The NYSYLC family is thankful for your support!
New York State Youth Leadership Council 2019
We are an undocumented youth lead place that works with an intersectional framework. Our sole purpose is to bring forth a community together through advocacy, leadership development, and self expression, within society that has put us through so many obstacles and injustices that recently been anti-immigrant agenda. This year, the undocumented youth and allies came together to challenge the systemic oppressions that prevented them from succeeding in life.
We want to highlight some of the most memorable moments that made 2019 a year of accomplishments.
Dare to be Gala
The Dare to be Gala was our yearly celebration that allows us to celebrate our yearly work but also recognize and thank those who contributed to our mission. This year gala was heavily undocumented led, coordinated, preformed, and catered. We would like to thank everyone who came and participated at the gala. The proceeds from the gala were used to continue funding scholarships for undocumented youth, DACA renewal fees, workshops, metro-cards, and much more. Your support has allowed us to continue creating opportunities for immigrant youth.
“One of our best Galas because it was so inspirational to see women get honored for their work that on an average day would go un-noticed.”
“We wanted to honor cis-gender and transgender women, non-conforming people who fight for gender and immigrant justice. We wanted to highlight and support these individuals and I hope that the gala reflected that. I hope people are open to invest in undocumented people and that these norms of “professionalism” goes away. We want to create a cultural shift that immigrant people are worth investing in.”
Undocu-Hustle
We launched the The Noncitizen’s Guide to Entrepreneurship Guide geared to non-citizens with or without work authorization. The guide is available to those willing to prepare for the possibility of losing their work authorization. The guide shows that, for those at risk of losing work authorization, there are steps that are now available to manage and control of our lives through these hard political times around immigrant rights.
Honoring our
Co-Executive Director
This year our Co-Executive Director Guadalupe Ambrosio, was recognized twice! She was honored as a Notable Women in Human Services Hall of Fame. Furthermore, she was also honored at this by the New York City Council during Mexico’s Independence day, for the years of advocacy towards the undocumented community. Her humanitarian push to uplift our oppressed communities inspire us, the NYSYLC family, to continue the fight to break such oppressions.
“I am happy to represent the leadership of undocumented Mexican woman and I acknowledge that I am not the only one. I appreciate being nominated and honored by the people who hold me accountable.”
New York Dream Act Passed
On January 23, 2019 after years of advocacy the New York Dream Act passed! This opportunity provides undocumented youth state financial aid when accessing higher education in New York. We have assisted students with the application process at our NYS Dream Act clinic workshop events.
Honoring our
Co- Executive Director
This year our Co-Executive Director Angy Rivera, was recognized as one of the Top Latino Leaders Under 40. This recognition by Prospancia is given to trailblazers that make a difference by disrupting the systematic oppressions that Latinx community face by uplifting the community through leadership, service, and growth. Angy’s accomplishments inspire us to continue the fight to make a difference in our community.
“I was so excited to receive this award and see that immigrant rights was a celebrated sector among so many well known entrepreneurs. It was truly an honor!”
The Dream Team Network Corner
Our Dream Teams allow
immigrant youth to connect with students, faculty, staff, parents, and fellow Dream Team members throughout New York City. This network allows them to communicate, develop, and support one another from high school and into college. This year we welcomed Pamela as the Dream Team Network Fellow. Together with our Dream Team Network Coordinator, we provide the support and resources for teams in schools.
“I learned that I am able to overcome obstables. I am able to assert my knowldege with educators because it was difficult at the begining. We have to get out of these power dynamics, I felt that like I didn’t know enough to be at same level. I realized that they were just looking for answers that they didn’t know but I did. I grew professionally and as a student, I learned to advocate for myself.”
Columbia University
The Dream Team at Columbia University began to organize and provide members of the community a platform to fight against the collaborate between ICE and Columbia. They are demanding that Columbia stop supporting ICE and begin supporting immigrant led organizations.
City College
We were able to support City College students in restarting their Dream Team. The City College Dream Team invited members of the community to learn about the New York Dream Act. This event detailed the history and eligibility of the financial program. After the informational workshop, we assisted members of the community with the application process.
I was proud of the new members, we worked together for the first time. People were excited to assist and we had a great turn out. People were enthusiastic to learn about the New York Dream Act and it shows the importance of having these clinics.
-Roxana, President of the City College Dream Team
Vlogging our Experiences
Ana, one of our youngest members, began her own vlog on our Youtube channel. She is vlogging her experiences as an undocumented high school senior. Follow Ana on her riveting journey as senior but also enjoy the daily life shenanigans of a strong, outgoing, passionate, quirky, and intelligent woman.
Civil Liberties and Public Policy Conference
Ana and Guadalupe were both honored and panelist at the Civil Liberties and Public Policy Conference. They were both presented on intersectional topics on youth organizing, reproductive justice and immigrant rights.
Our First High School Teen Organized IYECON
Our annual Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference (IYECON) provides the community with the tools necessary to create networks with students, families, educators, allies, and community organizers. It allows youth to obtain more information on opportunities that they might have not been exposed to when trying to succeed in life. This year’s conference was the first time two of our younger core members coordinated and lead the conference. We are proud of Ana and Fernando demonstrated their dedication and passion to their community.
“It was fun hosting this event and see how people were reacting. Adults were surprised.”
“ I felt good when I said some words and people applauded; people were listening and participating.”
Youth Empowerment Program
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is an annual educational program. It was created to provide youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle issues that affect our community as a part of the social oppressions that have been institutionalized. Youth participants practiced leadership, communication, and teamwork through participating in critical discussions, listening to guest speakers, and program organizers on intersectional themes.
“I felt so proud because the participants really liked the activities we had and the workshops for each day. YEP showed me how long I’ve come since the time I was a part of YEP as a participant”
“I like seeing the youth there, they were consistant and they were able to grow. There were topics they didn’t really know about and seeing them learn about it was great. I was a participant because I wanted to go through it as well. I got to take in the knowledge and I learned from other participants”
Income
*Financials for Fiscal Year ending July 31st, 2019.
Our Supporters
Thank you to the funders who believe in our leadership and vision.
