WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS AND DETAILS

WORKSHOP / SHARING / LISTENING CIRCLES #1 [11:00–12:00] — CHICAN@ HOUSE	ROOM
Workshop/Presentation: Presentation on El Partido Nacional de La Raza Unida Presenter(s): El Partido Nacional de La Raza Unida Description: A presentation on the history and current activities of El Partido Nacional de La Raza Unida including what our experiences have been in our barrios in particular here in the San Fernando/Pacoima areas. La Raza Unida dates back to at least 1971 here in San Fernando and would be honored to share and learn at this conferencia.	CHICAN@ HOUSE
Workshop/Presentation: In Xochitl In Cuicatl/Indigenous Performance Poetry/Xicano/a Hip-Hop Presenter(s): Tony Sandoval – Tezozomoc Description: N/A	CHICAN@ HOUSE
Workshop/Presentation: MEChA 101 Presenter(s): MEChA Students Description: N/A	CHICAN@ HOUSE
Workshop/Presentation: “Cop Watch Los Angeles: Building Autonomy in the The Community and Taking Direct Action Against the Police State” Presenter(s): Cop Watch Los Angeles—South Central Chapter (Members of the South Central Chapter of Cop Watch LA) Description: We will be facilitating a discussion around alternatives to the police state. We will be discussing what Cop Watch LA is and what we do, our politics and our vision. We will be discussing how Cop Watch is a tactic in organizing a larger movement for autonomy, self-determination, self-organization, and the self-defense of our communities and oppressed people. Topics: Know Your Rights; How to get involved and help build this movement; What people can do; How we connect to the Revolutionary Autonomous Communities	CHICAN@ HOUSE
Workshop/Presentation: “Understanding the Prison Industrial Complex and Why We Should Abolish It” Presenter(s): Critical Resistance LA — Raeanna Gleason and Austin Delgadillo Description: Our workshop is an interactive discussion that first explores what the Prison Industrial Complex is, who is affected by it, what systems of oppression it is supported by, and how it is maintained. We will then move into a discussion of prison abolition and why we are trying to build a movement to abolish the PIC and seek out alternative responses to harm and conflict.	CHICAN@ HOUSE
WORKSHOP / SHARING / LISTENING CIRCLES #2 [2:00–3:30] — JEROME RICHFIELD HALL (JR)	ROOM
Workshop/Presentation: “Language and Prejudice” Presenter(s): Ana Sánchez-Muñoz, Ph.D., et al Description: First impressions of other people are often based on two main elements: the person’s appearance and his/her speech. Often assumptions are unconsciously made about a person’s intelligence, personality, and character based on his/her dialect or accent. The purpose of this round table is to generate discussion and exchange ideas related to the following goals: 1. To broaden awareness and understanding as to the systematicity and unique status of all dialects of any language. 2. To discuss the use of register and genre in the context of language variation and situation-appropriate use. 3. To discuss how different governments’ policies regarding language may divulge their biases against minority/indigenous languages. 4. To raise students’ awareness of discriminatory language, and to provide them with tools to make better choices in their own language use.	JR-130
Workshop/Presentation: “Transforming the Urban Landscape: Street Graphics and Stencils” Presenter(s): Sandra de la Loza Description: Hands-on workshop in which participants will learn how to design and make a stencil. The workshop will include: 1) A slide show of contemporary graphics and stencils from around the world 2) A discussion about public space and creative expression in LA 3) A demonstration on how to make a stencil 4) A workshop in which participants will make a stencil.	JR-134
Workshop/Presentation: “So What’s Next? Implementing Effective Change in our Communities” Presenter(s): Carlos Moran Description: We see what is wrong with the system; we’ve learned theories to invalidate it; Now what? A discussion will be facilitated on how to effectively analyze the needs of our communities and how to successfully implement community interventions that will lead toward desired goals. An emphasis will be placed on agency-based (non-profit) action planning.	JR-201
Workshop/Presentation: “Nuestro Arte y Nuestras Raices” Presenter(s): Martha Ramirez Oropeza — UCLA and SPARC (Social and Public Art Resource Center) Description: The purpose of this workshop is to (1) introduce the Nahuatl Philosophy through the iconography of the ancient manuscripts. I will briefly introduce the three calendar systems and; (2) Present images of the murals I have painted as a way of regenerating this ancient philosophy for the issues we face today. I will show slides of two murals: ”Tlazolteotl: Creative Force of the Un-Woven” (SPARC) and “In Tlamatini,” Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico	JR-202
Workshop/Presentation: Soul Rebel Radio Presents: “It doesn’t have to be boring: Making radio entertaining and informative, especially for youth.” Presenter(s): Soul Rebel Radio — Laura Cambron, Lex Steppling, Cristina Lopez Description: There are few mediums at the community base level that provides social political information to the public. But there are even fewer that make it appealing to youth. Out of this necessity, Soul Rebel Radio was born to provide that information in an entertaining way via the only community radio station in Southern California, KPFK 90.7 FM. In this workshop we will discuss how to make information relevant to youth through the various presentation methods we use in our radio program.	JR-203
Workshop/Presentation: “Intra-ethnic relations between Mexican/Chicano/a and Salvadorans in Los Angeles” Presenter(s): Steven Osuna, Elizandro Umaña, Luis Melendez, and Ivan Peña (USEU de CSULA (Union Salvadoreña de Estudiantes Universitarios) Description: Los Angeles is an ethnically diverse city. Due to its diversity, an important topic of discussion is Race and ethnic relations. An important addition to this discussion is the intra-ethnic relations between Latinos. Two ethnic groups who are under this umbrella term and relation needs to be explored are Salvadoran and Mexican/Chicano/as. By discussing the historical migration of Mexican and Salvadorans, the relationships (solidarity/tension) created between them, and how Capitalism and Nationalism has contributed to this relationship, the purpose of this workshop is to explore the political, ethnic, and cultural engagement between these two groups who face the same issues of racism, oppression, and injustice in Los Angeles and nationwide.	JR-204
Workshop/Presentation: Workshop #1—“Transphobia/Homophobia/Heterosexism 101: Sex, Gender + Sexual Orientation” Presenter(s): qteam — Byron, Ernesto Jimenez Description: Let’s discuss Sex + Gender, the differences, and when and how they merge in relation to Sexual Orientation. qteam will facilitate a workshop to address Transphobia and Homophobia through the lens of Patriarchy, and how Patriarchy serves as a tool to Imperialism. We will then further this discussion by addressing Heterosexism, and how to break it down, in order to provide a safe physical and political space for everyone in our communities. (This workshop will serve as a space to obtain a common understanding of sex + gender, and qteam’s framework to discuss Trans Justice 101, but feel free to participate in the first workshop or second one, or both.) qteam is a radical trans and queer youth of color multi-issue grassroots organizing collective in Los Angeles.	JR-215
Workshop/Presentation: “Border Crossers—Reclaiming Identity through Queer Xican@ Literature” Presenter(s): Omar Gonzalez Description: The novels, Desert Blood: The Juárez Murders and The Miraculous Day of Amalia Gómez by Alicia Gaspar de Alba and John Rechy, respectively, present critical issues of the Xican@ communities. Using a cultural studies analysis of these two novels, I will initiate a discussion of these important issues, reclaim lost Xicana/o (zir)story, and stress the power of the personal narrative.	JR-217
Workshop/Presentation: “LA’s #1’s” Presenter(s): YJC — Noe and Jose Description: The workshop focuses on the Los Angeles county area and the industries that profit off of the negative actions that their products produce in our communities. We will focus on new methods to avoid the oppression of low income communities and look on how we can move away from these negative products and create safe, productive, and affordable materials for our communities	JR-218
Workshop/Presentation: Workshop #1—“Día de Los Muertos” Presenter(s): Danny de Anahuak Description: N/A	JR-221
WORKSHOP / SHARING / LISTENING CIRCLES #3 [3:45–5:15] — JEROME RICHFIELD HALL (JR)	ROOM
Workshop/Presentation: “Council Circle: Cultivating Community through Communication” Presenter(s): A. Joanna Aguirre, M.S. Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Description: I will give a short presentation about my experience of using Council as a way to cultivate community, create networks, reconnect with my roots, and share womyn’s experiences at a womyn’s health center in Managua, Nicaragua. I will then share how the Council process works and facilitate a participatory Council session that will explore the issues and barriers involved in listening and sharing as a way to build community and reconnect. Council is an interactive group process where members sit in a circle and share themselves to one another, using specific communication skills that assist them in active listening, empathizing with one another, and communicating their feelings, while attempting to be nonjudgmental towards self and others in their group. The purpose of council is to encourage human connection via verbal communication through using the four intentions of Council, guides for communication and listening. There is not one particular leader in Council.	JR-130
Workshop/Presentation: “El Maestro Luchando Tambien Esta Ensenando” Presenter(s): Jose Lara, Association of Raza Educators de Santee Description: We will present a short power point presentation by the Association of Raza Educators - Los Angeles. We will focus on how we practice a critical pedagogy in our classroom and community and how that has allowed our students to take ownership of their education and empower themselves. We have taken on grassroots community campaigns such as, No Somos El Army (anti-military recruitment), Barrio Clean-up Days, AB540 community forums, undocumented student scholarship fund, and have taken a strong stance against the military component of the Dream Act. Emphasis will be on our campaign for access to higher education for undocumented students and its connection to the struggle in Oaxaca. Following this presentation, a panel of Students and Educators will dialogue with attendees on ways to concretely connect the theory of the ivory tower with the realities of urban education.	JR-134
Workshop/Presentation: “Creating a CV, Professional Involvement, and Entering Academia” Presenter(s): Raul Herrera & Rebekah Villafaña Description: The purpose of this interactive workshop is to expose students and community members to the world of academia by 1) explaining the difference between a CV (curricula vitae) and a traditional resume, 2) explaining how to get involved in professional associations and their significance, 3) having audience participants brainstorm and create their own CV, and 4) explaining how and where to get a job in academia, including preparation of application materials and what to take/expect at the interview.	JR-201
Workshop/Presentation: “The Study of Chicana/o Anarchy” Presenter(s): Omar Ramirez Description: This workshop will discuss the historical and contemporary Chicana/o participation with Anarchist theory. This includes a discussion on the abolishment of capitalism and possible economic alternatives for the Chicana/o community. There will also be a discussion on immigration and the abolishment of nation states to eliminate borders.	JR-202
Workshop/Presentation: “Being Bridges: The Art of Interviewing” Presenter(s): Aura Bogado – Free Speech Radio News Description: This workshop will approach the reasons we conduct interviews, and will generate suggestions and techniques on how to conduct them. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews to incorporate some of the methods discussed. (Please note that participants are encouraged to participate in the entire workshop).	JR-203
Workshop/Presentation: “Building community bridges between the US and Venezuela” Presenter(s): LA Circle — Lex Steppling, Laura Cambron Description: Venezuela has become the exemplary country for revolutionary change as they continuously develop programs and projects to benefit the good of the people at a national and community level. It is for this reason that many member of LA CIRCLE have traveled to Venezuela, and seen first hand the fruits of their labor, with all of the complexities in between. At this workshop, members of LA CIRCLE will talk about their experience in Venezuela, but also how they’ve maintained in direct contact with the communities of Venezuela through real collaborative projects, bridging both countries towards a better world.	JR-204
Workshop/Presentation: Workshop #2—“Trans Justice 101: Creating an Inclusive, Safe, Physical and Political Space” Presenter(s): qteam — Byron, Ernesto Jimenez Description: qteam brings to the frontlines the “silent ‘t’” in the lgbt community. We will obtain a deeper understanding of gender, its social construct, and the trans community [including but not limited to; transsexual, transgender, twin-spirited, genderqueer, genderfucker, maribri, and gender non-conforming folks.] Trans Justice acknowledges and validates the historical struggles of Trans people and all marginalized communities. qteam is a radical trans and queer youth of color multi-issue grassroots organizing collective in Los Angeles.	JR-215
Workshop/Presentation: "Homophobia in the Chicano Family: A Cranky-Box Performance by JohnAvalos aka Juan Rios" Presenter(s): JohnAvalos aka Juan Rios Description: 53 year old dance artist in the community, JohnAvalos will tell the story of his discussions with his 89 year old Chicana mom regarding his Homosexuality. With the spirit of using recycled materials to create art and performance, he will use an ancient theater technique called Cranky box which utilizes a cardboard box with images painted on to a scroll of paper. The performance is a "works-in-progress" which includes audience participation, original song, poetry and music inspired by the story of his mom, Adelina Avalos Rios and the origins of the Avalos family of San Fernando. Other inspirations for the performance include the response to the JohnAvalos bohemian life by his Military and Evangelical Christian family. He will utilize the live musical sounds of the Jarana stringed guitar which originates in the Afro-indigenous communities of Mexico. The "blues"-like sounds of these instruments are an inspiration for Mr. JohnAvalos and his storytelling approaches. JohnAvalos would like to share his experiences and reactions from his family members regarding his Homosexuality. He would like to allow the audience to respond with discussion and suggestions as to how to proceed (or whether not to proceed) with his issue for the benefit of the general society. He believes for example that the current "Faith Based" initiatives encourages evangelical churches in our communities to become more emboldened towards new intense bigotry and intolerance against gays through creative socialization and saturation of biblical dogma.	JR-217
Workshop/Presentation: “Comida as Discourse” & “Indigenous Plants and Food for Autonomous Health & Living” (Focus: Nopal) Presenter(s): Lisa Nuñez & Johnny Ramirez Description: The purpose of this workshop is to open a dialogue about the ways to improve the health of the Latino community. In this "taller" we will be dealing with the long term health issues of the Western diet and its effect on the Latino community. We will offer alternative/ traditional indigenous options and discuss the traditional Mexican diet which has sustained our people for centuries. Our focus will be on the health and medical benefits of the Nopal cactus specifically. Included in this workshop will be a demonstration of the preparation of the Nopal cactus (taught to me by my elders) to regulate levels of glucose in the body and combat diabetes.	JR-218
Workshop/Presentation: Workshop #2—“Introduction to Mayan Mathematics” Presenter(s): Danny de Anahuak Description: N/A	JR-221
Workshop/Presentation: Son Jarocho Presenter(s): Robin Garcia, Mapache, Susana, et al Description: N/.A	TBD (Chican@ House?)