísimas gracias por la oportunidad de servir en Universidad Popular durante esta semana! Universidad Popular es una comunidad especial y siento que estaba invitado a ser parte de esta comunidad y familia.  A pesar de que solamente hemos estado aquí por un poco de tiempo. He disfrutado la experiencia de acompañar a los participantes de Universidad Popular en su camino de aprender inglés, especialmente como estoy aprendiendo español.  Fue un placer juntarnos en el esfuerzo de aprender nuevos lenguajes, pero aún más importante fue la oportunidad de aprender mutuamente sobre nuestras experiencias.

Espero que podamos volver a “La Villita” en el futuro y pasar más tiempo con la comunidad linda.

¡Gracias!

-Octavia White
Vanderbilt University

3The last week at Universidad Popular have been incredibly eye-opening.  My interaction with the adults in the ESL class were so full of joy.  I was so impressed by the openness of the community as they welcomed us into their homes I want to emphasize the bravery I saw in every person who came to Chicago in search of a new life and came to UP in search of a new language.  Learning a new language is a huge undertaking, and a commitment that should not take lightly.  Keep studding because I can’t wait to hear all about your English journey when I come back.

-Arianna Yarrita
Vanderbilt University

6Working with the kids and adults at Universidad Popular has been such an enriching experience.  I have never been exposed to a community like Little Village and getting to know the members of the community one on one was very eye opening.  Before coming here I only saw the Hispanic community as a group of people that exists in this community.  I’ve learned a lot from everyone and really appreciate the opportunity given to me to interact with them.

-Student
Vanderbilt University

I cannot say enough positive things about our experience at UP.  We loved the opportunity to interact with and learn from this vibrant community.
From our group’s conversations throughout our week in Little Village, it was clear that everyone had been touched by the stories we hear at UP.
Many thanks to Cesar and every staff member here for their dedication to helping this community.

Mil gracias a todos en UP, de parte de todo nuestro grupo, fue una bendición estar en La Villita.

-Schott Lancaster
Vanderbilt University

7I really appreciate how community-driven UP is and it’s really apparent how much Cesar cares about the community and helping improve the lives of its residents.

I had a ton of fun getting to know the individual stories of the Advance English class participants, and I’m truly tanksful for the experience –It was really educational and I now have a new perspective to look at world issues through. Up is doing amazing work in the community, and it’s clear that all the Little Village residents love being here.  Thank you for all that you do!

-Student
Vanderbilt University

18Spending time with the participants, facilitators and administrators at Universidad Popular has been truly inspiring.  From interacting with participants who are determined to advance for their good and that of their family.  To the facilitators and administrators who invest not only their efforts but their hearts into the lives of others.  Each interaction with the people at UP has filled me with hope for the future of the Latino community.

I had so much from spending the week here has been worthwhile. Thank you for opening your doors to us students, as learning about your institution and mission will be one of the most important learning experiences as college students.  Thanks and God Bless!

-Barbara Santana
Vanderbilt University

To connect your students with us at Universidad Popular please contact us at media@universidadpopular.us

Youth Development

Youth Program Organizer Position available!

Leave a comment

UPDATE 2/1/16 – 1 position available at our community center on 2801 S. Hamlin Ave. for Youth Program Organizer. Read description below:(Expires 2/15/16)

up

Job Title:  Youth Program Organizer January – June 2016
Position: Part-Time Positions Available: 1

Program  Overview 

UP’s Program staff is responsible for with the following four components and delivering it to youth in the community.  Provide tutoring assistance to youth and to ensure the successful operation of the program.

    1. Create an outline and calendar that includes youth empowerment and leadership development activities.
    2. Recruit and serve at least 25 youth (5th to 8th grade)
    3. Develop a mentoring model that engages youth development
    4. Include parents in the program development

Responsibilities

  • Be familiar with UP’s Mission and respect UP’s policies.
  • Participate in events hosted by UP.
  • Able to create lesson plans according to youth needs.
  • Maintain record of participant’s attendance, assessments, etc.
  • Document participant’s progress.
  • Prepare monthly statistical and narrative reports and notify the executive director of any changes with the program or schedule.
  • Assist with student recruitment, registration and assessment
  • Develop students files to document academic progress and personal growth
  • Compile students’ writings for publications
  • Attend and participate in staff development workshops weekly
  • Other assignments, as required by the job.

Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English.
  • Previous experience working with youth.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and know how to use the Internet.
  • Be culturally sensitive.
  • Ability to work well with others.
  • Social media experience.

Accountability: Youth Program Organizer reports directly to executive director

Please bring cover letter and resume or email it to apply@universidadpopular.us
Universidad Popular
2801 S. Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60623
(773)733-5055

UPrising

Youth Program Organizer Position available!

Leave a comment

Universidad Popular announces 2 new positions available at our community center on 2801 S. Hamlin Ave. for Youth Program Organizers. Read description below:

up

Job Title:  Youth Program Organizer January – June 2016
Position: Part-Time Positions Available: 2

 

Program  Overview 

UP’s Program staff is responsible for with the following four components and delivering it to youth in the community.  Provide tutoring assistance to youth and to ensure the successful operation of the program.

    1. Create an outline and calendar that includes youth empowerment and leadership development activities.
    2. Recruit and serve at least 25 youth (5th to 8th grade)
    3. Develop a mentoring model that engages youth development
    4. Include parents in the program development

Responsibilities

  • Be familiar with UP’s Mission and respect UP’s policies.
  • Participate in events hosted by UP.
  • Able to create lesson plans according to youth needs.
  • Maintain record of participant’s attendance, assessments, etc.
  • Document participant’s progress.
  • Prepare monthly statistical and narrative reports and notify the executive director of any changes with the program or schedule.
  • Assist with student recruitment, registration and assessment
  • Develop students files to document academic progress and personal growth
  • Compile students’ writings for publications
  • Attend and participate in staff development workshops weekly
  • Other assignments, as required by the job.

Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s Degree.
  • Bilingual in Spanish and English.
  • Previous experience working with youth.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and know how to use the Internet.
  • Be culturally sensitive.
  • Ability to work well with others.
  • Social media experience.

Accountability: Youth Program Organizer reports directly to executive director

Please bring cover letter and resume or email it to apply@universidadpopular.us
Universidad Popular
2801 S. Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60623
(773)733-5055

Fundraising, UPrising

UPrising Youth Program Launches Crowdfunding Campaign!

Leave a comment

 

Universidad Popular’s UPrising Youth Program works with over 100  youth throughout the year and helps them overcome systematic challenges through a holistic approach that covers youth leadership, mentorship, and academics. Thanks to UPrising, Little Village youth have a safe space where they can grow and learn together in a supportive environment.

UPrising Support testimonials

Recently, Universidad Popular became one of hundreds of organizations in Illinois that has been affected by statewide budget cuts and the lack of 2016 budget. Because of this, the youth program will be forced to shut its doors and cease to provide area youth with academic, social, cultural, and physical mentorship.
This is devastating news
Our youth have organized themselves to speak up and demonstrate how important this program is for them. These past few months they’ve participated in demonstrations, press conferences, professional conferences; they’ve sent letters to the governor and public officials; and now they are launching a two-week crowdfunding marathon to make their summer program possible.
You can help
We want to make our summer youth program available for community youth, 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. To make this happen, we need to raise $20,000 by June 30th.
 
Share this campaign with your friends, family, and everybody else! Spread the word about the importance of funding holistic youth programing. We even made a tiny url to make sharing even easier:
Donate! 
Every little bit helps us reach our goal of sustaining our summer programing while we seek stable funding for the fall.
Checks can be made payable to Universidad Popular with “UPrising” in the memo line and sent to:
Universidad Popular
2801 S Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, IL 60623
For more information contact us at 773-733-5055 or online at www.universidadpopular.us

Employment, UPrising

Universidad Popular Announces BASSET Certification!

Leave a comment

Marketing Poster 1Universidad Popular has been working on a campaign that promotes healthy communities–encouraging drug-free youth and  parental awareness about underage drinking among the residents in little village. A series of marketing materials have been dispersed around the neighborhood to raise public awareness. The materials are intended to get parents’ attention and spark discussion with their kids about the negative consequences of alcohol use without using fear as a motivator.

Marketing Poster 5

Apart from the marketing campaign targeting youth and parents, Universidad Popular is also leading efforts to educate the business and service industry in proper protocol regarding alcohol service policies that are meant to prevent youth consumption and reduce consumption abuse by community members.

Marcela Espinoza and Edgar Montelongo will be training servers and employees that work and serve liquor in community of Little Village.  Despite being a requirement for every employee in the establishment serving liquor to to be certified, Universidad Popular wants to make sure our community is not serving minors and is educated on what to do when serving alcohol to adults

The new BASSET law takes effect on July 1, 2015 requiring all on-premise alcohol servers and bouncers in Cook County to attend BASSET, and for ALL Illinois BASSET cardholders to renew their certification every three years.

Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) is the State of Illinois’ responsible beverage seller/server program. Under the licensing and regulatory auspices of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, BASSET is designed to encourage profitable, responsible, and legal alcohol sales and service.

Link to BASSET Sign-in

The goals and objectives of the BASSET Program are:

Train and educate sellers and servers to engage in responsible alcohol service;
Spot signs of intoxication and utilize various intervention techniques;
Prevent DUIs and alcohol-related fatalities;
Stop underage sales and underage drinking;
Create safer communities and establishments where alcohol is served;
Educate owners, managers and staff on dram shop insurance, state laws, and local ordinances regarding alcohol service.

If you would like to sign up for our training. Click here!

If you have further questions, feel free reach Marcela or Edgar at (773) 733-5055

 

 

Computer Literacy, Digital Literacy Program

Digital Literacy Storytelling Series: Cruzando Fronteras

Leave a comment

As a part of our Digital Literacy Program, the following writings and posts are the product of our participants in our Photoshop classes in the evening.  They created photos using the program Photoshop to illustrate a story of themselves, their experiences, and their aspirations. These post were designed, organized and written by them to demonstrate what they have learned in the Digital Literacy Program along with stories of their choosing.

Cuando Crucé la Frontera

imagesQTCESC3M

En esta ocasión me da mucho gusto relatar parte de mi pasado cuando cruce la frontera hace 13 años.

imagesF1GBZXCH

Fue por ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, como a las tres de la mañana cruzamos el rio grande.  Éramos como unas once personas pero yo venía con dos amigos de mi pueblo. Nos quitamos parte de nuestra ropa y la llevábamos en la mano. Fue muy riesgoso pues cada vez que pisábamos la arena se hundía y sentía que me llevaba el agua. Pero uno de mis amigos me rescataba que no me llevara la corriente. Al final cruzamos el río y nos escondimos en una zanja grande.

Nos quedamos esperando el coyote como hora y media y al fin llego nos metimos en la cajuela de dos carros. Logramos burlar la migra y nos trajeron hasta Chicago. Cada tres horas nos checaban dentro de la cajuela a ver que no nos ahogáramos. Fue muy riesgoso.mqdefaultUMCFRLGX

Cuando ya llegamos aquí, fue decepcionante, creí que Chicago era diferente. En ese mismo momento me quería regresar, pero con muchos sacrificios encontré trabajo y me fui acostumbrando. Con el tiempo me fui enamorando de esta ciudad y ahora la ciudad es como mi casa–aunque un poco solo pues no tengo suerte para los amigos.imagesCTZECU5X

Ahora la Universidad Popular es parte de mi familia para no sentirme tan solo. Pues  uno de mis amigos murió aquí y el otro se regresó a México y  yo estoy tratando de ser feliz.   

 Salvador Hernandez

El Sueño de Estar en Estados Unidos

downloadNo tengo ni idea ni quiero empezar es una tristeza todo lo que pasan todos los que queremos aquí estar traemos  muchas ilusiones sin saber cómo nos irá.  Dejamos  todo para venir a superarnos sin saber si algún día podremos volver para atrás.

Inmigrantes-latinos-en-Estados-Unidos-de-AmericaEn el tiempo que acá estamos desgracias pasan y ni como de volvernos  pues después ya no podemos regresar. Pasa n los años, crecen los hijos, ya no quieren regresar decimos; ya no nos vamos; ¿cómo vamos a separar la familia sin pensar que desde que nos venimos todo perdimos? Por el disque gran sueño de estar en los Estados Unidos

           Andrea Falcón Frayre

 

English Literacy, Families Program, Microbusiness

UP’s Knitting Group – Now on THURSDAYS!

Leave a comment

IMG_1758Last year for International Women’s Day, the English classes put on an IMG_1765exhibition of women’s talents to highlight the women that are part of the program.

Maria Serrato brought many knit items to show and shared a little bit of her history, how she learned to knit, and her micro-business of selling hats and scarves that she makes herself.
From there, Maria decided to form a group to share her skills with others. Since then, the group has been
meeting once a week after the morning English classes. Some people have come to learn knitting for the first time, and many come to knit new projects, learn a few new stitches, and enjoy spending time and sharing stories with other women in the IMG_1757neighborhood.IMG_1755

This year, the group meetings have been moved to Thursdays from 12:00-1:00. We are trying to do more projects together, and are starting with a simple hat. All are welcome to join!

 

 

Commentary, Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Series: Ana Karen

Leave a comment

Ana Karen Manjarrez interned with Universidad Popular from the Summer of 2014 to December of the same year. She had the opportunity to participate in almost all aspects of our organizations. This essay-reflection from her is published in our quarterly publication: ¡Escucha! which can be found online here: http://www.universidadpopular.us/escucha/fallwinter2014/#/0

An Internship to Remember

 

Ana Karen also helped facilitate an English Language Learning class.
Ana Karen also helped facilitate an English Language Learning class.

When I began doing research on nonprofits to  work with as part of my six-month field study, I knew that I wanted to intern somewhere that I felt passionate about the work that was being done.

This made  my researching difficult. After hours, days, and months of looking, I found Universidad Popular. ‘Till this day when people ask me how I found Universidad Popular I answer that it was meant to be: I had a feeling that this organization was the one that I needed to be with. Universidad Popular’s mission, strategy,and programs made me feel an instant connection with the work and population of Little Village. I wanted to intern with them, so I was set on contacting UP and moving to Chicago. After getting the OK to intern with Universidad Popular I began researching more Chicago, La Villita, and UP, to be prepared for when I would arrive. No matter how much research or books I read to get me familiarized with Chicago or UP, nothing would not prepare me enough for what I was about to experience.

Initially I was nervous and scared of Chicago because I wasn’t told the most positive things about it. Regardless of the bad press I got from other people, I knew I had to experience it on my own so when I flew into Chicago I was ready for my journey to begin. My first day at Universidad Popular was great! I felt like people were really kind and open to me being there and welcoming me to the organization. After a couple of weeks at UP, shadowing many programs, I decided to be more involved with the programs LETOS and UPrising. In UPrising, I found myself connecting with youth at a crucial time in their lives when they are exploring their identities and learning about themselves and life. I learned a lot from my interactions and conversations with the youth in the program and I thank them for their involvement because, whether they know it or not, they are youth leaders in La Villita. Being a facilitator for the LETOS summer session and the end of Fall was also an honor for me because I got to meet and facilitate a class to community members that are developing their English skills to interact with people at their jobs, their families, and even people that they might not know but interact with at a store, the doctor or during an emergency. I learned from them and felt like they were welcoming and patient with me as this was my first time facilitating a class.

Ana Karen tutored Little Village youth with their homework--spanning topics from history to culture and mathematics.
Ana Karen tutored Little Village youth with their homework–spanning topics from history to culture and mathematics.

Not only did I work with these programs, but I was also involved in attending meeting relating to Universidad Popular and got to learn more about La Villita by interacting with other organizations that work with UP. I learned a lot from the way that Universidad Popular works with one another, the community and Chicago. To put my experience in perspective I think that Universidad Popular’s     existance is a great benefit to La Villita because it shows how there needs to be more centers, resources, and visibility for the growing Latino population in the United States. I am grateful to have worked with the organization and the people that I met during my six months here, and I hope that my presence here served to show that Universidad Popular can travel to other states and serve as an example of how an organization can work with, by, and for the people.

 You can also be a part of the solution also! Multiple volunteer and internship opportunities are available at Universidad Popular. For more information e-mail us at volunteer@universidadpopular.us, call at 773-733-5055 or fill out our online form here: http://tinyurl.com/volunteer-up