In September of 2013, I was invited by Ale and Lisette to an education advocacy pilot program OneAmerica was putting together for immigrant parents. I don't remember what was talked about anymore. I just remember that I went because I was interested in education - at the time I thought I wanted to be a teacher, and becasue people I love invited me. We met in a tiny room at the Federal Way library, with a whiteboard, a table and chairs everywhere. Two moms, four kids, Ale, Roxana, Chelsea and myself in a hot tiny room with bad lighting. Looking back, I definitely didn't know that this day would change my life forever. That I would become so engaged and do so much of the advocacy that I did. I just knew that I wanted to learn more and come back to another meeting. 

As I learned about the education advocacy work that OneAmerica was working on, I also learned about a lot of the different barriers our immigrant and refugee communities were coming up agaisnt. And I knew, I couldn't just not do nothing anymore. The biggest lesson I learned was that, our voices did matter. Our experiences become stories that humanize the hurt our communities go through, just as much as they also inspire legislators and other community leaders that the change we want to see in our communities is something that would benefit everyone in these communities. We are not for one, we are for all. 

At OneAmerica, we strive for a Washington (and country) where immigrants and refugees not only survive, but can thrive. This is why the policies we are pushing are bolder than ever. While continuing to work towards permanent funds for Dual Language programs, we are also advocating for an unemployment fund for undocumented workers. Highlighted during the pandemic because of furloughs and lay offs, our undocumented workers were left with no support or with the little support mutual aids and other organization could pull through to offer.

This Give Big, with the support of a generous donor, our first $10,000 will be matched! Last year, I was able to raise a little over $100, but want to see if we can do more this time around! What do we think? Can we do it? Will you invest in our work? How much do you love me? Just kidding! Everything counts and supports us in moving this work foward! There are many ways to move this work forward and this is one of them! Please join us!

For every $50, I will send a little special something to those that donate! Please also, spread the word and send to anyone you know (or even think) is supportive of the work! Thank you in advance, since this work isn't possible without you!