Spring 2013 Apply On-Line!
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2013 11:59PM
We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2013 Latino Advocate Program. For inquiries contact Pamela Hernandez (301) 314-5822 or pamela@umd.edu. Find out more information on the flyer.
WHY THIS PROGRAM?
The Latino community has definitely made its mark in campus history. The US Latino Studies program, for example, was an enormous accomplishment that took an equally enormous effort from the Latino community to achieve. However accomplishments like this one have proven to be the result of a slow process. Many students are not given the leadership training to carry on the legacy that graduating leaders left behind. New student leaders lose momentum in key issues that affect the community and are forced to start over, making change a slow process. The Latino Advocate Program seeks to close this informational slit by training and informing freshmen and sophomore students so that they may be better able to serve and represent the Latino community on campus in the leadership roles they will undertake in future years.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM?
The goal of the program is to move first year, second year and transfer students into leadership positions that will benefit the community and create positive change.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THIS PROGRAM?
The LAP will provide you with essential tools needed to learn about and tackle the issues that face the Latino community at the University of Maryland. These are some of the topics of the sessions that we provide:
* Defining the Latino community: Whom are you advocating for? * Collectivist Leadership * Organizational Structures * Organizing Practices and Methods * Networking & Coalition Building * Conflict Management * Community Service Learning
WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY SERVICE SITE?
The Community Service Site
As a participant you will develop an understanding and familiarity of local and national issues, gain motivation to be civically engaged and responsible, and become comfortable with expressing and addressing issues of concern to the Latino community through an advocacy role. As a participant you will dedicate your time to a local community service experience designed as a group service learning event(s).
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME IN THE PROGRAM?
(a) You will need to attend (5) training sessions on Saturdays from 10am-1pm on February 16th, March 2nd, March 9th, March 30th & April 13th. Lunch will be provided. (b) Dedicate your time to a local community service in which you will be learning about advocacy. You are asked to commit an estimated 15 hours during this three-month period to this community service site. A diverse selection of of community services sites are available.
HOW DO I APPLY? Apply Now On-Line!
Please express your interest in applying to be a participant by submitting an application on-line. The application is due Monday, February 11, 2013.
HOW DID THE PROGRAM GET STARTED?
The program stemmed from an Honors Project as part of the Spring 2009 EDCP 418C Latino Leadership course. A former student, Arelis Hernandez, wanted to make the course eligible for honors, thus she had to construct something in addition to a final paper. As a student leader herself, Arelis believed it would be beneficial to have a few training sessions for young Latino college students who had begun to illustrate leadership potential and who had shown an interest in being part of the change that needed to happen in the Latino community. As part of her project she had to implement a Latino leadership model, the Latino Advocate Program. The program will include similar elements like last year, but will also have clear learning outcomes, a formal assessment process, and a staff dedicated to its success.
If your unit or department would like to co-sponsor and support this program please contact Pamela Hernandez, pamela@umd.edu, (301) 314-5822.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
These are just some reflective thoughts students had after the sessions.
"LAP helped me evolve as a leader, as an individual, and taught me that no matter our experiences, we are all advocates in our communities." “I came away with even more questions though. Questions that question the necessity of many of the visions we have as Latinos for the University. It is so easy for us to assume that what we want is what everyone wants and should have. Therefore, one of the more important “next steps” is for us to be able to connect with the students we hope to represent.”
“This workshop was really helpful. It gave me a “push” to do and want to achieve greater things on campus. The speakers gave a lot of helpful information and most of all everyone showed an interest of wanting to help “potential” leaders. And at the end writing down the leadership qualities others and yourself see is really helpful and gave me confidence in myself to strive for better things.” “I learned a lot through this session. I learned that listening is very important. Always let your voice be heard, but with the same courtesy, allow others to be heard as well. I also hope to develop my networking skills with the tips and techniques taught to us.” “What really helped me and what will hopefully open up bigger and better opportunities for myself and everyone else involved today is the list of resources, people and places, that can help out students in many ways, as far as academics and job opportunities.”
The students describe a welcoming and enjoyable environment. They also express how they were challenged to think of themselves as leaders and advocates of a community, through processes of self-reflection on leadership skills, resources needed, and issues to be aware of in the community. Join us for the experience!
WHO RUNS THE PROGRAM?
There are five individuals organizing and planning the program. Get to know us and contact us for questions and comments.
Jasmin Herrera Student Coordinator, Latino Advocate Program Contact: jasmincita15@gmail.com
Hello Everyone! My name is Jasmin Herrera and I am one of the student co-coordinators this year for LAP. I am a junior majoring in American Studies with a minor in U.S. Latina/o studies. Currently I am president of the Coalition of Latino Student Organizations and a community outreach student intern at the Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy office. I can't wait to share my experiences and work with everyone!
Flor Ramirez Student Coordinator, Latino Advocate Program Contact: ramirezf@terpmail.umd.edu
Hola!!! Mi nombre es Florencia Ramirez, but you can call me Flor. Some fun facts about me: I am currently a senior at UMD, majoring in Marketing and Management at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. I was born in Washington D.C., but was raised in Maryland. I consider myself to be mixed -my mom is from Brasil and my father is from El Salvador. I am also a first-generation college student. Last year, I participated in LAP and gained a tremendous amount of information along with an incredible experience; this is why I have returned and am excited to be a part of it again. I look forward to working with you, as well as accompanying you on this journey of becoming a Latino Student advocate! Always remember: If you feel something is wrong, do something about it, speak up and pave the way to a new beginning/change. Do not wait for it to be paved for you, if you do, it may take forever.
Roxy Ferrufino Recruitment Chair, Latino Advocate Program Contact: roxanayf@terpmail.umd.edu Hello! My name is Roxana Ferrufino and I am the recruitment chair for LAP. I am a senior Criminal Justice major with a minor is US Latino/a Studies. I am from Fort Washington, Maryland and both of my parents are from El Salvador. I was a member of LAP in Spring 2012 and it was truly an amazing experience. I was given an opportunity to help my community while also learning more about myself throughout the program. I look forward to working with motivated individuals who want to make a difference in their community!
Heidi Rosales Community Service Chair, Latino Advocate Program Contact: hrosales@umd.edu
Hi! My name is Heidi Rosales. I am a sophomore majoring in American Studies and minoring in US Latino Studies and Rhetoric. I am, a born and raised Maryland-er. Having grown up in DC Metropolitan Area has exposed me to various cultures. I myself, am of Guatemalan descent. Until college I did not know the meaning or history with the term Latin@ neither did I identify myself with the term. I always thought of myself as Guatemalan-American, Spanish, or Hispanic. Through courses and programs like LAP, I not only identify as Latina but I also feel empowered through the word. LATIN@S!
Pamela Hernandez Staff Coordinator, Latino Advocate Program Contact: pamela@umd.edu, Office (301) 314-5822
The Latino Advocate Program is sponsored by Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy, a unit within the Adele H. Stamp Student Union. For inquiries contact MICA at MICA-contact@umd.edu, (301) 314-8600 .
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