Model and Strategy
The purpose of ASPIRE (Asian Students Promoting Immigrant Rights through Education) is to grow and sustain an undocumented youth social movement in San Francisco that will advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable residents in our community. ASPIRE youth leaders will create strategic campaigns to engage policymakers, the media and the general public in the challenges faced by low-income residents of San Francisco with a particular focus on the needs of undocumented families. This project will elevate Asian American youth voices for change. In a city where extreme inequality is becoming the accepted norm, it is essential to hold San Francisco's civic leaders accountable for creating pathways out of poverty. Yet those most impacted by harmful policies are busy with the daily challenges of making a living and providing food and shelter for their families. For this reason, we need youth leaders who can dedicate the energy to creating visibility and pressure around the challenges in their communities.
Impact
Grow and empower a new group of undocumented youth leaders in ASPIRE who can speak publicly about the challenges faced by their families. Youth will be trained to testify in front of policymakers, speak to the media and engage with their own communities.
Create a pilot mentorship program with 3 San Francisco high schools with high concentrations of undocumented youth. In particular, ASPIRE members will mentor undocumented youth who are trying to access higher education.
Engage in Community Outreach to ensure that low-income San Franciscans are aware of resources that are available to them.
Bring together undocumented youth across the country and share the model of progressive policies ASPIRE has been building in San Francisco.
Create a robust, interactive website with a private, online community space for undocumented youth to support each other.
Leadership
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Chris Punongbayan
Executive Director