NEA hosts reception for United We Dream
On Friday, October 2, I welcomed United We Dream to NEA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. for a reception honoring their important work of organizing and advocating on behalf of immigrant youth and their families. NEA presented a donation of $11,384 to United We Dream Advocacy Director Greisa Martinez. All proceeds from sales of my book, Rabble Rousers- Agitadores, are donated to United We Dream.
Here’s what I said:
It can be a lot to take in, but it’s your dedication and commitment that drives you…as educators…as people working together for a common cause.
From the very beginning, our mission has never changed: we wake up every day set on doing whatever we can to ensure that our students have every opportunity to learn, to grow, to succeed.
And that is the essence of who we are. We are the NEA. We are rabble rousers; the social justice activists; the true believers.
We can all make a difference. We can all make our mark on the world.
One way I chose to make a difference is by writing my book, Rabble Rousers…Fearless Fighters for Social Justice. It chronicles ordinary people who dared to dream! They moved the masses and fought to change the world from what it was into what it should be.
And their stories can influence students…those seeking true heroes…people they can see themselves in. I wrote Rabble Rousers to educate and inspire them.
But I also wanted to continue to give back. So all the proceeds from the book go to United We Dream. It is the largest immigrant, youth-led organization in America. They organize and advocate for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of status.
The work you do is critical. You make a difference in the lives of many. Back in January we gave United We Dream more than $16,000. And we want to keep it going! Pay it forward. Ms. Martinez, I’m very honored to present you with this second donation of $11,384 to support your cause.
The struggle for social justice is real. We see it in the headlines every day. We see it in the battles on Capitol Hill. The question is: what are we going to make things better? What are we going to do to ensure equity and great public schools for every student?
Nothing can stop the mission that’s written in our hearts.
Let’s get to work. Go, fight, win! Mil gracias!
