Building a Safe Space by Renata Teodoro, Student Immigrant Movement
In October 2005, 400 immigrant students, teachers, and parents gathered on the steps of the Grand Staircase at the State House to fight for an equal right to higher education. The impact of that event inspired us to create and organization led by and for immigrant students. Then in 2008 SIM went through the challenge of losing all of our funding and organizational resources. After being a project of MIRA- Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition for three years SIM was cut.
Within one month, we lost funding for our staff, program work and office space. We decided to face the challenge and keep our work moving forward. During that difficult transition the e5 community was a tremendous help. With the an affordable office space in a key location SIM was able to continue the organizing work. For the past four years at e5, not only did we survive, but we thrived. More than ever undocumented students are leading campaigns, strategies, fundraising and playing an important role in the national network for the immigrant youth movement.
E5 has been a huge part of SIM's growth over the last few years. The common space is one of the greatest resources offered to SIM. We have done everything from emergency meetings, trainings, workshops, to fundraisers. Our student leaders come to the headquarters for meetings, mentorship, and even just to use the computers for homework. It has become the second home and a safe space for many undocumented young people.
Also, the e5 community was very supportive during the anti immigrant amendments in the budgt. They helped us recruit people to come to our 24/7 vigil in front of the State House. They were also instrumental in connecting us with different organizations that became part of our coalition to defeat the anti-immigrant amendments. For the past two years we have been able to defeat anti-immigrant amendments, stop the deportations of students, and most recently have been able to win an adminstrative relief for undocumented students.
Within one month, we lost funding for our staff, program work and office space. We decided to face the challenge and keep our work moving forward. During that difficult transition the e5 community was a tremendous help. With the an affordable office space in a key location SIM was able to continue the organizing work. For the past four years at e5, not only did we survive, but we thrived. More than ever undocumented students are leading campaigns, strategies, fundraising and playing an important role in the national network for the immigrant youth movement.
E5 has been a huge part of SIM's growth over the last few years. The common space is one of the greatest resources offered to SIM. We have done everything from emergency meetings, trainings, workshops, to fundraisers. Our student leaders come to the headquarters for meetings, mentorship, and even just to use the computers for homework. It has become the second home and a safe space for many undocumented young people.
Also, the e5 community was very supportive during the anti immigrant amendments in the budgt. They helped us recruit people to come to our 24/7 vigil in front of the State House. They were also instrumental in connecting us with different organizations that became part of our coalition to defeat the anti-immigrant amendments. For the past two years we have been able to defeat anti-immigrant amendments, stop the deportations of students, and most recently have been able to win an adminstrative relief for undocumented students.