When writing becomes a great resource!

Hi Jóvenes!

I can't believe the weekend is almost over, but everything has to come to an end... which means back to work!
Knowing that we have the march on top of us, i have begun harrasing my family with letters asking them to make gifts to JIFM- that is: to donate. No seriously.. they always ask me how can they help in my education, so the day came when they can help...LOL!
We have city permits to pay for when we march- the money is not 20 bucks.. it is much more than that. Yes, we have the T-shirts coming and the tamale sale which will help, but they won't be enough, so i am asking you to take that extra step and begin your personal fundraising!

Here is my sample letter- i did two versions because i have to send one in Spanish and one in English to the cousins. You'll be surprised on the positive response that you will receive. This the idea... i added more personal stuff to make them feel it and write that check, but that is just my nature.. it was good stuff too :-)

This is a personal decision, i know that you might feel like this might be a burden to your family, and i initially felt like that, but after talking to a few of them i realized how much they really wanted to help out, even if it is five bucks guys. It is up to you.

Spanish:
el 24 de noviembre del 2005
Querido Tio______________,

Como ustedes saben estoy estudiando psicología en la universidad de Houston. Precisamente el año antes que me gradué de la preparatoria en el 2001- se aprobó la ley que ahora me permite estudiar a pesar de mi estatus migratorio: H.B. 1403 que nos permite a los estudiantes indocumentados en Texas asistir a la universidad pagando cuotas residenciales. El dilema que enfrentamos es que va a pasar con nuestros titulos una vez nos graduemos si no podemos ejercer nuestras carreras profesionales de una forma legal.

Por esta razón nos hemos organizado un grupo de estudiantes formando nuestra propia lucha para que se legalize una reforma llamada DREAM Act ante el congreso de los Estados Unidos. Esta reforma migratoria legalizaria el estatus de 65,000 estudiantes que nos graduamos en todo el país anualmente. Nuestra organización se llama Jóvenes Inmigrantes Por Un Futuro Mejor: http://www.uhjifm.org/. Les hago una cordial invitación para que donen a nuestra lucha la cuál servirá para cubrir los gastos de los permisos que pide la ciudad para efectuar nuestra marcha que se llevará a cabo próximamente en el centro de Houston. La marcha es con el propósito de incrementar el apoyo de la comunidad y de la prensa sobre este tema de si… dignidad…. pero más importante todavia: EDUCACION! La donación puede ser en efectivo o en cheque para Jóvenes Inmigrantes Por Un Futuro Mejor @ UH.

Muchas Gracias.

Julita Rincón Corona

English:

Dear__________

As you know I am currently studying psychology at the University of Houston. Precisely the year before that I graduated from High School in 2002, House Bill 1403 was passed in Texas-, which allows undocumented students such as myself to attend college and pay in-state tuition. The dilemma that I, along with thousands face is what is to happen to our degrees if we cannot legally pursue our degrees in this country.

As a result, I, along with many other students have begun our own fight in order to advocate strongly for the DREAM Act- a piece of legislation that would grant undocumented students temporary residency under certain requirements and eventually allow us to pursue our professional careers. Currently, 65,000 students graduate annually and are unable to pursue their dreams in colleges because of our “illegal status” in great part of the USA. The DREAM Act would change this. Our organization called: Jóvenes Inmigrantes Por Un Futuro Mejor- Young Immigrants For A Better Future http://www.uhjifm.org/ is cordially inviting you to make a gift which would cover the city permits for our future march taking place in Houston. The purpose of the march is to increase awareness among our community and the press on this issue, which is an issue of, yes… dignity, but most importantly: EDUCATION! Your donation can be made in cash or in check payable to Jóvenes Inmigrantes Por Un Futuro Mejor @ UH.

Thank you,

Julita Rincón