MSUM's 13th Unity Conference
April 17-18, 2008

Sembrando Sueños: Honoring Latinos by Embracing the Past,
Celebrating the Present, and Inspiring the Future

Sessions

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| Call for Papers |
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>>> MSU Moorhead students, faculty, and staff attend FREE of charge <<<
 

Sessions are listed alphabetically. Click name of presenter to view biography.

ABC's of Applying for College Admission And Financial Aid
MSUM staff will offer information and tips on how to prepare and apply to the college of your choice, and how to finance your education. Carolyn Zehren and Gina Monson

Abriendo Fronteras - Opening Borders: A View of the US-Mexican Border
This group will take you on a trip to the border at El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico where you will meet people seeking to carve out their lives in the trenches of reality. These are the families with whom members of Abriendo Fronteras stay, and whose lives and stories they tell. Abriendo Fronteras

Alberto Rembao: A Mexican Immigrant and Americanization in the Period Between the Two World Wars
Alberto Rembao immigrated to the United States during the Mexican Revolution seeking asylum and hospital care. Rembao and other Orozquistas had been defeated by the troops of Pancho Villa at the Battle of Tierra Blanca. Rembao became a U.S.-educated journalist and a key architect in the development of socially-conscious Latino protestanism. This paper is based on a chapter included in Rivera’s Ph.D. dissertation. Dr. Ruben Rivera

A Return to Aztlán: A Look at Ancient Aztecs and the Customs in Practice Today
The archaeology done throughout Mesoamerica and Mexico City has revealed information about the ancient Aztec Civilization. This civilization eventually collapsed but, more than 500 years later, some of the practices of the Aztecs still live on today. This session looks into the culture of the ancient Aztecs and the customs that have survived and are practiced today. Craig Picka

Art Exhibit
Vic Lara is a local artist who uses media such as pencil, ink, oils, and air brush. The subjects of the art on exhibit include women, parrots and religious icon Virgen de Guadalupe. The artist will be hosting the exihibit Friday from 9:00 until noon. Vic Lara

Beyond the Myths: Paternal Values of Latino Fathers
In many Latino families, the father is central to the nuclear family as well as to the extended family network. This is especially important because of the unique aspect of Latino families – familialism. The presenter will use personal narratives that illustrate how paternal roles have influenced individual and family development. Understanding the changing role of Latino fathers in a rapidly evolving economic and social environment will help to define the types of programs and interventions that will work in the Latino community. Dr. Jaime Chahín

The Economic Impact of Latinos in the Midwest
The rapid growth of Latinos in the last decade produces implications in all areas of our country’s economy, from the service industry to international trade, from corporate to retail growth. Dr. Flores will discuss why Latinos are such an important part of the factors that influence the live of Americans.
Dr. Oscar Flores

Educating Our Youth at a Younger Age: How Sexual Involvement Affects Health And Educational Goals
Bianca Villeda provides awareness on STDS, HIV and AIDS, and how to protect yourself from these diseases. Her presentation includes information on how you can be more apt to succeed in achieving your education goals and your life by practicing abstinence and becoming informed on contraceptives. Ms. Villeda will provide statistics of the high rates of High School dropout due to teenage pregnancy and the stigma that comes from being sexually active. Bianca Villeda

Engaging Minnesota’s Latino Community Through Public ServiceFor over 30 years, the Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC) has represented Latinos in Minnesota at the state Capitol in St. Paul.  The primary mission of CLAC is to advise the governor and state Legislature on important issues and public policy that affect the state’s growing Latino community. This session covers CLAC’s civic engagement statewide, legislative priorities at the state Capitol, and current data of policy issues that impact Latinos in Minnesota. Rogelio Muñoz

The Formation of Mexican and Puerto Rican Communities in the United States.
What are the common and different experiences Mexican and Puerto Ricans share in their incorporation to the United States? What institutions were created to facilitate their integration in the social fabric of the nation? How have Latinos re-shaped United States culture and expanded our understanding of culture and identity? Dr. Rodriguez will address these topics during this session. Dr. Victor Rodriguez 

The Historical Journey of Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Politics and Education
The presenter will describe the historical origins of Mexicans and Puerto Ricans and their relationship with educational and political institutions. Furthermore, he will discuss the challenges and barriers they faced and what achievements have been gained. Session attendees will learn what is projected for the future role of Latinos in education and politics. 
Dr. Victor Rodriguez 

Latina Immigrant Mothers: The Voices of Leaders
Dr. Chahín describes how immigrant mothers provide lessons in leadership by example rather that teaching. To them, being educated means being a person of values, honesty, integrity, and kindness. Latina mothers added other dimensions to the concept of leadership in relation to engagement with family and community, and connections with nature, ethics, and values. Their teachings present an ethical challenge for all leaders regardless of their chosen professions. Dr. Jaime Chahín

Latino Demographics: Policy Implications on the Politics, Education, and Economy of the U.S.
What are the policy implications of the growing numbers of Latinos? Although the numbers determine services needed, numbers constitute power only if citizens engage in public discourse of democracy. A population must participate to determine and define the local, state and national agenda. Dr. Jaime Chahín

Latino High Ability Learners: How to Nurture Their Gifts
In this session participants will get a better understanding of the term “gifted” or “high ability learner.”  Characteristics of gifted individuals and their vulnerabilities will be discussed. Special emphasis will be given to characteristics of gifted Latinos, the unique barriers for this population and supports that enhance their success. Francisca Peterson

Latino Theme Movies
Several movies will be shown, as many as time allows. No discussion is planned. Enjoy the movies in the company of persons among who spontaneous discussion might occur. Munchies will be available for Conference attendees who plan to wait in the Student Union for the evening event. Movies available: Se
ñorita Extravida, Missing Young Woman; Goal!; Like Water For Chocolate; Border Town.

Making a Difference in Our Community
These organizations provide unique services to populations of color in the Fargo-Moorhead community: after-school programs, empowerment activities, leadership skills, opportunities for cultural interaction, and more. Learn more about these groups involved in advocating for full citizen participation in the community.
Centro Cultural, Cultural Diversity Resources, Daughters of the Earth, Mujeres Unidas

Mexican American Legislative Caucus: The Texas Struggle for Equality and Opportunity
This documentary traces the story of Texas Mexicans and their efforts to secure their civil rights and expand their social and economic opportunities through the legislative process. The documentary explains the role Texas Mexicans played in the independence and political organization of early Texas and explains how, as a group, they were gradually excluded from political power by the early 20th Century. The film directs attention to the Civil Rights Movement, during which Mexican American organizations in Texas led the fight for greater inclusion, overcoming barriers to full citizenship, such as the poll tax, segregated schools, and discriminatory labor and police practices. The story is told through interviews with retired and present-day Tejano legislators. Documnetary Video Link

No Latin@ Left Behind: Organizing For Now and For Our Future
This session will give a brief look at the current state of affairs for Latinos in higher education. The presenter will offer an update of a MN Network of Latinos in Higher Education initiative – “A Report Card of Latino Supportive Institutions.” Ms. Zaragoza will discuss criteria for what constitutes an academic environment that is supportive of Latino faculty, staff, and students. Finally, she will explain how the Network as a vehicle for community empowerment and success while eliminating systemic barriers within our institutions.
Lisa Sass Zaragoza

Olmecs: The Mother Culture
The Olmec were a Pre-Columbian culture that flourished in what is now the state of Tabasco and Veracruz near the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. They are credited with having a large influence on later cultures such as the Aztec and Maya. They are considered to be the mother culture of civilizations in Mesoamerica and are widely known for the immense stone heads found in their region. The Olmec flourished during the formative period with major centers such as San Lorenzo and La Venta. This presentation will cover the archaeological work in the area to study this influential culture. Abraham Ledezma

Reading Between the Lines: The Message Within the Frame
Steven Renderos, Project Coordinator of the Minnesotano Media Empowerment Project, will lead a workshop examining how media influences public perception and the role of Latinos in becoming critical consumers and producers of media.
Steven Renderos

Scholarships and internships and what exactly they mean – free money!
The Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) is an organization that represents Hispanic students in U.S. colleges and universities.  For over 15 years, HACU has helped thousands of first-generation college students through scholarships and internships to make a college degree a reality.  Find out about HACU’s scholarship programs and the HACU National Internship Program that places students with agencies, organizations, and companies for a semester in their field of study across the country for free! Rogelio Muñoz

A Snapshot of Immigration, Part 1
This session offers a brief history of immigration in the United States with coverage of immigration law and policies, including a look at this country’s dependence on immigration throughout history and the more contemporary push and pull factors of the latest waves of immigration. The session touches on the attitudes, issues, and debates surrounding immigration from South of the American border. Chrisy La Coursiere

A Snapshot of Immigration, Part 2
This session is a sequel to "A Snapshot of Immigration, Part 1."  Part 2 presents the voices of immigrants telling their personal stories on how they came to be in the United States. Natalie Fernandez-Mejia

What Do You Mean Pedro And Maria Are Not Achieving? A Path to Achievement
Some students are considered high achievers and others are not. Ms. Peterson offers information regarding student achievement.  What is achievement? How do we increase the probabilities that a student achieves throughout their student career? Why is achievement important?  These and other questions regarding achievement, particularly as it applies to Hispanic students, will be considered during this session. Francisca Peterson

What I Wish I Had Known About College in High School
A panel of students currently enrolled at MSU Moorhead will share their experiences in college. They will address your questions and such topics as: What I wish I knew then that I know now. How we are doing it.  What could I have done to better prepare myself? What really is expected of me in college? Is my ethnic culture important in college? MSU Moorhead student panel

Why Gangs? Views on Gang Involvement And Separation From That Life
This workshop will address why youth join gangs. Is it peer pressure or a cultural choice? The presenter will discuss the ramifications of being involved with a gang and how gang involvement affects the family. Tapia will offer prevention information and how to have a better future being out of a gang. Additionally, they will discuss resources and other activities in which youth can be involved to stay safe. Marco Tapia and Cindy Valle

 

| Schedule | Sessions | Presenters | Unity Conference Homepage |
| Call for Papers |
Register Here | Directions | Map | Parking | Hotels | Volunteer |