Post from Jose Barragan, 10th Grade

"The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan national organization dedicated to enhancing U.S. participation in the United Nations system and to strengthening that system as it seeks to define and carry out its mission. UNA-USA's action agenda uniquely combines education and public research, policy and ongoing U.S.-U.N. dialogue.

This relates to "Local Action, Global Change", and we can become members like many other leaders in our community, vist http://www.una-socal.org/ for more info."

Post from Crystal Boceta, 11th Grade

Hello everyone! Random India news y'all can read if you want. I found it interesting:

India's Stingy Poverty Definition Irks Critics http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
NEW DELHI — Every day, through scorching summers and chilly winters, Himmat pedals his bicycle rickshaw through New Delhi's crowded streets, earning barely enough to feed his family. But to India's government he is not poor – not even close....

Words from the Youth

Katy Gutierrez (10th Grade): “My favorite memory in CLP was our first retreat located in Los Angeles; we got to interact with each other and relate social problems to the rest of the world including India, we also had the opportunity to volunteer passing out food to those in need. Lets realize our dreams of helping others.”

Jessica Adame (10th Grade): “My favorite memory in CLP was the day of Making Space. We got to all hang out and show people how much we cared about our community and about how we want to make a difference!”

Franay Cordova (11th Grade): “After hearing all the stories of great experiences mentors from CLP had, while in India, I felt encouraged... to take this opportunity, because to me it's a once in a lifetime chance. Child Leader Project does so well on educating us on local social issues and by having us travel to India, to meet and work side by side with our brother and sisters of CLP India, will only expand our global knowledge on issues we, as youth, can take action. I wish to gain leadership skills that come along after breaking borders and boundaries that deprive us from building relationships with youth from different countries that also wish to make an impact in the world. Personally traveling to India will allow me to get a glimpse of what other active CLP youth deal with on a day to day basis when striving toward Social Justice in their community. I look forward to the opportunity to share experiences with the Riverside community after returning from my trip with CLP, while showing that no matter what our age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, social standing, religion, etc. we are all people who genuinely want to and will make a difference.”

Crystal Bocheta (11th Grade): “Traveling to India is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. I feel ...that people should always try to understand others; the more they do, the more cohesive their relationships can be. I can't wait to live a completely different lifestyle from what I am used to and become a new and improved person through it.”

Jose Barragan (10th Grade): “My favorite memory in CLP was when we visited Growcology and learned about composting and sustainability efforts in Riverside!”

SU2I Represented at Clinton Global Initiative

Send US to INDIA will be represented at the 2011 Clinton Global Initiative University in San Diego, CA during April 1-3, 2011. About this commitment, CLP representatives said:

"As a team 0f youth and young adults, we have committed to providing an opportunity for nine local high school youth (in Riverside, CA) to travel to India for a two-week trip with the goal of creating international dialogue that surpasses borders. Working in collaboration with CLP mentors and staff, the students will embark on programs examining key social issues, including social justice, immigration, public health, conflict resolution, and various others that exist locally and globally. At the end, the hope is that both the U.S. students and Indian students realize that they have much more in common that they previously believed, which will assist them in the process of discovering and becoming their sense of “self.” In India, they will take trips to historical and religious sites, study Tamil, serve with CLP partners in projects with CLP youth and young adults, and share their experiences as youth activists living in southern California.

Overall, there are not many models that currently exist whose goals are to provide an exchange experience for youth coming from a low-income high schools. The youth and young adult CLP team have all committed to fundraising for expenses (including airfare and food/transportation/housing costs in India) in order to ensure that the youth are able to enjoy the experiences of studying abroad without experiencing additional financial burdens.We are extremely thankful to be attending CGI U and look forward to meeting everyone!"

CLP will also be highlighted at the MTVu Dean's List-- an opportunity in which CLP mentors will be interviewed about their committment to action alongside a music video that best represents their project. The video the intern team selected is Ben Harper's "My Own Two Hands," below:

SU2I Youth Biography

Name: Jessica Adame

Grade: 10^th

Date of Birth: 10/7/1994

Hometown: Covina, CA

Hobbies: Movies, reading, hanging out with friends and watching TV shows

Why India? “The people I met in CLP inspired me to be a leader; I want the opportunity to hear the voices of youth in India, to share and exchange ideas.”

Name: Jose Barragan

Grade: 10^th

Date of Birth: 6/27/1995

Hobbies: Reading, writing, volunteering

Why India? “It is a chance for me to gain knowledge about social justice issues in India and Riverside and to travel abroad and experience new cultures.”

Name: Crystal Boceta

Grade: 11^th

Date of Birth: 1/27/1994

Hobbies: Cheer

Why India? “I am driven to learn and to experience something beyond a textbook. I want to interact directly with CLP India members and children.”

Name: Franay Cordova

Grade: 11^th

Date of Birth: 6/22/1994

Hometown: Riverside, CA

Hobbies: Cheer, volunteering

Why India? “I have been involved in travel club and have a strong desire to see the world. I also want to gain more leadership skills and look forward to the opportunity to share experiences with the Riverside community after returning from my trip with CLP.”

Name: TreMon Everett

Grade: 9^th

Date of Birth: 11/9/1996

Hobbies: Sports

Why India? “I want to make an impact in the community. I want to experience and learn about Indian culture and build a global community that is devoted to change.”

Name: Katy Gutierrez

Grade: 10^th

Date of Birth: 4/6/1996

Hometown: Orange County, CA

Hobbies: Violin, Shopping

Why India? “ I see poverty in Riverside and want to make a change. This gives me the opportunity to gain a better perspective of the world. I want to make a difference as a youth and show that there is potential and knowledge in everyone.”

Name: Mireya Novo

Grade: 11^th

Date of Birth: 3/10/1994

Hometown: Anaheim, CA

Hobbies: Painting, jogging

Why India? “I am motivated by my mentors and counselors and the opportunity to exchange stories and experiences with youth in India and Riverside.”

Name: Kenya Padilla

Grade: 11^th

Date of Birth: 3/8/1994

Hometown: Covina, CA

Hobbies: Cheer, writing, talking

Why India? “I want to meet our brothers and sisters in India and hear their voices and their stories. I want to be involved in the community here and abroad.”

Name: Karina Tamayo

Grade: 9^th

Date of Birth: 5/8/1996

Hometown: West Covina, CA

Hobbies: Volleyball, music

Why India? “I am motivated by my experience in the AVID program and the opportunity to experience Indian culture and daily life.”