TEN IMMIGRANT LEADERS AWARDED INAUGURAL TAMEJAVI FELLOWSHIPS

AN EXCERPT BY: PAN-VALLEY INSTITUTE STAFF: 

Quaker Group’s Program to Help Central Valley Immigrant Leaders Develop
Cultural, Art Projects

FRESNO, CA (September 19, 2011) - After five successful Tamejavi Festivals
on September 24, 2011 the Pan Valley Institute of the American Friends
Service Committee will launch the Tamejavi Cultural Organizing Fellowship
Program (TCOFP).

This ground-breaking program will help ten immigrant leaders to develop
community and heritage-based cultural and art projects that will support
actions for social change. The Tamejavi Cultural Organizing Program also
will provide opportunities for building relationships and support systems
across cultural lines.

From September 2011 to March 2013, Tamejavi fellows will participate in a
series of popular education and cultural organizing gatherings, mentorships
and trainings. Fellows also will be required to design a cultural and arts
project to demonstrate what they’ve learned. This Fellowship program is
possible thanks to the generous contribution of the James Irvine
Foundation.

“I believe that the arts have the ability to inspire, motivate and teach
others. The Tamejavi Fellowship will help me gain skills to make positive
changes in the community. It will provide me the opportunity to motivate
and encourage people in my community to be more active in promoting their
culture and addressing issues that affect them” Sokha Serey, Tamejavi
Fellow

After a four-month process ten leaders from different Central Valley
immigrant communities have been selected as the inaugural fellows. They all
promote and/or practice collective arts production and cultural engagement.
The ten selected fellows are residents of Fresno, Madera, Merced and Tulare
Counties. They are a multi-generational group representing Indigenous
Mexican (Otomi, Mixtco, Zapoteco and Purhepecha), Asian and Southeast Asian
(Hmong, Khmer, Punjabi ) and Iranian communities.

The ten selected fellows are: Ruben Lucero, Silvia Rojas, Juan Santiago,
Sokha Serey, Dolly Soloman, Tahereh Teherian, Michelle Xiong, Salvador
Ramos, Pov Xyooj, and Bee Yang.
Detailed information and interviews with the fellows is available upon
request. Contact: Myrna Martinez Nateras mnateras@afsc.org

For more information on the Tamejavi festival for which the fellowship is
named, visit www.tamejavi.org

Established in 1998 as a project of AFSC, Pan-Valley Institute’s mission
is to create a place where immigrants and refugees can gather to learn from
each other and rebuild their world. AFSC is a Quaker organization that
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice,
peace, and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the
worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence
and injustice.

Guelaguetza 2011 en Los Angeles, Reportaje atravez de las fotos.

La Tradicional Calenda recorre por los puestos, mientras que las Chinas Oaxaqueñas presentan su bailable. 

El carrizo no pudo faltar en este magno evento. Aqui los jovenes estan bailando miemtras hacian cambio de carrizo.

En Oaxaca cada pueblo lleva el nombre de su Santo Patron...y aqui podemos observar como la comunidad carga con el su Santo. 

Las mujeres Oaxaqueñas se destinguen con sus largas trensas. 

Jovenes que se identifican como Oaxaqueño al cargar su morral. 

En una fiesta Oaxaqueña en especial en la region Zapoteca la banda no puede ser falta. Aqui podemos observar a la joventud preservando nuestros sones y jarabes Oaxaqueños. 

Repartiendo su Guelaguetza.

Las Tehuanas.

El traje tipico de Sones de Betaza.

Y aqui miramos la region de la Costa...mujeres alegres y trabajadoras. 

Aqui se ofrecio un espacio para hablar sobre el trabajo que se hace en Coatecas Altas mi pueblo. Aqui estoy dando una presentacion sobre petates y palma. La señora es mi Tia-Antonia Santiago Vasquez.

Repartiendo La Guelaguetza.

El Ejecuteco.

El Governador Constitucional de Oaxaca Gavino Cue dijo presente a esta su Guelaguetza 2011 

Miembros de Coatecas Altas tambien hizo precencia. 

El Gobernador de Oaxaca Trae su Guelaguetza en Los Angeles

Viernes, 19 de  Agosto del  2011

Los Angeles, California- El governador de Oaxaca regresa a Los Angeles para reunirse con los lideres de las diferentes organizaciones y grupos de paisanos Oaxaqueños. Esta visita es parte de la promesa que el propio governador hizo en su campaña hace un año. Lideres provinientes en diferente puntos del estado de California viajaron para escuchar el reporte por parte del governador, de la misma manera de hacerle llegar al governador su temas de interes y preocupaciones.

Tengo el honor de anunciar que el director del Instituto Oaxaqueño de Atencion al Migrante (IOAM)  Rufino Dominguez Santos me extendio la invitacion para representar el Comite Popular del Pueblo Coatecas Altas una organizacion dedicado en promover y preservar la cultura Zapoteca entre los campesinos e imigrantes Zapotecos que radican en el valle de San Joaquin de California. Yo y Jaime Hernandez Pacheco hicimos presencia en la dicha reunion.

En el momento que tuve la palabra hacia al governador yo le informe que soy un vocero de la juventud Oaxaqueña un joven que se tuve que inmigrar desde muy temprana edad hacia los Estados Unidos. Mi punta mas importante hacia al governador es pedir que se compromete en buscar formas entres su mecanismo como ejecutivo en poder asistir a los jovenes quienes como yo queremos estudiar pero por nuestros estados migratorios, carecemos de ayuda financiero. Al principio de la reunion el governador anuncio que el gobernador de Jerry Brown lo ha llamado y que se iban a reunirse proximamente, yo le exorte al governador Cue que le informe a Gov. Brown que los jovenes Oaxaqueños firme la verdadera acto de los sueños de California el SB 131. El governador Cue estuvo de acuerdo conmigo y comprometio que lo iba a mencionar el governador Brown de California.

Asimismo, aproveche la situacion para informarle al governador que los paisanos Oaxaqueños recientemente salimos en las primeras de Planas de New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/03/us/03flea.html) marcando la cultura Oaxaqueñ en los remates de Madera, California...y le extendi la invitacion que visitara a Madera. El se comprotio en agendar una visita proximamente.

Mis preguntas y recomendaciones fueron rapidas porque habia mas personas esperando para participar en el microfono.

Aproximadamente acudieron mas de 40 personas de las diferentes organizaciones. Entre ellos estuvierion: Muaro Hernandez representando a Organizacion Regional Oaxaqueño y Odilia Romero representando a Frente Indigena de Organizaciones Binacionales, Hector Hernandez representando a Unidad Popular Benito Juarez, y a Tomas Gonzales representando a Lazos Oaxquenos.

En los siete meses que el gobernador lleva en el poder ha realizado un marcos muy importante para la vida de los Oaxaqueños. Entre ellos esta la modificacion que le se ha realizado en la constitucion. El poder ejectuvio se ha compartido mas ampliamente, en donde ya no solamente se toma decision por el gobernador si no una esquema en donde se necesita la consulta del congreso general.

El governador tambien indico que recibio un gobierno muy desorganizado y con personales no aptos para sus puesto. Bajo su administracion a puesta en marcha una campaña para poner personales con perfiles aptos para el puesto. Uno de los ejemplos es el haber electo a Rufino Dominguez Santos para ejercer el trabajo como director del Instituto Oaxaqueño de Atencion al Migrante. El senor Dominguez Santos es un immigrante desde muy joven salio de Oaxaca y estubo trabajando en los campos agricolas de Sinaloa y despues en los campos de California. Con esto el gobierno esta logrando que tanto la informacion de servicios sean mas accesibles para los Oaxqueños en el exterior.

Entre los programas que han estado en marcha ha sido la entrega de de uniformes, utiles escolares para los estudiantes Oaxaqueños. En el mismo tema el gobernador pronuncio que quiere ser mas accesible la entrada de universidad a los Oaxaqueños.  Entre otras programas que se han puesto en marcha ha sido la formacion de cocinas culturales.

Entre los temas mas importante ha sido la inaguracion de una oficina de servicio en Los Angeles. El proposito de la oficina regional es de ser mas accessible el gobierno de Oaxaca para los imigrantes.

En resumen, el gobernador entrega su Guelaguetza para los Oaxaquenos en Los Angeles-Una oficina del gobierno regional del gobierno de Oaxaca en Los Estados Unidos.

A journalist from Monterrey, California listened to my story and wrote about it on her blog

Monday, August 1, 2011

By: Claudia Melendez Salinas

Dreamers keep fighting

Juan Santiago was brought to the United States as a child, and he discovered he was undocumented sometime around the immigration marches of 2007. He didn't know it then, he said, but that's when he became an activist. The Madera student now lobbies for the passage of the federal Dream Act (which would grant legalization for undocumented students after meeting certain requirements) and the California Dream Act, half of which was approved last week. The second half is stuck in legislative limbo, his chances of passage appearing more slim.

I met Juan and a group of young students at UCSC, my alma mater, where they were learning how to document their own stories. Juan is a Zapotec Indian from Oaxaca, Mexico, and indigenous groups have often been documented by outsiders. Jonathan Fox of UCSC had the idea to have these youths acquire the tools to tell their own stories.

They are a lively, engaged group. They were mostly from the California's Central Valley, although there was one young woman from Salinas. They're all bright, politically active. And they realize their struggle is long term: the passage of the federal Dream Act is probably not going to happen during this session, but they'll keep at it.

Juan is a bit upset because the public in general has been confusing the passage of half of the California Dream Act -- which will allow undocumented students to receive private scholarships -- with the whole enchilada. No, Juan has told people. We have not gained legal status. This is just a small portion of what they're fighting for, he says.

"It's so frustrating," he said. "People have told me, 'Now you're legal, right?' I have to explain the whole thing."

And there's more to come, Juan says. Next: the fight for the rights of indigenous peoples. Here and everywhere.

Excerpt from: Claudia Meléndez Salina's blog:  http://montereycountyschools.blogspot.com/2011/08/dreamers-keep-fighting.html

LA Times Supporting the California Dream Act

Training and Workshop on Dream Act in Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada-Today is my second day attending the SouthWest Regional Training for the United We Dream in Las Vegas. So far, the gathering has being extensive with updated information from the national United We Dream team as well practices and history about civil disobedience. Indeed, after couple of hours learning about civil disobedience inside the conference room, we went outside the premises and put into action the learned lesson from civil disobedience from couple of blocks away from Las Vegas Boulevard in the base of the stratosphere.

Regional delegation derived from six different states: California, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada. In my case, I drove from Madera, California with members from the Campaign for an American Dream. However, not all participants are undocumented, thus we called those allied/dreamers.

One of my favorite section of the training is the sharing of Personal Story. It gave us the opportunity to remind ourselves the true  reason we are involve in this social justice movement. More, motivating becomes the training when people are asked to share their personal story...it is here where I learned that most of us have a common story and the challenges, values and choices which are presented in each story set the principles why we need to reform our immigration system.

I am very excited on going back to my region-the central valley of California- and put into action all great lesson and keep extending my network with other Dreamers across the nation.

May God Bless Each Dreamers Who Participated On This Training And That They Get Safe Back Home.

People gathered in the Golden Gate Park in the Spirit of the Mayan Traditions

San Francisco, California-It was early in the morning on Sunday July 10th when people start arriving from different parts of the San Francisco surrounding area including myself from Madera, Californiac. Indeed, one Mayan family travel from Portland, Oregon to participate on the Mayan Ceremony Wapxaqui 'Batz' an event that was organized by the local Mayan indigenous community in the Golden Gate Park.

On this occasion the gathering was to recognize an important celebration in the Mayan calendar. The Wapxaqui 'Batz' marks the "the day on which the human creation was completed" according to the flyer that was published for the event.

An Mayan descent travel from Guatemala to guide this special celebration. He guided the group to deliver the four direction bless. First, everyone was faced south and finally everyone gave thank to God by looking up in the sky. "Here we offer you our humble words" said Mr. Pascual. He reminded the participant "this is an celebration where everyone is encourage to light a piece of cloth signifying the putting aside the bad habits, stress, poor and demand God health, luck and opportunity."

The Aztec dancer performed a traditional Aztec dance while fire where all the piece of cloth was burning.

In addition to the Aztec dancer, there was also Native American signing in their native language with the rhythm of the drums.

From all four direction an altar was settled which were consisted with fresh roses, copal, and other ceremonial crafts.

The event was closed with some wise words from Mr. Pascual who came from Guatemala just for this event. "Every day is big....let's live it spiritually, live as person as one community".

July 8, 2011

Re: Fundraising Event for Community Scholarships.

Dear My Friend:

I am writing to you to request your generous patronage contribution for this weekend’s fundraising event organized by the American-Experience Club of Madera, California 93638.

As you might know many students are finding it hard to pay for their school tuition. The new California laws have made the case worse by raising the tuition fees. Indeed, many students are force to drop temporary from school because of this new phenomena. However, for those students who are the first member of the family to seek a higher education, coming from a low-income family, and in some cases are ineligible for any type of governmental financials assistance experience a more harsh time.

American-Experience Club believes that every people in the world deserve an opportunity to seek a higher education. And that their economical situation should not be the reason for not achieving their desire dreams.

This is why The American-Experience Club is organizing a series of fundraising events to be able to provide community scholarships for all those who want to pursue a higher education. Our first event is taking place on Saturday, July 09, 2011 at: 1216 Nebraska Street, Madera, California from 3:00PM through 5:00PM (Standard Pacific Time). 

Members of the American-Experience Club will be selling home-made mole accompany with beans and rise. The price for each dish is $ 5.00 USD. The club is offering a feature of home-delivery services for your convenience if preferred. All proceeds will go for the scholarship funds.

If you are interested please call our customer service line at: 559-706-9582 anytime from 6:00AM-2:00PM on July 09, 2011 to make your reservation.

This is your opportunity to contribute for the flourishing of our new immigrant communities in the United States and it going to be with your help and contribution that we can show a sign of hope for all those eager people who want to educate themselves. If you can't help us this time, we ask that you contact us to learn of other ways of helping us with our mission.

Sincerely,
Juan Santiago
Founder
The American-Experience Club

New regulations for farm workers was veto by governor Brown

More than ten consecutive days the United Farm Workers (UFW) organized as many as hundred of Campesinos (farm workers) in Sacramento to lobby for the  SB-104 bill or also know as The Farm Workers Fair Treatment. Participants joined this civic event from different regions across California including Campesinos and students from Madera County a county know for it's acres of vineyards and other fruits such as pistachios and almonds which required of cheap and vast labor from the newly arrived Campesinos. However, on the twelve day on which the SB-104 awaited for Governor Brown's signature, he finally made a decision and veto the bill. The decision by Brown brought despair and a feeling of injustice for many participants who remained until the last minute at the front door of Brown's office in the Capitol. Jose Eduardo Chavez on a text message announced to his contacts that "Senate bill 104 was veto by governor brown tonight at 11:05 pm. La Lucha sigue". He is one of many who participated more than one day during this critical moments on the effort to fight for better laws for farmworkers. Also Mr. Chaves were one of those who remained until midnight at governors's office in the Capitol. According to Antonio Cortes a organizer and member of the UFW a civil disobedience event is plan to take place today in the Capitol.

Cantos programados en Nuevo Canto KSJV 91.5FM Fresno California Radio Bilingue Sab. 18 de Junio 2011

Nombre de la Cancion	Nombre del Artista
Coraje	Luis Rico
Amigo	Roberto Carlos
Querido Viejo	Vicente Fernandez
Bailando con la Llorona	Fiesta con Marimba
Un Hombre se Levanta	Silvio Rodriguez
Orgullo Bilingue	Francisco Herrera
Maldicion de Malinche	Gabino Palomares
Exodo	Pablo Milanes
Que Canten Los Ninos	Jose Luis Perales
Arriba Pichatero	Semblantes de Michoacan
La Sandunga	Susana Harp
La Maza	Silvio Rodriguez
Queihubo Raza	Agustin Lira
La Derrota de Damasco	Fiesta Marimba
Cancion Mixteca	Susana Harp
Donde Jugaran los Ninos	Mana
Bandera de Manos	Juanes
Ofrenda	Lila Downs
Tierra Mestiza	Los Folkloristas
Se Que Triunfare	Grupo Desconosido
Un Valero Llamado Libertad	Jose Luis Perales
Cumbia del Mole	Lila Downs
Thahuitolpecana	Banda Mixe
Casas de Carton	Los Guaraguos
De America Yo Soy	Los Tigres de Norte
El Imigrante	Agustin Lira
Libertad	Manu Chao
Boquita Color'a	Los Folkloristas
Justicia Tierra y Libertad	Mana
Generacion	Nueva Trova Cubana
Como un Perlita Perdida	Mercedes Sosa
La Medallita	Fiesta Marimba
Duerme Negrito	Mercedes Sosa
Coraje	Luis Rico

Living in a Supportive Neighborhood Matters

I got a puppy who I haven't decided how to name yet. Because I am living in an apartment where there is no space for an outside pet. I decided to ask my brother to allow me a space on his backyard for my little dog while I make the move to a house in couple of weeks. I gained permission, so, I make sure that the fence was good enough and that there is no space for the little puppy to escape.

However, on Thursday at work during my lunch hour I received a call from my niece informing me that the dog had escaped. My day was ruin since from that point. I couldn't go home early that day because my company had to attend a business event all the way until 7pm.

On my way home I drove by my brother's house to look around. Late at evening I return and talk with neighbors...no information, then my niece shared with me that someone knocked the door who was  wearing one of those safety orange jackets, from this point my sister--in-law got into the conversation and she said that it might be people from the City of Madera who were doing landscaping in the area. This was good information from this point I thought of the Madera Animal Shelter.  I urgently called, but it was close by then.

Well, I waited until Friday after lunch to visit the shelter. Right when I got in the building I had the feeling that they have the little puppy. I was ask to describe the dog. The the first words was MALE, BROWN, PUG....the lady smiled at me. "We have your dong" she said.

I learned that someone in the neighborhood drove to the Madera Shelter to drop my little yet to be name dog. Right when I found about this generous action by a community member I feel happy and honor to reside where I live. Someone has to be an open heart person to do such action. I know I would. One time I found a wallet and mailed it to the person...I received a thank-you card,  couple of days later I lost my wallet and by the fifth day I got it in my po box. I am very thankful with the person who took the dog to the animal shelter.

Living in such a supportive community does make life easier and simple.

President Obama Delivered Speech on Fixing Immigration System

Mother's Day is celebrated in many Latin Ameican countries such in Mexico on May 10th where thousands if not millions of Madrecitas (Mothers) will spend this ocassion alone because she either have her only son or husband as an undocumented immigrant whom wishes to return to spend this celebration with his mother or wife, but this will not beneffit the family as whole because he might not be able to provide for the family after a while.

Today, in Paso Texas President Obama delivered his first official speech on immigration as he began the momentum needed to get re-elected in 2012. He reminded Americans that is time to adjust the broken immigration system after meeting the demands of right wing Republicans who demanded a broader patrol on the border.

Pre. Obama recognize the existance of talented student also know as "DREAMERS" and that he is committed to push to get the DREAM ACT pass. His speech was full of hopeness to the 11 million of undocumented immigrants. "Here if you try hard...you can make it".

I hope that soon all people in particular DREAMERS who have their mother outside of U.S. will be able to spend this day with the women of their life.

May 1st March in Madera California

International Markets in Fresno

The San Joaquin Valley is known as the “nation’s salad bowl” and of course because of its fertile alluvial soil it serves as the breadbasket realm for the country. The valley’s agriculture workforce have attacked immigrants in different periods in history such as during the Dust Bowl years. According to Barbara Hernandez from the New York Times “Some of the newest immigrants in the San Joaquin Valley are the Hmongs, who fought alongside Americans during the Vietnam War, many arriving in the 1980s from refugee camps in Thailand”.  As the immigrants land in the offshore they brought with them not only their native customs such as the languages and religion practices, but also they carried on their authentic and traditional gastronomy recipes. As the results of this new wave of immigrants they lay ground for the establishment of a series of international markets across the valley in cities such as in Fresno.

Strolling along the aisles of these authentic markets one can observed a variety of foreign products such as canned foods and many other supplies of many colors. The existence of these markets enables the immigrants to continue flourishing their native way of cook and eat along with the new generations. 

During my visit to two of the markets in Fresno I was surprised for the amount of products on display that was imported abroad. My first stop was at the Royal Indian Market where I was greeted by one of the employee, later on I learned that it was the daughter of the business owner. She welcomed my friend and I by saying “Please feel free to ask any question”. The warm welcoming expression from employee really defined my visit into this non-traditional supermarket. I assumed that back in India greeting customers is something very usual especially when one wants to catch the attention of customers. I’m an immigrant myself from Oaxaca, Mexico and as part of an indigenous tribe we traded our goods in the open plazas through the barter system and greeting our customers to become acquaintance is part of the exchange process.

 I also visited the Asian Supermarket and the first thing I noticed when I entered inside the store was that there were conversation going on among the customers and the stocking person in Hmong. The group seemed to me talking not about products, but some type of random conversation. In the Asian market I was able to observe not only more handicraft products, but also more fresh vegetables and meats whereas in the Indian market it was more of canned foods and preserved products. Moreover, the Indian market included some products imported from England, thus, many product’s label was bilingual both in Hindi and English, whereas the Asian market I did not saw any English on the labels. In the clothing section in the Asian Market I saw a young lady sewing a traditional Hmong dress, so I asked her if all clothing products  was made locally or if it was imported, and she informed that most of it is imported, but often customer order a customized dress. The Indian market also distinguished itself from the Asian market by having a shelf full of newspaper related to news development in India and locally.    

 The fate of these businesses are certainly belongs to the immigrant community who want to  preserved and promote their cultural and tradition amongst the younger generation within their families and to the public in general. The international markets in the valley are truly a landmark for those interested individuals who want to celebrate the cultural diversity in our region and it’s certainly a piece of home for many immigrants who shops in this markets for products otherwise won’t obtainable. 

Students participate actively at Madera County 9th Annual Youth Summit

Students during the Madera County 9th Annual Youth Summit at MLK Jr. Middle School. Photo by: Jose E. Chavez

High school students both from Madera and the Chowchilla area gathered to be part of the 9^th Annual Youth Summit where they listen to guest speakers and participated into different workshops. The event was organized by Madera County and the event took place at Martin Luther King Jr. Cafeteria.

Over hundred students participated on this career oriented academic event, and they all benefited by having participated on one of the workshops presented by local organizations and community leaders, and by picking information all related to their careers after high school. Also they receive presentation from local Highway Patrol officers alerting them about the dangerous involve while driving and getting distracted. CHP officer Millar said “Driving is a privileged and not a right”. A mother from Madera Ranchos shared the lost of her 16-year son who last his life into career accidents where the driver was driving recklessness. 

The Madera Center venue provided information in regards to the local community college and the school advisor Daniel Rivera answers questions related to the process of admission.

An immigration workshop was presented by a group of local students who besides sharing their personal story related to immigration, they also provide available resources for all those who find themselves on being an undocumented student.

Daniel Rivera from Madera Center asnwer question about colllege.

Jose Eduardo Chavez an officer of Madera Academic Youth Alliance (M.A.Y.A.) participated actively on this event. “I learned very critical information and met new people” said Chavez. Among the workshops he attended includes the planning, prevention of suicide and immigration panel workshops. “I am expecting to share all the information I collect today with my friends and families.” said Chavez.

The event was wrapped up by a riffle and everyone went home with stack of paper containing on information about resources available for them as they prepare to continue for a high education after high school.

CONVOCATORIA A PARTICIPAR EN LA RED BINACIONAL DE COATECANOS

CONVOCATORIA

A PARTICIPAR EN LA RED BINACIONAL DE COATECANOS

                                                                                                              

Mediante acuerdos previos, el Licenciado en Derecho y estudiante de Maestría Isidro Pérez Hernández con domicilio en San Quintín, Baja California y Puebla, Puebla, México; y el estudiante de Ciencias Sociales Juan Santiago Ramírez con domicilio en Madera, California, Estados Unidos; ambos originarios del Municipio de Coatecas Altas, perteneciente al distrito electoral de Ejutla de Crespo, Oaxaca de Juárez, México.

CONVOCAN

A todos los paisanos y paisanas que tienen estudios de nivel medio superior o superior o que estén estudiando dichos niveles en alguna institución académica, en cualquier parte del mundo; hablen o no el Zapoteco Valles del Sur; hayan nacido en el Municipio de Coatecas Altas, Ejutla de Crespo, Oaxaca de Juárez, México o que sus padres o alguno de ellos sean originarios del pueblo en mención, se les invita a participar en una RED BINACIONAL DE COATECANOS con los siguientes.

OBJETIVOS

1.      Definir una fecha determinada para llevar a cabo una reunión virtual para discutir los objetivos de esta convocatoria.

2.      Establecer una comunicación entre los miembros por medio de las diversas alternativas del internet. Crear una página de internet del grupo y/o cualquier otro medio semejante. Asimismo, elaborar una base de datos de los paisanos Coatecanos.

3.      Asesorar sobre situaciones concretas, de acuerdo al perfil de cada autor. De igual manera, asesorar a los jóvenes estudiantes para que logren sus metas académicas. Conseguir becas para aquellos estudiantes sobresalientes.

4.      Traducir textos de gran importancia al zapoteco, según la decisión de los miembros.

5.      Promover la participación de manera activa y consciente de los Coatecanos en el ámbito social, político, económico, para elevar la calidad de vida de los Coatecanos.

6.      Fomentar la participación de las mujeres Coatecanas en las diversas posiciones sociales y políticas de gran relevancia.

7.       Difundir la lengua materna y todo lo concerniente a nuestras costumbres y tradiciones positivas.

8.      A largo plazo, formar una agrupación de académicos Coatecanos.

9.      Defender los derechos reconocidos en las legislaciones correspondientes y en los instrumentos internacionales en derechos humanos, tanto individuales y colectivos.

10.  Emitir opiniones responsables  y contribuir en el desarrollo social, económico, cultural y  civil de nuestros hermanos indígenas Coatecanos asentados en cualquier parte del mundo.

CONTACTO

            Más información, favor de dirigirse a los siguientes contactos: en la República Mexicana con Isidro Pérez, perezhernandez@hotmail.com; y en los Estados Unidos con Juan Santiago, juansantiago@live.com.

Puebla, Puebla, México, a 2 de Febrero de 2011.

ATENTAMENTE

Isidro Pérez Hernández	Juan Santiago Ramírez
Licenciado en Derecho y estudiante de la Maestría en Derecho Constitucional y Amparo, Universidad Iberoamericana, Puebla, Puebla, México.	Estudiante en Ciencias Sociales State Center Community College Madera, California,    United States of America

Familia Oaxaqueña en Madera vende tacos para recaudar fondos para ayudar a los niños de Oaxaca

Texto: Juan Santiago Ramirez, Foto: Jose Eduardo Chavez,
Feb. 05, 2011

Madera, California- En su tercera ocasion consecutiva una familia Oaxaqueña de Madera organiza un evento de recaudacion de fondos al vender tacos y bebidas calientes. Todo el dinero recaudado sera enviado a Oaxaca para ayudar a los niños Oaxaqueños que tienen la necesidad de la compra de sus aparatos medicos.


La iniciativa de recaudacion de fondo empieza despues de la visita de un profesor  Miguel Daza quien realizo una visita en Madera en busca de asistencia para los niños sostuve la señora Odilia Chavez. “El profesor nos contaba la situacion de estos niñitos y nosotros junto con todos los familiares quizimos en ayudar.” Dijo Chavez.

Por el momento han podido en ayudar a dos pacientes. Uno de ellos se llama Claudito, quien se encontraba necesitado de una silla de rueda. Claudito es originario de Putla Gerrero, Oaxaca y tenia que viajar ala capital del estado para recivir sus tratamientos, y la familia no podia con los gastos, y no llevavan a Claudito para continuar con su cuidados. “Claudito ya recibio su tratamiento y tambien tiene su aparato adecuado para poderse mover” sustuvo Chavez.

“La otra paciente se llama Magli, quien tenia huezos cristalizados, gracias ala ayuda tambien ya se le compro sus aparatos adecuados” dijo Chavez   

Cuando le pregunte a Chavez si La familia Chavez realizaba este evento como miembro de una organizacion o club ella constesto en decir “Lo hacemos como persona, yo recuerdo que mis padres eran muy pobres y si me huviese pasado algo similar tampoco me hubieran podido ayudar, yo tuve la oportunidad de salir del pueblo y moverme ala ciudad y asi es como llegue aqui en los Estados Unidos y se que en Oaxaca la gente indigena carese de ayuda medica por parte de los governantes.”

En el evento acuden personas con su mayoria de Oaxaca y se enteran del evento con los amigos que han empezado de pasar a comprar sus tacos y bebidas calientes en las semanas previas. Chavez dijo “No hay palabra para agradecer a nuestra gente, quienes han venido a apoyar con lo que pueden.”

El proximo sabado ademas de las bebidas calientes, tambien habra Yiqui (Mole amario de oya preparado con el maiz molido) se le pido a toda ala comunidad a apoyar a este evento que tiene como objetivo de darle una esperanza a los niños en una de las regiones de Mexico en donde el nivel de pobresa es de alto nivel.  Para mas informacion por favor de comunicarse con  Jose Eduardo  Chavez al (559) 416-6266

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR MADERA CENTER STUDENTS

El Nuevo Director del Instituto Oaxaqueño de Atencion al Migrante Realiza su primera visita en Fresno con los migrantes del Valle Central

Rufino Dominguez, y Reyna Torres

Hoy se realizo una reunion en Fresno, California con el nuevo director del Instituto Oaxaqueño de Atencion al Migrante en donde estuvieron representantes de las organizaciones Oaxaqueñas del valle central y el publico en general.  Todos con el interes de estar informado sobre la asistencia que el IOAM ofrece en voz de Rufino Dominguez representante del nuevo governador del estado de Oaxaca y el Director General de IOAM.

La consul Reyna Torres dio la bienvenida alos ahi presentes. En sus palabras reconocio a los esfuerzos organizativos de los Oaxaqueños migrantes del valle central de San Joaquin. Sostuvo que la comunidad Oaxaqueña son los mas organizados comparados con los otros co-nacionales de otros estados de la republica Mexicana y tambien dijo que el consulado es la casa de todos los Mexicanos y finalizo sus palabras de bienvenidad al presentar a los personales del consulado con sus respectivos departamentos. Imediatamente despues de estas palabras llamo a Rufino enfrente para luego presentarlo con su  titulo oficial.

Rufino inicio su presentacion hablando en su lengua nativa-Mixteco de San Miguel Cuevas, Oaxaca. Dijo “Esta es mi lengua natal”. Agradecio a los ahi presentes y empezo su presentacion que consistio en tres etapas.  1. Agradecimiento 2. Que es IOAM y 3. Reformar el Instituto.

Los trabajos recientes que Rufino ha realizado a sido en ayudar para el translado de cuerpos de Oaxaqueños que han perdido la vida en los territorios en los Estados Unidos y noto que existe una gran necesidad en asitir a los familiares en realizar este tramite.

Seguido por este tema Rufino dio un breve reporte sobre el estado del instituto desde que el tomo el control. Entre estas realidades el sustuvo que desde que asumio el poder ha despedido a ocho miembros del personal quienes puestos no eran muy necesarios para la eficiencia del instituto dijo el y que ahora el numero del personal es de cuarenta y uno. Tambien sustuvo que el instituo cuenta con cuatro vehiculos.

En su presentacion sobre la reformacion del instituto, el hablo sobre el reporte titulado El Camino con los Imigrantes y El Camino con los Imigrantes 2011-2016. En este reporte Rufino manisfeto de cambiar el marco juridico para que el pueda a asistir no solamente a imigrantes que radican en los Estados Unidos pero tambien a migrantes Oaxqueños que viven en el territorio Mexicano y imigrantes de Centro y SudaAmerica. El dijo que este cambio es necesario para que cuando el govierno de Oaxaca decida manifestar encontra de leyes como la de SB-1070 de Arizona, lo pueda hacer libremente al respetar los derechos de los imigrates en su territorio. 

Antonio Cortes

En la actualidad el IOAM solamente cuenta con una oficina en Oaxaca, la intencion de Rufino en reformarlo es la de tambien de ampliar su localidad entre Oaxaca y incluso que se habre una oficina en Los Angeles, California como lo comprometio el governador en su campaña. Los ahi presentes se mostraron inquetos con esta idea de que la oficina se habre en Los Angeles, California. “La gente que vive en ciudades urbanes, son personas que ya se saben moverse y la gente que tenemos aqui en el valle son los mas necesitados y por que siempre los recursos se van es ciudades grandes? Rufino por favor comunicales al governador que la gente del valle central queremos que se habre al ofician aqui en Fresno” dijo Antonio Cortes de Madera California.

Minutos antes que Rufino terminara su reporte de reformacion yo opine. Entre los temas que hable estaba el de los estudiantes Oaxaqueños quienes no cuentan con sus documentes legales y como las nuevas formaciones de organizaciones o club de orioundos puedan poner en practica los modelos de las de otras comunidades para ayudar en transladar el cuerpo de los fallecidos, el de comercializacion de la artesania Oaxaqueña hacia EEUU. Y tambien dije que no es bueno que dependieramos del govierno, que pasara cuando se terminara la administracion de Cue y por ultimo enfatize la necesidad de la comunidad Oaxqueña quienes en su actualidad no cuenta con documentos.

En mi primer punto quise continuar el tema que el Dr. David Austin amplio y lo que el dijo esque es muy necesario en invertir en la educasion para que los jovenes se capaciten para el siglo 21 y que lanzara un lazo entre las universidades y el govierno de Oaxaca, le di continuacion a este tema al decir que hoy en dia muchos de los jovenes Oaxaqueños de mi generacion esta dejando de estudiar y esta regresando en los campos y esto es negativo para nuestra comunidad y para Oaxaca y le exiji a Rufino que exorte al governado que se necesita en realizar algun tipo de ayudo para estos jovenes quienes carecen de ayuda financiera y de apoyo legal en Estados Unidos.

Rufino respondio a mi peticion al decir que la sociedad Oaxaqueña cuenta con una cifra muy baja de educaion en Oaxaca, pero que el iba a llevar mi mensaje.

Lioncio Vasque el Dirctor Ejecutivo del Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo Oaxaqueños agradecio a Rufino por su presentacion y el consul por haber cordinado dicho evento y le recordo al publico que los planes ahi mencionado se escuchan muy bonito en escrito es diferente en los hecho asi es que pido que se unieran los Oaxaqueños para ayudar a Rufino y exijir todas estas ideas al governador.

Rufino por ultimo anuncio que en los proximos meses esta planeando una visita del governador en Fresno y la del registro civil para que la gente de Oaxaca puede obtener sus actas de nacimientos.