Tag Archives: Universidad Popular

Youth Development

Annoucement: UP2Youth Program launches with new positions!

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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

Youth Development

Youth Program Organizer Position available!

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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!

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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

Digital Literacy Program

DIGITAL LITERACY STORYTELLING SERIES: YO SOY UNIVERSIDAD POPULAR

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As a part of our Digital Literacy Program (DILIPRO), 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 posts were designed, organized and written by them to demonstrate what they have learned in the Digital Literacy Program along with stories of their choosing.

Mi Historia

Hoy es un día muy bueno para darle gracias a todas las personas que me ayudaron a lograr lo que tanto había anhelado.Universidad Popular

Para mí no era nada fácil empezar porque no tenía ni idea donde podía ir a aprender lo que mi trabajo requería es algo muy simple pero requeriría de tiempo, dedicación, práctica y lo más esencial de un maestro con paciencia y mucho talento y sabiduría para que yo lograra lo que quería. Aprender, algo tan simple como es la fotografía.

Corría el mes de marzo y yo tenía que finalizar un trabajo para mayo, Sergio la persona que me ayudaba con el trabajo de fotografía ya no quiso  ayudarme más, en ese momento creí que nunca iba a acabar con el trabajo que había empezado, se me acabaron las ideas: cómo arreglar fotos y comencé a comprar libros y más libros pero era por demás no  entendía, había símbolos , herramientas , que nunca en mi vida había visto y además tampoco dormía de tan solo pensar que era un pena no poder terminar el trabajo que yo aseguré a tiempo entregaría, estaba triste y desesperado me sentía mal porque las personas para las que trabajé ya me habían pagado todo y ellas tenían la ilusión de ver su trabajo terminado,, Yo pensaba ¡qué voy hacer! , el teléfono sonaba y sonaba las personas por su trabajo preguntaban y yo no lo tenía, ¡qué días!   Parecían divertidos pero no para mí tan solo eran pesadillas.

Un sábado por la tarde casi a finales de abril vino mi hermana a visitarme y después de saludarme preguntó, ¿hermano que te pasa porque estas desesperado dime si te puedo ayudar en algo si esta en mis manos con mucho gusto te ayudo? Mi respuesta fué un poco brusca y le dije, ¿sabes arreglar fotos? de veras que te lo agradecería. Me dijo lo siento, de eso ni idea, pero sé de un lugar y ahí sí te podrán ayudar es una escuela muy chiquita pero muy buena. Logo of Universidad PopularAhí sí que te van a ayudar y vas a aprender lo que tú quieres saber y le dije gracias hermana gracias y en cuanto se fué llamé a la escuela de nombre ”Universidad Popular” y me contestó una voz muy fina y educada, era Vicky la secretaria, por cierto muy amable, dijo deme sus datos y prepárese porque las clases ya van a empezar. Acudí a la clase y cuál fue mi sorpresa, todos eran tan buenos y me ayudaban a solucionar los proyectos que era la base de lo que yo quería aprender encontré a algunos compañeras que se veía con gusto me ayudaban y hasta se molestaban si a la clase faltaba, me acuerdo de Lola muy bien. El primer día que la conocí pensé que ella era maestra porque a todas ayudaba,  Andrea siempre tan atenta y dedicada a su tarea.Heriberto Nava Photo

Podría seguir contando cada experiencia con todo compañero pero no acabaría bueno gracias a todos espero y cada día sigamos aprendiendo porque es muy bonito cada día saber más. Gracias George por compartir lo que sabes, se te Agradece

Atte.

-Heriberto Nava

Mis Recuerdos de la Universidad Popular
Personal de la Universidad Popular

Llegué a la Universidad Popular por una maestra que trabaja con las  escuelas públicas de chicago que la escuela se llama Edward school y desde el momento que fui a registrarme fue una bienvenida por parte del personal muy atentos y amables la fecha es muy recordada para mí. La Señora Vicky  fué la que participó para darme a mi la bienvenida a Universidad Popular y desde ese momento me sentí  motivada por ella y no falté ni un día a clases. Enseguida entré al salón de clases igual el recibimiento del maestro Jose Alejo que en ese momento se presentó como maestro de la clase y toda la clase por mandato del maestro nos presentamos cada alumno de la clase  tan pronto terminamos comenzó la clase con profesionalismo tan bonito que dije porque la maestra que me recomendó la Universidad no me la recomendó antes, yo estaba perdiendo mucho sin aprender.

Gracias al maestro Jose Alejo Jose Alejoaprendí como usar paso a paso la computadora. La clase del maestro José estaba  basada en computación básica como les comente el maestro nos tenía una paciencia para nosotros al dar la clase nos explicaba muy bien por cualquier motivo no captamos él lo repetía muy contento y gentil.

alexAlex Chaidez y su asistente Jorge Acosta  fueron mis maestros en el segundo semestre el curso fué de photoshop. Me motivaron para que yo continuara con las clases porque no tenía mucha ilusión para continuar con la clases porque se me hacía difícil por mi edad avanzada como les digo ellos son unos maestros brillantes como también el personal especialmente el administrador Helius Dearrudah esta persona es muy responsable cuando yo necesito ayuda con cualquier problema o citación  para notaria nunca se ha negado rápido me hacia mi trabajo sin reusarse poner ningún protesta para mí  una experiencia muy bonita.

Lo mismo mis compañeros de clases de los tres cursos que he cursado han sido unos grupos tan especiales que nos vemos como si fuéramos una familia y especialmente la Señora Dolores Sánchez  (señora Lolita).

Lolita

Con la ayuda de esta persona compartimos ideas muy bonitas, en realidad para mi es un recuerdo inundable que yo he tenido en la Universidad Popular.

-Bertha

 

 

 

Computer Literacy, Digital Literacy Program

Digital Literacy Storytelling Series: Cruzando Fronteras

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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

 

UPrising, Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Series: Ouamar Benikene

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This essay is published in our quarterly publication: ¡Escucha! which can be found online here: http://www.universidadpopular.us/escucha/fallwinter2014/#/0

An International ExperienceIMG_0251

 

During his visit last Spring to Universidad Popular, Dr George Palamattam, the executive director of the Chicago chapter of the Council of International Programs USA, was so impressed with UPrising’s performance that he proposed to us the idea of hosting someone from another country just as passionate as our facilitators about the role of sport in turning around youth lives. After a quick examination on this venue, Dr Palamattam suggested that Uprising consider Ouamar Benikene, a non-traditionall education practitioner that resorted to sport to engage youth in Les Ulis, a multicultural suburb located about 12 miles southwest of downtown Paris, France, for a cultural exchange. Just as our youth facilitators in Little Village, who work with children from immigrants to this country, Ouamar works with French-born children whose parents are still socially and culturally attached to their countries of origin or birth.

Ouamar arrived in Chicago September 6th, and immediately got himself in the swing of things with our UPrising team. Gradually, a strong work relationship was in place for the delight of the staff and participants alike. With our softball team, he help developed a curriculum and weekly lesson plans to help the team have a successful season. Our cooking class was co-facilitated by Ouamar, he shared some of his personal and famous recipes from France, such as crumble aux pommes and fettuccine alfredo. He was also fully invested is our cultural table activity where he shared many of his personal, cultural and traditional experiences. He also shared some of the hardships that people in France have to overcome to be accepted in society. Thanks to Ouamar, our youth realized that although we come from different places, we face the same struggles.

IMG_0011In our all staff meetings and community meetings, he shared ideas that analyzed and highlighted possible problems. Not only was he critical, but he was able to implement activities and necessary assessments to help facilitate a better program. Ouamar was a great help to the Uprising Youth Program during his time in Chicago. Universidad Popular is grateful for his time and the expertise he was able to share with us. Hopefully, we can repeat this kind of exchange more often between Paris’s southwest Les Ulis and Chicago’s southwest Little Village.

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

Commentary, Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Series: Ana Karen

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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
Employment, Fundraising, Volunteers

Give on #GivingTuesday December 2nd, #ILGiveBig

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This coming #GivingTuesday December 2nd 2014, Universidad Popular will be participating in the #ILGiveBig campaign.

What is #ILGiveBig? 

ILgivesbig

It’s the #GivingTuesday Illinois campaign, a statewide social media movement dedicated to giving. Giving Tuesday allows consumers the opportunity to give to the charities and issues they care about. Right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #ILGiveBig’s goal is $12 million raised by Illinois organizations from 100,000 donors on this single day.

Why are we participating?

Universidad Popular’s mission is to reach community empowerment through participatory learning. We work in partnership with community residents and organizations to transform their lives and, ultimately, the community. To be able to implement our mission, we employ over 150 community residents and committed individuals throughout the year. Over 90% of our employees are residents of our primary Latino communities: Little Village/South Lawndale and West Lawn/Chicago Lawn. In collaboration with our dedicated volunteers, they help us implement over 8 year-round programs, countless seasonal projects, and commmunity-focused social campaigns. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee year-round employment to everyone due to our dependence on seasonal funding–forcing us to reduce our employment numbers by 5/8’s.

We desire to be independent from the uncertainty of grant funding cycles and want to carry out our mission while being able to support these dedicated community residents on a year-round basis.

What can I do?

  • Donate to Universidad Popular and be a part of the #ILGiveBig movement this December 2nd on #GivingTuesday!
  • Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Share, re-tweet, and re-gram #UPLatinCenter to bring attention to our initiatives.
  • Spread the word to everyone you know!
  • Volunteer!

 

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Health Literacy Initiative, Volunteers

Sanación Colectiva: Hierbas para la Mujer

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hierbas medicinales para las mujeres flyer

En los Sábados 8 y 22 de Noviembre las mujeres de la Villita, junto a Jacoba–voluntaria de Universidad Popular–han juntado sus sabidurías para expandir la conversación sobre la sanación colectiva. Han estado revisando como, a traves de la milenia, la humanidad y especialmente las mujeres han recolectado conocimiento y recaudado medicinas que la tierra misma provee para sanarnos de muchos malestares comúnes.

Con un enfoque en la salud de la mujer, han estudiado y debatido el desligamiento de las sabidurias ancestrales con la medicina actual. Re-visitando los consejos de sus madres, o abuelas, estas mujeres ahora están creando un compendio de sanación natural basado en la sabiduría de las mujeres mismas que ha sido reenforzado por varios estudios científicos que se han encomendado a “descubrir” este conocimiento antiguo. El producto final de este compendio será un libro que esperan poder publicar autónomamente a finales de este año. Avisaremos por este mismo medio del mismo, y estará disponible para lectura en las oficinas centrales de Universidad Popular en la Villita, Chicago.

Incluímos aquí la presentación Powerpoint (en formato PDF) que se creó basada en una encuesta sobre métodos ancestrales de sanación que se usó para facilitar las conversaciones:

Sanacion Colectiva Hierbas para la mujer Universidad Popular Nov 8 2014

Commentary, English Literacy

Why do we Celebrate the Day of the Dead?

1 Comment
LETOS participants preparing their altars for the Day of the Dead Celebration
LETOS participants preparing their altars for the Day of the Dead Celebration

The following writings are short essay/reflections from Universidad Popular’s Learning to Succeed English Tutor group. These individuals have been with Universidad Popular for several years, advancing their knowledge of the English language through all the levels of our Adults English Literacy program. This year, we’ve presented them with the challenge of helping their fellow community learners in their process of learning English. Every Wednesday and Thursday they receive training for tutoring and teaching-learning while at the same time refreshing English skills in an intensive 3-hour advance English learning group. 

These essays are their contribution to Universidad Popular’s 2014 Day of the Dead Celebration, which took place last October 29th in our community hall. The multiplicity of perspective and the depth of analysis and research presented here is but a small example of the wonderful minds that walk through our halls everyday and that fill our amazing community. 

Enjoy!

-Miguel Alvelo

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Our tradition started a long time ago.

An essay by María

In Mexico we celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 2nd. This day is very important for a lot of Mexican Families.

Our tradition started a long time ago. In many of the cultures that composed ancient Mexico such as the Mayas, Olmecas, Mexicas, etc. the dead had a very important place in society. When the Spaniards came to Mexico the tradition of the Day of the Dead already existed, but the Spaniards incorporated the catholic religion into it along with other ideas. Then started the mixing of traditions and now this celebration is different from the old days.

All the things we use for this celebration have different meanings.

The idea of making altars come from people thinking that the dead can come back on this day. Families build the altars in different ways. Some altars are made with 7 levels, or steps. Each step has different items.

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 Before we start the altar, however, we first need to sweep the area with aromatic herbs. We need to clean in 4 directions: North, south, east, and west.

To make the altars we can use cardboard, or wood to make our 7 levels or steps.

First, we make the last level. It’s bigger than the others. One by one we complete the 7 levels, each smaller that the other. Then, we cover them with a black or white cloth.

  • On the first step we put the picture of a religious image or our favorite picture of the dead.
  • The second step is only for the souls in purgatory.
  • On the third step we put salt for the children in purgatory.
  • On the fourth goes the “pan de muerto.” This bread is decorated with red sugar to symbolize blood. Sometimes, the bread is made for the relatives of the dead as a means of consagration.
  • The fifth step is for the dead’s favorite food, fruit, and beverages.
  • The sixth step is for a picture of the dead.
  • And on the seventh we put a cross.

Other offerings are also put on the altars. Often times, 4 candles are used to make a cross.

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The elements of the altar are purple and yellow chains made with Chinese paper. This symbolizes the union between life and death. “Papel picado” also means happiness for life. Flowers are used to welcome the soul. white flowers symbolize the earth and purple flowers mean sorrow. The fired up wick of the candle symbolizes the spirit’s ascension and also serves as a guiding light.

The family of the deceased stay awake all night waiting for the spirit to come back and enjoy the food they’ve prepared for them.

Today, this celebration is changing and does not carry with it the same faith than in the old days. Some people don’t understand much about it. Sometimes this celebration seems to be more about competition and making money than about remembering those who are gone. Other traditions are mixed with these days, such as Halloween, and every time more Mexican are preferring to celebrate them instead of the Day of the Dead. But I hope this tradition doesn’t die. I hope that it passes from generation to generation around the world–wherever Mexicans live.

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The tradition has changed.

An essay by Mario Flores

In Mexico people celebrate the Day of the Dead in November.

When I was in Mexico, my grandmother celebrated this day in November. She did it to remember her sons. She cooked bread and some food, light candles, and stayed awake until midnight. At midnight, according to tradition, is when dead people return as flies.

People also go to the graves of the dead, light candles and pray on their tombs.

Nowadays that tradition has changed because people like me have immigrated to other countries. For example, when I got married we used to light candles during the first few years and we also went to church. But after a few years, we stopped. in this country not many people celebrate the Day of the Dead. The tradition has changed.

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…when I started the English classes at Universidad Popular I saw for the first time the beautiful decorations and traditions

An essay by Tomasa

I do not celebrate the Day of the Dead because in my country no one does.

Now, when I started the English classes at Universidad Popular I saw for the first time the beautiful decorations and traditions  they did.  The only thing I worried about was that the smoke from the candles in the altars was making me dizzy. My teacher at the time, Annabel, took us to the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen where we saw a lot of altars with nice decorations.

I think it’s important to celebrate this tradition because it is a special day to remember our family who have passed away. There is a catholic tradition behind it that begins with the first day of November, celebrating “all saints day,” and the second day of november, celebrating “the day of the dead.”

I feel this tradition has changed because young people have lost interest in our original customs. They are influenced by the traditions of this country–where they were born, or where they grew up.

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The Day of the Dead is a holiday to remember and give tribute to people who were a part of this world.

An essay by Minerva Vazquez

We celebrate the Day of the Dead because it’s a Mexican holiday and, of course, we’re Mexican. This tradition comes from our ancestors.

My family used to celebrate this special day to honor our deceased loved ones. We decorated an altar with bright colors, candles, pictures, and a lot of food. We used orange, red, purple, and yellow ornaments. We used candles to illuminate our dead’s way. We put some pictures of persons who had passed away–these could be our relatives or friends. My grandmother cooked different kinds of food. She cooked every meal that was the favorite for each person who had died, but she also prepared sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and mole.

I have been celebrating the Day of the Dead since I came to Chicago, but not exactly like we did in my hometown. I light some candles and pray a rosary. I think by doing this we’re contributing to keeping alive this wonderful Mexican tradition.

This celebration is important because we have the opportunity to remember our loved ones who have died. It is much like “Memorial Day” in the U.S. because both holidays honor people who have passed away. In Memorial Day, the U.S. honors men and women who have died in military service, and in the Day of the Dead we (Mexicans) honor our relatives and friends who have passed away.

Although it is a good time to gather together and show respect for our loved ones, on the other hand we also have a reason to a family party. This is good! Don’t you think?

This celebration comes from the catholic celebration of “All Souls, and all Saints Day on November 1st and 2nd. There are some traditional activities that take place at the cemeteries, for example: cleaning the tombs, then placing a paper flower crown  or a vase of wild cempaxuchitl. This holiday is from far away in southern Mexico.

The Day of the Dead is a holiday to remember and give tribute to people who were a part of this world. What about marking your prints in all people’s hearts and when the time comes you will be remembered with bright colors, your favorite food, some wild marigolds, or at least with a fragile light. I personally believe that each of us celebrates the Day of the Dead one way or another.