When our neighbors and community members face challenges, many of us wonder how we can be of assistance. When it comes to protecting undocumented youth and families in New Mexico, the UNM Dream Team is here to help.

This group of inspiring student leaders will conduct a Dream Zone Training on April 12 and 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. This comprehensive training is designed to help educators, staff and students become allies for the undocumented student population at UNM. You’ll learn about the issues that arise when institutional rules and regulations might not fit properly with providing individualized services.

“The training addresses how the immigrant system works, looking at both the national and local landscape,” says Eduardo Esquivel, a member of the UNM Dream Team who helps facilitate the trainings. “We talk about why people are undocumented, and what we can do to set them up for success.”

Participants in the Dream Zone Training will receive information and resources, including an online toolkit, to help undocumented students at UNM and in the community. A decal and poster will be provided to post in your workspace, letting students know there’s an ally in their midst.

Esquivel says the trainings will also provide undocumented students with a chance to ask questions and connect with educators and staff who have their best interests in mind.

“Educators play a strong role in the lives of young people,” Esquivel says. “Of course we have to deal with politics, but at the end of the day it isn’t a political issue. It’s about making sure all of our students can succeed.”

Log into Learning Central and search “Dream Zone Training” to register for this unique opportunity to become an informed advocate for all UNM students.