Alianza's Weblog

FAQs

northwesternalianza — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:45:22 +0000

1. How many members do you have this year, and in what year was your organization founded?

We have multiple members. If you gage from our listserv, the number is in the thousands. If you gage from this year’s Festival LatiNU (10/03/08), it’s 600+. This quarter, we have about 150 active members, ranging all class generations. Please check out the constitution on our weblog to see who we consider a “member.”

2. What are your goals as a cultural organization at Northwestern?

The purpose of Alianza, the largest Hispanic/Latino student organization at Northwestern University, is to unite and support its members to work towards the advancement of an empowered, productive, Hispanic/Latino presence at this institution. Alianza is a cultural, educational, and social programming body, which also serves as a vehicle for activism. And for this year’s goals, read: http://nualianza.wordpress.com/2008/09/30/latin-state-of-the-union-address/

3. Do you have events coming up in the near future, and are they annual?

Check out the media. Yes to all the questions. Many of our SAFB funded events are successful perennial events.

4. How do you interact/work together with other organizations on campus?

Again: http://nualianza.wordpress.com/2008/09/30/latin-state-of-the-union-address/ But the keywords are: co-sponsorships, communication, respect, multiculturalism and pluralism, to name a few.

5. What are some of the challenges Alianza has had to face in the past, and how did you overcome them?

A sign of a stable and strong organization is one that can endure change. That being said, Alianza has experienced Executive Board resignations, faced ASG de-recognition, advisor career changes, multiple attacks by individuals, groups, organizations and institutions and, really, just about everything under the hot sun. But we make the sweetest lemonade with the rotten lemons that come our way.

6. What dynamic does your club bring to the university, and what makes it unique?

Alianza is the voice of all of the Hispanic/Latino people, allies interested in Hispanic/Latino culture, and of other Latino-related organizations on campus.

In terms of integration and engagement in large institutional bodies, Alianza has been a part of the ASG Academic Committee for at least the past four years and through this committee our Senator has strived to push towards the development of a Latina/o Studies Program. In the recent past, we were able to pass a bill through Senate that was titled “LSP AHORA.” Alianza’s efforts helped encourage the university to extend three offers to faculty that will teach Latino Studies Courses. Ultimately two professors were hired in the African American Studies and Anthropology Departments. Efforts are currently being made to realize the Latino Studies Program this upcoming academic school year and to hire a program director. Our ASG Senator has also worked towards increasing minority enrollment at Northwestern. In addition to this, our Senator would make sure that the needs and concerns of the Hispanic/Latino community are taken into consideration when passing bills through Senate, and shall advocate for other multicultural groups with similar missions. Essentially, our Senator represents the voice of the Hipanic/Latino community, and thus brings diversity to Senate.

From a more humanistic approach, Alianza serves as a home-away-from-home for many of our members. For our non-Latin@ members (without discussing the inappropriateness of racial/ethnic labels) in strong solidarity with our community, we serve as an educational body. Like our mission statement reads, we also serve as vehicle for activism. Our past mobilization for various causes include, but are not limited to: immigrant rights marches, Latina/o Studies Program student initiative, speaking out on issues like the omission of Latin restaurants in the 2008 Northwestern University Parent Guide, coalition building with Evanston, Chicagoland colleges and universities and a multitude of student groups on campus, just to name a few. With an outstanding football season, our organization strives to create unity among the Latina/o community, the multicultural community and the entire Northwestern campus.

We are you, you are us.

Please contact Aldo Gallardo (President) at aldo@u.northwestern.edu for more information.

Posted in hispanic heritage month, president update

Latin@ State of the Union Address

northwesternalianza — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:35:47 +0000

Saludos,

I assumed the position of President last spring, but have been with Alianza since September 2005. I ran on a platform of creating a familial atmosphere for everyone and uniting la communidad. Like Spiderman, “with great power, comes great responsibility.” Since I got off the plane at the O’Hare Airport, I have had to double-dutch back into the thick of things – it has been a beyond busy two weeks. But I love it.

I want to remind everyone that my Executive Board, Christian Yañez and I are here to serve you. Like I’ve been telling several listening ears – and trust me, the podium is set and the microphone is on – I want to hear your concerns, constructive criticisms and praise. Let this be the year that we unite not only our Latin@ community, but the entire multicultural community and the greater Northwestern University campus. With a 5-0 current standing in football, why aren’t we uniting and rejoicing life, hand-in-hand? If I, personally, cannot reap the benefits of our altruism, then the future incoming classes will.

Moreover, I understand that I’m a character for some. One of my personal projects is maintaining proper swagger and decorum. I, too, am a work in progress. We all have erasers on our pencils and we all make mistakes, it’s how we recover from them and ameliorate the situation is what counts. My actions will speak louder than my words, as you soon will find out.

Alianza has a new administration, and with this positive change, we are eager to work for you. Our fall quarter will showcase our wonderful culture[s] during Hispanic Heritage Celebration (spanning the entire quarter). The next two quarters, we will be strengthening our multicultural community and, thus, the Northwestern campus. We have many co-sponsorships in the works with various student groups: greek organizations, A&O, Organización Latina de Evanston, Hillel, professional groups, PASA, NU Engagement Coalition, Kaibigan, Rainbow Alliance, journalism publications, the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, political organizations, Asian/Asian American Student Affairs, LANU, religious bodies, FMO, College Feminists, volunteer coalitions, all of the Latina/o undergraduate student groups and many more.

As a reminder, we welcome everyone, Latin@ and non-Latin@ alike, with open arms. This 2008-2009 academic school year, we – Latin@s, hispanos, latin people, mi gente, humanity – have arrived. Indeed, we have. Pa’ delante, siempre.

We hope to see you at Festival LatiNU: “Mi Casa, Tu Casa,” our kickoff event symbolic of how we do things around here. It’s this Friday, 10/3, 6:00PM sharp, Louis Room (Norris), 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. Ya tú sabe’.

In strong solidarity,
Aldo Mauricio Gallardo

Please contact Aldo Gallardo (President) at aldo@u.northwestern.edu for more information.

Posted in executive board update, hispanic heritage month, president update, social justice, welcome

Weekly Announcements 9/29

northwesternalianza — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:03:58 +0000

Alianza
The Hispanic/Latino Student Alliance
September 28, 2008

Alianza Announcements:

I. Become A Part of An ALIANZA Committee

II. Alianza Hoodies Available

III. Perform at the Mezcla Open Mic Night!

Events and Meetings:

I. La Vista Northshore (Radio)
II. A Declaration of Immigration at The National Museum of Mexican Art
III. Election 2008: New Voters, New Media, New Engagement
IV. Chicago Field Studies Information Session

V. The Asian American Studies Program annual OPEN HOUSE

VI. Premiere of A Forgotten Justice

VII. This week is your LAST CHANCE to register to vote!

Volunteer Opportunities:

I. NU Students for Barack Obama!

II. Help coordinate a voter registration table next week with NU Decides.

Job Opportunities
I. USG Part-time Accounting Intern
II. Nuestra Cultura Theater Project
III. Position Open at Latina and Latino Studies

Alianza Announcements:
I. Become a part of a committee and help ALIANZA during the Hispanic Heritage Celebration or on other events throughout the year!

Programming Committee:
Interested in helping create and put together ALIANZA’S general events throughout the Year?
You can help with the Hispanic Heritage Celebration events, such as Festival LatiNU!

Contact: esperanzasalgado2007@u.northwestern.edu

Latina/o Studies Program Committee-

LSP ¡Ahora! Student Planning Committee-

Interested in creating programming and awareness about Latina/o Studies at Northwestern?

Contact: a-hermosillo@northwestern.edu

Fundraising Committee:

If you are interested in assisting with ALIANZA’S fundraisers, planning and organizing and/or have ideas for great fundraisers please contact: MayraPlascencia2007@u.northwestern.edu

Community Outreach Committee:

Community outreach committee is a way to CREATE your own space. Yes, become part of a committee that will give you the opportunity/flexibility to shape the Northwestern Community. Are you interested in connecting ALIANZA to other student organizations? Then, this is for you. If you are interested in community service, would like to organize your own community service event, get to know the Latino community on campus, become more involved with Chicagoland organizations, be an entrepreneur in a brand new idea or just be part of something NEW on campus. The community outreach committee is for you. We welcome everyone! For more info contact Veronica Morales at veronicamorales2011@u.northwestern.edu or check me out on facebook.

Mezcla Committee:
Mezcla is the performing arts group under Alianza and serves as an outlet for students who want to showcase their talents. Mezcla puts together and Open Mic Night during fall quarter and The Big Show during spring quarter. Mezcla’s major goal this year is to put together a theater production winter quarter. If anyone is interested in organizing any events or showcasing their talent please contact the Mezcla Chair, Judith Landeros.

Mezcla is looking for committee members interested in: theater, dance, spoken word, poetry, art, photography, instrumental & vocal music, the fine and performing arts.
We are open to anyone who is interested in the performance arts; no experience is necessary. Contact: judithlanderos2007@u.northwestern.edu

Publicity Committee:

Interested in helping get the word out for any of ALIANZA’S events or have any creative ideas about how to market ALIANZA’S events?

Contact: JenniferZevallos2007@u.northwestern.edu

Please contact Aldo Gallardo (President) at aldo@u.northwestern.edu for more information.

II. Alianza Hoodies Available
Alianza is now selling its official gear to show pride this coming Hispanic Heritage Celebration 2008. Please click on the link to place your order. Once purchased, they will be delivered to the Multicultural Center (MCC) where you’ll be able to pick it up. It’ll designate who is officially an active member and supporter of Alianza. Show your solidarity with us and stay warm this fall and winter when enduring the rough Chicago winters.

http://www.kotisdesign.com/ibuy/?l2eiw24pt395

Please contact Aldo Gallardo (President) at aldo@u.northwestern.edu for more information.

III. Singers – Poets – Artists – Actors
Do you have a talent you want show off?
If so, you should perform at the Mezcla Open Mic Night!
Contact Judith Landeros at j-landeros@northwestern.edu by October 17th.

Events and Meetings:
I. La Vista Northshore
WNUR’s very own Latino public affairs show!
Listen in every Friday from 9-10 p.m. on WNUR 89.3 FM Chicago’s Sound Experiment
Listen online at wnur.org

II. A Declaration of Immigration is an exhibition that depicts many of the experiences and viewpoints within U.S. immigrant communities. The works of over 70 artists will help visitors increase their understanding of this complex issue by providing immigrant perspectives that are seldom included in the national debate.

The National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
Download schedule: http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/downloads/declarationP4.pdf

III. Election 2008: New Voters, New Media, New Engagement
Oct. 3
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
(refreshments provided)
McCormick Auditorium, Norris Center

The conference begins at 9 a.m., with a continental breakfast served starting at 8:30 a.m. Snacks will be offered during breaks.
This three-panel conference examines the implications of these trends for both civic engagement and the news media.
A joint conference by Medill and the Center for Civic Engagement

IV. Chicago Field Studies Information Session
The deadline to apply for Chicago Field Studies is coming up! OCTOBER 10TH!
Come find out about Chicago Field Studies and speak with former participants of the program!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
3:30PM
@ 1914 Sheridan Road
African American Student Affairs Conference Room

V. The Asian American Studies Program annual OPEN HOUSE
Thursday — October 2nd
12:30PM – 2:00PM
Kresge 1-435

Come see our new offices, meet the faculty and find out what’s new in the Asian American Studies Program!
*Food from Ruby of Siam will be served*

VI. Premiere of A Forgotten Justice
A Fantastic documentary to see.
By: Vicente Serrano
Oct. 1st
More info: http://aforgotteninjustice.com/

VII. This week is your LAST CHANCE to register to vote!
Luckily, NU Decides is hosting BLITZ WEEK… a week filled with voter registration during the following days, times, and locations:

MONDAY 9/29
* Norris Bookstore: 11AM – 4PM
* Tech: 11AM – 4PM

TUESDAY 9/30
* Norris Bookstore: 11AM – 4PM

WEDNESDAY 10/1
* The Rock: 11AM – 4PM
* Norris Bookstore: 11AM – 4PM
* Tech: 11AM – 4PM

Thursday 10/2
* The Rock: 11AM – 4PM
* Norris Bookstore: 11AM – 4PM

For more information contact NU Decides at nudecides2008@gmail.com

Volunteer Opportunities
I. Dear Obama Supporters
Join us during New Student Week to help recruit others for canvassing trips, voter registration, phone banking events and more. All through our New Student Week, there will be NUSFBO representatives at the Arch, in front of Lisa’s Cafe and in front of Allison Hall. Volunteers will be approaching students to sign up for information in how to get involved in the campaign and gather support for Barack Obama.

For more information contact:
Patience Baach
NUSFBO Outreach Coordinator
p-baach@northwestern.edu
(202) 270-7035

II. Think this election is important?
Know that the only way to make politicians care about what young people want is by making sure that thousands of us get out to vote?
Then help coordinate a voter registration table next week with NU Decides!

NU Decides needs your help! In addition to the volunteers who will help us register voters and send out registrations, we need people to help coordinate our voter registration tables next week. You will be at the table for most of the day from 11-5, but don’t need to be at the table the whole day.

Here is the Schedule for next week: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=piwtmS6n5CoXxT4sqNEwkew
Contact Dulce Acosta-Licea at dulceacostalicea2008@u.northwestern.edu

Job Opportunities:
I. Another opportunity that has come our way from USG, one of our corporate members. They are currently seeking a part-time accounting intern for their downtown offices. They are hoping to fill this position as soon as possible…any student who might be interested in this position should contact me or Rachel Tanchez at Rachel@hace-usa.org in order to apply.

II. After School Matters
Nuestra Cultura Theater Project
Do you know anyone between the ages of 14 – 17?
Do you need an after-school job/activity?
Have you always wanted to give acting a try?
Do you speak Spanish?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, Aguijon Theater’s Nuestra Cultura Theater Project just might be for you. If you like to act or perform in any way (or are interested in lighting, costume or set design), take this opportunity to sign up for this 10-week PAID apprenticeship.

How to Sign Up:
Go to www.afterschoolmatters.org and register no later than September 30th.

III. Position Open at Latina and Latino Studies
Job title: Clerical Aid 3
Department: Latina and Latino Studies Program
Job Description: Maintain records and perform basic office functions,
mostly afternoons. Good computer and phone skills are required.
Qualifications: Good clerical experience, ability to work independently
and carry out projects in the absence of direct supervision. Student
must possess good judgment, maturity, positive attitude, and must be
detail oriented.
Pay Rate: $7.50
Contact: Grisel Murillo - grisel@northwestern.edu

LISTSERV DETAILS:
· Something for the listserv? Contact lilliannafranco2011@u.northwestern.edu A WEEK before the event/deadline.
· Announcements are sent out each Sunday.
· NOTE: INFORMATION MUST BE IN A SIMPLE MICROSOFT WORD TEXT. PICTURES, CLIPART, AND OTHER FORMATS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

The Alianza 2008-2009 Exec Board:

President: Aldo Gallardo (aldo@u.northwestern.edu) [safe space trained]
Co-Vice Presidents: Esperanza Salgado (esperanzasalgado2007@u.northwestern.edu)
and Ivette De Moya (i-demoya@northwestern.edu)
Secretary: Lillianna Franco (lilliannafranco2011@u.northwestern.edu)
Treasurer: Mayra Plascencia (mayraplascencia2007@u.northwestern.edu)
ASG Senator: Patricio Noboa Hidalgo (patricionoboa2007@u.northwestern.edu)
Mezcla Chair: Judith Landeros (judithlanderos2007@u.northwestern.edu)
Community Outreach Chair: Veronica Morales (veronica-morales@northwestern.edu)
Public Relations Chair: Jennifer Zevallos (jenniferzevallos2007@u.northwestern.edu)
Latina/o Studies Chair: Arianna Hermosillo (a-hermosillo@northwestern.edu)

Posted in hispanic heritage month, programming, secretary update, social justice

Taco Gate 2008

northwesternalianza — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:32:57 +0000

Click to read complete The Daily article

Please contact Aldo Gallardo (President) at aldo@u.northwestern.edu for more information.

Posted in hispanic heritage month, president update, programming, social justice

Alianza Hoodies

northwesternalianza — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:47:32 +0000

Click to order an Alianza sweatshirt

Hello everyone,

Alianza is now selling its official gear to show pride this coming Hispanic Heritage Celebration 2008. Please click on the link to place your order. Once purchased, they will be delivered to the Multicultural Center (MCC) where you’ll be able to pick it up. It’ll designate who is officially an active member and supporter of Alianza. Show your solidarity with us and stay warm this fall and winter when enduring the rough Chicago winters.

Please contact Aldo Gallardo (President) at aldo@u.northwestern.edu for more information.

Posted in active member update, hispanic heritage month