Campus Engagement #2 YAYA

For my second campus engagement event I attended a YAYA movie screening of Pueblos Hermanos/Brother Towns.  YAYA is the Youth and Young Adult Network of the National Farm Worker Ministry. YAYA is a network of young people who work to change the oppressive conditions of farm workers. YAYA stands in unison with the farm worker community, actively campaigning for better working conditions and a more distinguished lifestyle for farmers and day laborers. 

Brother Towns is the documentary of two towns that are alike and connected by immigration. Jacaitenango, Guatemala and Jupiter, Florida are described in this documentary.  The film discusses the motivation for immigration, and how families physically immigrate to the United States. In the film the town of Jupiter is exposed as being a town with a large number of immigrants. As news of the immigrants spread through the town many become agitated and feel as though their town is being invaded. However, others feel as though the immigrants should become a part of the community. 

Before this event I was not familiar with the mission of YAYA or their cause.

After viewing the documentary and having a discussion afterwards, I felt that I was much more knowledgeable about the immigration problems that so many people face in the United States.  

  America boasts about being a melting pot of cultures, religions, and heritage, however there are many who take issue with how people choose to come to the Unites States. Most of these families or “illegal immigrants” undertake treacherous conditions upon their travel to the Unites States.

At the meeting, we discussed the language that is used when speaking about these groups of people. They are normally referred to as “illegals”, or “aliens”. These derogatory terms affect the way people view and treat families who come here without documentation. I never realized that language was so important and had such an effect on so many people and families. After noticing how I speak about immigrants I will watch what language I use from now on and not use such insulting words.

Going into the YAYA event I was really curious about what the event would be about. I am really appreciative that I gained a basic understanding of some of the problems that day laborers, immigrants, and farm workers must deal with. I am glad that I went to the event and I am so lucky to have been briefly educated by students and people in the community who are very passionate about such important topics.