Building Community Workshop Organized by Jose Gutierrez at LAC on Nov. 19 aimed to foster connection and create a supportive environment for undocumented students and those who wish to advocate for them.
These workshops started shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic ended and have continued to grow in their outreach and impact.
Jose Gutierrez, a counselor at LBCC and DREAM Coordinator, explained that he noticed during online classes how students were not socializing as much as they did in person.
“These workshops are a safe space for undocumented students, mixed-status families, and allies to come together and build a supportive community,” Gutierrez said.
The workshops provide students with information about clubs that undocumented students can join, scholarships offered by the school, and external scholarship opportunities.
Kevin Aldana, a representative from CHIRLA and Student Legal Services, shared resources on obtaining a U-Visa and Green Card, offering valuable legal guidance to attendees.
Representative from CHIRLA and Student Legal Services, Kevin Aldana, provided information on legal resources at the Building Community event at LBCC’s LAC Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. His session offered valuable insights to attendees. (Alex Toledo)
The workshop also highlighted unpaid internships for those seeking professional experience.
Danny Paulman, a first-year student who started last semester, shared how the workshops helped him feel welcomed.
“When I started attending LBCC, I was the type to just go to class and head home. This workshop has helped me feel more connected,” said Danny Paulman.
Melany Murillo, the president of the Undocumented Students Club and an attendee of the workshop, emphasized the importance of these events.
“I want to continue advocating for undocumented students and promote these workshops to reach more people,” Murillo said.
As the workshop concluded, conversations shifted toward the upcoming election and the concerns undocumented students and their families face, especially with the possibility of Trump’s inauguration.