A Message From Exiting Co-Executive Director Guadalupe Ambrosio
This is an open letter from our exiting Co-Executive Director, Guadalupe Ambrosio.
Dear NYSYLC Community,
It is with a bittersweet heart that I announce my departure from this incredible organization. These have been the most transformative 13 years of my young adult life. I made this decision because I want to honor the leadership of all the immigrant women who came before me and after, who, like me, created magic and space for immigrant women to thrive and find freedom in their joy and hope. I expect the NYSYLC to continue that legacy by centering those most marginalized.
I initially joined this organization because I needed support applying for DACA, and I stayed because I found answers to the anger and frustrations I felt inside. I learned from Razeen Zaman and Abraham Paulos that the immigration system was not broken but was designed to incarcerate and exploit immigrant people of color. Our freedom as immigrants was only possible if we centered racial justice, unlearned whiteness, and stopped chasing the myth of the “American Dream.” Those lessons stayed with me and helped me free myself from living in fear and resentment.
It has been an honor to work alongside some of the most dedicated and passionate individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Together, we have fought tirelessly to uplift and empower undocumented youth in New York and beyond. I leave with so much joy and life-changing memories from the 3 generations of immigrant women who I’ve had the privilege of meeting. I thank you all for believing in me and investing in my growth.
Through our advocacy and activism, we have achieved important victories and made a real difference in the lives of so many young people. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and will always carry those successes with me.
But even as I prepare to leave, I know that the fight is far from over. Undocumented people still face countless obstacles and injustices, and it is up to all of us to continue the fight for our rights and our dignity. To my fellow undocumented youth, I want to remind you that you are powerful beyond measure. You have faced incredible challenges and have shown resilience, determination, and courage every step of the way. Your voices and your experiences are vital to the work that we do, and I urge you to keep fighting for the better future that we all deserve. You bring your unique experiences and perspectives to the table, and your leadership is essential in our fight for justice and equality. This organization can’t exist without you and your trust. Thank you for trusting me!
To our allies and supporters, I ask that you continue to stand with us in our struggle. Your solidarity and your commitment to our cause mean more than you can ever know. Continue to invest in the new leadership and the organization. Remember to choose bravery in the face of injustice. Hesitation only leads you to be complicit. The work we do is not easy, but together, we can create a world that is just and equitable for all.
And finally, to NYSYLC, I love you, and I am so excited to see you continue to grow into a space filled with art, joy, and community. My hope is you continue to prioritize creativity, and you continue to hire and uplift undocumented youth regardless of working permits. Stay curious and excited for change, and remember you are a part of history! I am always cheering for you, always.
As I depart, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your support, your passion, and your hard work have made all the difference.
I will always carry the spirit of this organization with me, and I look forward to seeing all the amazing things that you will accomplish in the years to come.
With love and admiration,
Undocumented, Unapologetic, Unfraid Guadalupe AmbrosioFormer Executive Director, New York State Youth Leadership Council8 Highlights from 2022
As 2022 comes to a close, we want to highlight and celebrate some of our favorite moments of the year.
Marching at NYC Pride, 2022
As 2022 comes to a close, we want to highlight and celebrate some of our favorite moments of the year.
This year, the NYSYLC leaned heavily into healing and art as ways to cope with the collective trauma our community has endured during the pandemic. We worked to rebuild the sense of community that was lost, create pockets of joy in the midst of political turmoil, and energize ourselves for the work that lies ahead.
@nysylc Our first episode of #UndoCulture <3 where we’ll highlight udocu folks and culture in different fields like the arts, film, business, music, fashion, & beauty:-) #nyc #undocumented #culture #fyp ♬ original sound - NYSYLC
1. Uplifting Undocu Culture
In our TikTok series “Undocu Culture,” Shaina highlights undocu folks and culture in the arts, film, business, music, fashion, and beauty, and connects art exhibits and pop culture to the immigrant experience.
All Episodes of Undocu Culture:
Don’t forget to check out our other TikTok series like Immigrant Men Talk, Video Diaries by Immigrant Women, Returning Home: My Experience with Advanced Parole, and Immigrant Book Recommendations. Tiktok: @nysylc
@nysylc thank you to everyone who came and our collab partners @ undocunature. make nature accessible to all! #nyc #free #undocutok ♬ FOLLOW Cpski Prod.by Loudz - CPski
2. We Went Hiking!
On August 20th, we teamed up with Undocu Nature to host an Undocu Hike at Twin Islands Loop in Pelham Bay Park. Founded by NYSYLC members, Undocu Nature is “a group of undocu and formerly undocu folks who are reclaiming nature through outdoor exploration, reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us.”
More community-building events:
3. Launching Our Immigrant Daughters’ Support Group
In February we launched our Immigrant Daughters’ Support Group, a monthly virtual space for immigrant women to share and support each other through grounding and intentional conversations. Our members range from high school students to mothers and adults. Swipe through to read some of the topics that have come up in our meetings.
4. Our First Undocu Photography Workshop
On May 27, our members learned the principles of photography, reflected on the significance of photography, and practiced with cameras supplied by NYSYLC. This event was organized by Aldo (@alditosphoto), who is also our Undocu Academy Coordinator and president of John Jay Dreamers.
5. Undocu Student Meet Up at John Jay College
On October 28, our Community Organizer Maria — formerly our Dream Team Network Coordinator and president of BMCC Dream Team — organized our first in-person Undocu Student Meetup since the pandemic started. Undocumented high school and college students across NYC met for the first time after so many virtual meetings. Students bonded through crafts, games, and icebreakers, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.
This event was organized in partnership with the Immigrant Student Success Center at John Jay College.
6. Our First Virtual IYECon
Before the pandemic, we gathered 300 members in-person every year for IYECon, our Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference. At IYECon, youth, parents, educators, and allies attend workshops to discuss resources, immigrants’ rights, history, systems of oppression, and strategies for change.
This year we revived IYECon in a virtual format to keep our community safe. Weekend 1 workshops focused on self-expression and healing, while Weekend 2 discussed options after high school, accessing college, and finding work.
Maggie, Madai and Leni of @otros_dreams_en_accion joined us for our workshop “Collage Making / Immigrant Women Talk” to share more about activism, feminism, art, and immigrant justice in Mexico as women who were forced to return.
7. Launching Our Organizing Team
We expanded our organizing strategy this year by launching an Organizing Team, a team of undocumented youth seeking to organize in their communities and build campaigns for immigrant justice. The Organizing Team includes students and non-students alike, and is an expansion of our Dream Team Network. In March and April, we held Get Active trainings where Organizing Team members learned about community organizing, systems of oppression, advocacy strategies, and ongoing campaigns.
s@nysylc TODAYY🥲🤍 we had our second annual Undocu networking event for our senior academy students!!!! Applications for the academy are still open until June 25th! #undocu #nyc #immigrant #netoworking #PerfectPrideMovement ♬ You Found Me - Instrumental Pop Songs
8. Welcoming Undocu Academy’s Class of 2023
NYC schools are woefully underprepared to support undocumented high school students with preparing for life after high school. Undocu Academy provides undocumented high school students with mentorship, leadership development, and 1-on-1 support with accessing college, financial aid, and career paths. Students attend group workshops twice a week and meet 1-on-1 with mentors and facilitators.
We closed out Undocu Academy’s Class of 2022 with a networking event and graduation ceremony where students reflected on their growth over the past year. This semester, Undocu Academy’s Class of 2023 welcomed 9 new students and mentors, and we supported the students with completing CUNY and SUNY applications. Next semester we will shift our focus to political education, professional development, and scholarships.
You Make this Work Possible
In recognition of International Migrants Day (December 18), we invite you to make a year-end gift to New York’s first and only nonprofit openly led by undocumented youth.
We are Looking for two Immigrant Liaison Youth Fellows!
We are looking for one high school junior and one high school senior to support our work with the immigrant liaisons. Apply by Sept 16
We are looking for one high school junior and one high school senior to support our work with the immigrant liaisons.
Most work will be virtual meetings with some early mornings or late nights when educators are available. The work will be about 3 hours/week.
Apply by Sept 16
Who we are
The New York State Youth Leadership Council is the first undocumented youth led organization in New York. We work to empower immigrant youth to drop the fear attached to undocumented status and challenge the United States’ broken immigration system through leadership development, grassroots organizing, educational advancement, and self-expression. Our goal is clear: to give undocumented youth the tools and space to organize and create change in our communities. Teach Dream is the educator team at the NYSYLC.
Our goal is to fight alongside undocumented youth against the institutionalized racism in the U.S. school, immigration, and criminal legal systems. We aim to do this by creating safer spaces for undocumented students, advocating for equity, opportunities, and access to resources for all students, and lifting student activism and leadership.
The NYSYLC has hired several immigrant liaisons in NYC public high schools and middle schools who will be continuing their work during the 2022-2023 school year. An Immigrant Liaison is someone who works in a school in order to support immigrant and undocumented students and mixed-status families, as distinct from English language learners, including undocumented students who may have lived in the U.S. since a young age. At their school, the Immigrant Liaison will engage in various activities to support immigrant and undocumented youth and families, such as: professional development for staff at the school on topics including college/career pathways for undocumented youth, facilitating a Dream Team, connecting students and families to outside resources including legal resources (and ensuring that staff at the school know about those resources), working with school counselors to support undocumented seniors in the college/secondary transition process, etc.
We are looking for one high school junior and one high school senior to support our work with the immigrant liaisons by:
Meeting monthly (most meetings are virtual) with the immigrant liaisons to support their work in schools by sharing ideas and opinions on the work the immigrant liaisons are doing
Giving weekly feedback to the immigrant liaisons (via email)
Working with Dream Teams, the Immigration Liaison organizer, and others to build a campaign to get the NYC Department of Education to expand the program to every NYC public school
Working closely with the NYSYLC Education Manager, Co-Directors and Immigrant Liaison Coordinators on other tasks as they come up
The ideal candidate is someone who is:
Self-accountable: We are looking for someone who is an independent worker and able to manage their time effectively with strong communication skills.
Committed: We are looking for someone who can commit to this 10 month contracting opportunity.
Comfortable sharing their ideas and experiences
Note: This opportunity is available to all high school juniors and seniors who are NYC public school students regardless of immigration status.
Desired experience:
Experience working with other youth in immigration advocacy (this could include conversations, projects, going to protests, etc). Experience in a Dream Team preferred but not required.
Priority will be given to youth who are directly impacted.
Demands:
Most work will be virtual meetings with some early mornings or late nights when educators are available. The work will be about 3 hours/week.
Compensation:
This is a 10 month contracting opportunity for $3,000.
To Apply:
Fill out google form by 5pm on Friday, September 16
We will contact potential candidates for an interview. Final decisions will be made by the end of September at the very latest.
Summer Updates - 2022
Friends of the NYSYLC,
This past Wednesday, a federal court upheld the decision to stop processing new DACA applications, leaving thousands of first-time DACA applicants without work permits and protections from deportation. As soon as this month, the courts might also decide to ban recipients from renewing their DACA.
While DACA has been a lifeline for so many immigrants, including members of our staff, we also recognize that undocumented people have always deserved more. DACA does not guarantee stability, social mobility, or economic mobility. The majority of our members — and the majority of undocumented high school youth today — have never even been eligible to apply.
We believe that all undocumented people deserve justice, humane pathways to citizenship, and the resources to thrive. During this difficult time we are supporting our members through art, healing, and community-building, while preparing for our next Undocu Academy and our first virtual Immigrant Youth Empowerment Conference.
Borderless Bowling
Want to support undocumented youth? Gather five friends or co-workers and come to our Borderless Bowling fundraiser! Order by Friday, August 19 for $50 Early Bird tickets.
WHEN: Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6 PM to 9 PM (Tournament starts at 7)
WHERE: Frames Bowling Lounge, 550 9th Ave, New York, NY (2nd floor)
Ages 21+, beginner-friendly, children are welcome with adult supervision
Start or join a team of 6, or we can add you to a team!
Early Bird sale ends 8/19!
Monthly donors can use discount code MONTHLY to purchase an at-cost ticket. Become a monthly donor today through our Borderless Baddies giving circle.
SPOTLIGHT: Undocu Academy
Over the 2021-2022 school year, our Undocu Academy supported 9 high school students with preparing for life after graduation. Students attended 150 hours of workshops on college access, professional development, and political education, received 1-on-1 assistance, and met with Undocu Mentors twice a month. They received stipends and a scholarship for completing the program.
Undocu Academy networking workshop with mentors, staff, and alumni. June 4, 2022
On June 30, we held a graduation ceremony and invited the students to speak about their experiences. Students gave us permission to share the following testimonies:
“In high school, I really just kind of felt lost. I didn't really know where to go and I didn't know what to do at times. And sometimes I almost tried to just give up and just stop and just accept the fact that I was undocumented and I couldn't do anything ... And then I found the Undocu Academy. And it generally helped me get myself back on track to get to college. And I started caring more about what I was doing. I started going to programs and started doing a lot more ... and I felt more confident about where I was going in the future. And then about three months ago, I got an email back from TheDream.US that I had received my full ride scholarship.”
— Sergio, 2022 Undocu Academy scholar
“The Academy helped me a lot. I have friends. I have people I can rely on. And, you know, being undocumented doesn't mean that you're not loved, that your voice is not gonna be heard. Because you are gonna be heard. Your voice matters because we have another perspective. We are fighters. And we are lovers.”
— Marceline, 2022 Undocu Academy scholar
Help us expand Undocu Academy to 30 students this fall:
Read our New Report: “A Framework for Immigrant Liaisons”
We are asking the New York City Department of Education to create an immigrant liaison position in every K-12 public school in the city. An immigrant liaison is a part-time (or possibly full-time, if needed) position in a school created to offer support for immigrant, and especially undocumented, students and their families and caregivers.
Working with CUNY-IIE and Teach Dream, our educator team, we launched a pilot program to hire Immigrant Liaisons at three high schools and two middle schools. In “A Framework for Immigrant Liaisons,” we share our findings, show how schools can support immigrant students, and discuss next steps.
Undocu Photography Workshop, May 28, 2022
Other Updates
DACA Roundtable at the Mayor’s Office: On June 14, our Co-Executive Director Guadalupe and active member Roxana joined a DACA roundtable with the Mayor’s Office to discuss issues facing undocumented youth in our city. We talked about access to education, voting rights for non-citizens, and immigrant youth accessing policy spaces.
NYSYLC Healing, Art, and Community-Building: Since our Spring update, we held workshops on photography and dance, marched at NYC Pride with members, started a reading group, continued meeting with our Immigrant Daughter Support Group, and organized field trips to Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Museum. In collaboration with Minkwon Center, we held social events at Central Park for undocumented youth, including a cultural picnic, introduction to Korean drumming, and a night of painting and poetry.
NYSYLC Scholarship Fund: We awarded five more scholarships of $500 each to undocumented youth, prioritizing those without DACA and without access to other financial aid.
Undocu Art & Poetry Night with NYSYLC & Minkwon Center, July 31, 2022
Chat with NYSYLC: Join us at our Zoom Call on August 16, 7-7:45 PM. We want to get to know our supporters, share about the work we're doing, and share ways to get involved and support. Register here!
Ways to Support Us
Your Network: Introduce us to a company that can sponsor IYECon. Open your employer’s internships and job opportunities to undocumented youth. Host a fun event or dinner party to raise money for us. Spread the word about our programs. Want support? Email me at jay@nysylc.org.
Your Skills: Do you have any professional skills that can support our organization, or that you can share with Undocu Academy scholars?
Give Monthly: Join Borderless Baddies, our new monthly giving circle! Or, make a one-time donation through the link below.
Please reach out if you have any questions or comments.
Warmly,
Jay Dalal
jay[at]nysylc[dot]org
Development Director, NYSYLC
Guide: A Framework For Immigrant Liaisons
Read our report on how schools can create Immigrant Liaison positions to support immigrant students, families, and caregivers, especially those who are undocumented. This project was a collaboration between CUNY-IIE, NYSYLC, and Teach Dream, our educator team.
New Guide!
A Pilot Program by the New York State Youth Leadership Council
This guide includes a description of the immigrant liaisons pilot program, examples of the work done, and how that work was supported by the NYSYLC through monthly meetings and a youth fellowship.
This guide also includes recommendations for schools that want to create their own immigrant liaison position, particularly regarding hiring and funding, with a priority placed on hiring immigrants and especially non-citizens.
ImmLiaison
Immigrant Liaison also known as "ImmLiaison" was created through CUNY-IIE's collaboration with the New York State Youth Leadership Council (NYSYLC) and our educator team, Teach Dream, to start the first immigrant liaison program in New York. The hope of this work is to create Immigrant Liaison positions across New York City schools to support the needs of immigrant students, families, and caregivers across the state, especially those who are undocumented.
What is an Immigrant Liaison?
An immigrant liaison is a part-time (or possibly full-time, if needed) position in a school created to offer support for immigrant, and especially undocumented, students and their families and caregivers. This team spent the 2020-2021 school year developing the immigrant liaison position and, in the spring of 2021, implementing a pilot program with immigrant liaisons in three New York City public high schools. In the spring of 2022, the team expanded the program to two NYC public middle schools.
Guide: A Framework for Immigrant Liaisons
This report has not been reviewed by the New York State Education Department.