Equipo de Cronistas Oaxacalifornianos (ECO)

Jose Eduardo Chavez

After several years of chronicling and sharing experiences of fellow Oaxacans’ in Central California, I was invited to form part of the Oaxacalifornia Reporting Team (ECO) to conduct a University of California Participatory Action Research project. ECO or The Oaxacalifornia Reporting Team is a group of seven indigenous Oaxacan youth who are active members of youth-led organizations in the Central Valley. Professors Jonathan Fox of UC Santa Cruz and Gaspar Rivera-Salgado of UCLA mentored the team with their support and guidance throughout research.

Our findings were published in a book titled Voices of Indigenous Oaxacan Youth in the Central Valley: Creating Our Sense of Belonging in California, that was releasedon August 3^rd, 2013 in Fresno. This two-year Participatory Action Research project documented and analyzed the civic engagement decisions and practices of Mexican indigenous migrant young adults in the central region of the San Joaquin Valley (Madera…

View original post 3 more words

Fresno Pacific University Undocumented Students speak about immigration

Jose Eduardo Chavez

A former FPU undocumented student and myself were invited to “participated in the 2016 Mennonite Health Services Annual Assembly “Finding Abundance in Scarcity,” March 31-April 1 in Sacramento” telling our personal stories to new audiences. I believe that by sharing our personal immigrant narrative, we will discover new allies in pushing for a just immigration reform and put an end to stereotypes that dehumanize our communities.

Story by wayne.steffen on April 7, 2016 @ 8:52am-Fresno Pacific University. For original article visit: Fresno.edu

Faculty, students and alumni participated in the 2016 Mennonite Health Services Annual Assembly “Finding Abundance in Scarcity,” March 31-April 1 in Sacramento.

Randy White, D.Min., associate professor of community transformation and executive director of the Center for Community Transformation at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, gave the keynote address at the opening general session. His title was “Finding Abundance in Scarcity Through Faith Tradition and an Assets-based Approach.”

Dina Gonzalez-Piña…

View original post 124 more words

Students present “Harvest of Dreams” to humanize immigration

Jose Eduardo Chavez

Article published by By wayne.steffen on March 28, 2016 @ 4:44pm -Fresno Pacific University. See original article at Fresno.edu

“Putting a face—or faces—to immigration issues is the goal of the student-led “Harvest of Dreams” event at Fresno Pacific University.

Election-year political rhetoric has painted an unfair picture of undocumented residents, according to organizers. “Our main ambition is raising awareness of the other side of the immigration story,” said Jose Chavez Garcia, FPU student and member of the planning committee. The FPU Dreamers Club, a student group, is the sponsor.

Several activities will take place April 4-7, 2016, in Alumni Plaza on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., including a photo gallery, music by local and other performers representing immigrant communities, a collection of stories of immigrants from all over the world as well as food. Other events will include “I’m an Undocumented American,” a chapel program from 10:00-11:00 a.m…

View original post 91 more words

MAY DAY in Fresno California

May 1st has been traditionally known as the International Labor day. Particularly in Europe, this day is mostly recognized as a holiday, not necessarily on May 1st of every year, but the first week of May. In many countries such as the United States, civil society has taken this day as a day of solidarity in demanding changes in policies and particularly, the pro-immigration reform organizations. Every year, thousands around the country take the streets and peacefully protest to demand a just immigration reform and other relevant issues that are affecting the community local, state and national community.

Fresno, California is the setting for annual peaceful protest organized by a coalition of organizations. This year there were approximately 150 participants, lower than past years. Organizers said that some people have lost momentum and hope a change in immigration policies. The peaceful protest this year was accompanied of traditional dances, live music, and speakers.

 

Welcome!

Welcome,

I hope you find my blog interesting and helpful. I will share ideas, culture, civil society and events happening in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Most specifically, I will share on the affairs I personally get involved in.

Please, if you have any questions about my blog, work, or issues you are looking for specific information about, feel free to contact me.

Jose E. Chavez