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Green Card Youth Voices: Empowering Young Immigrants to Share Their Stories

Kazuo Ishiguro

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Published in Immigration Stories From Upstate New York High Schools: Green Card Youth Voices

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Immigration Stories from Upstate New York High Schools: Green Card Youth Voices

by Tea Rozman Clark

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12646 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	259 pages

Green Card Youth Voices (GCYV) is a non-profit organization that empowers young immigrants in the United States to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, advocate for positive change, and build a sense of community. Founded in 2009, GCYV has become a leading voice for young immigrants, providing a platform for them to express their experiences and perspectives.

Storytelling: Amplifying the Voices of Young Immigrants

Storytelling is at the heart of GCYV's work. The organization provides young immigrants with a safe and supportive space to share their stories of coming to the United States, growing up in a new country, and navigating the challenges and opportunities of the immigration system. These stories not only humanize the experiences of young immigrants but also challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.

"My parents brought me to the United States when I was 10 years old. I didn't speak a word of English, and I was terrified. But I was determined to succeed. I worked hard in school, and I eventually earned a scholarship to college. Today, I'm a proud American citizen and a successful entrepreneur. I'm grateful for the opportunities that this country has given me, and I'm committed to giving back to my community." - Maria, Green Card Youth Voices member

Advocacy: Fighting for the Rights of Young Immigrants

GCYV is not only a platform for storytelling but also a powerful advocate for young immigrants. The organization works closely with policymakers and decision-makers to promote policies that support the rights and well-being of young immigrants. GCYV has played a key role in advocating for policies such as the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented youth.

"Young immigrants are an integral part of our communities and our country," said Theresa Cardinal Brown, Executive Director of GCYV. "They deserve the same opportunities as all other young people. We must continue to fight for policies that protect and support them."

Community Building: Creating a Sense of Belonging

In addition to storytelling and advocacy, GCYV also focuses on building a sense of community among young immigrants. The organization offers a variety of programs and events that bring young immigrants together to connect with one another, share experiences, and support each other. These programs include mentorship programs, leadership development workshops, and cultural events.

"When I first came to the United States, I felt lost and alone," said Juan, a Green Card Youth Voices member. "But GCYV has created a community for me. I've met other young immigrants who have shared experiences, and I've learned so much about my rights and opportunities. I'm so grateful for the support that GCYV has given me."

Get Involved: Support the Voices of Young Immigrants

There are many ways to get involved with Green Card Youth Voices and support its mission. You can:

Donate to GCYV to help continue its important work.
Attend a GCYV event or workshop.
Volunteer your time to mentor or tutor a young immigrant.
Join the GCYV community and stay informed about the latest news and events.

Every day, young immigrants make significant contributions to our communities and our country. By supporting Green Card Youth Voices, you can help empower these young people to tell their stories, advocate for their rights, and build a future where they can thrive.

For more information about Green Card Youth Voices, visit www.greencardyouthvoices.org.

Immigration Stories from Upstate New York High Schools: Green Card Youth Voices

by Tea Rozman Clark

5 out of 5