Barrios Unidos
Posted by Pam Arnsberger
on May 20, 2016
May 19, 2016 meeting
Announcements and Reminders
The Redwood Mountain Fair is June 4th and 5th at Roaring Camp. The price is $29.00
Deadline to submit for DDF funds is at the end of this month.
Michelle gave us an update on the major fundraiser. We raised about $14,000.
If you would like to present scholarships at Aptos High, let Burt know. It is next Wednesday night (May 25th).
Empowering our Youth in a violent environment
Our speaker today was Daniel Nane Alejandras founder and national director of Barrios Unidos, a nationally and internationally recognized organization that works on youth violence and gang related activities. Mr. Alejandras is a Viet Nam vet and UCSC graduate.
Barr
Empowering our Youth in a violent environment
Our speaker today was Daniel Nane Alejandras founder and national director of Barrios Unidos, a nationally and internationally recognized organization that works on youth violence and gang related activities. Mr. Alejandras is a Viet Nam vet and UCSC graduate.
Barrios Unidos is trying to introduce concepts of non- violence in violent communities. Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover and Carlos Santana are among their entertainment industry supporters. They emphasize spirituality, employment, education and economic development. They have a retreat center in the Santa Cruz mountains to get inner city kids out of urban areas for a while. He also works with Viet Nam Vets in Soledad prison offering classes to improve their chances once they get out, as well as provide access to resources. He said that there are a lot of incarcerated veterans, but his main point is to keep young people from ending up in jail.
Their programs include moving kids into school or jobs, among them a silkscreen business that they sponsor. They stress how to use tools and dress properly and acquire skills. They have notable success with individuals who have begun their own businesses here and elsewhere. They have kids clubs for kids from 6-13 and youth groups from ages 13-18. They also work at juvenile facilities and at the jail.
They also work with people to connect spiritually and explore their own meaning. Mr. Alejandras stressed that they don’t like to use the word ‘gangs’ because that implies a negativity at the outset. 1817 Soquel Ave is their community center and also includes some workplace housing.
The meeting closed with Mr. Alejandras answering a number of questions about participants and shared with us some literature about his programs.