Documental
Workshop program: 2 1/2 hrs.
Reception: 1/2 hr.
1. Introduction of project, our documentary, immigration/personal storytelling themes (10 min.)
2. Screening of documentary (60 min.)
3. Presentation of the modern history of Latin American – U.S. relations (10 min.)
– A timeline of events in Latin American countries (especially Colombia, Ecuador, DR, Puerto Rico, Mexico) and U.S./international foreign policy (immigration laws and amnesties, NAFTA/NATO, War on Drugs, U.S./CIA overthrowing/installing governments in LA countries) that could have affected the lives and backgrounds of workshop participants
Examples: Gisela’s family in Mexico was directly affected by NAFTA; Paty’s family by U.S. immigration laws; Desi’s family by political events and economic conditions in DR
4. Interactive activity where participants stand on a graphic floor map depicting US-LA events: participants stand on a graphic representation of the event that affected their family directly and motivated their immigration to the U.S. Selected participants share their stories for the group. (20 min.)
Examples: Gisela would stand on the NAFTA graphic; Paty on the immigration laws graphic; Desi on the DR oppressive government graphic
5. Presentation of contemporary CIR proposals and moderated discussion of how these new laws will continue to affect participants’ lives and the next generations (15 min.)
– Discussion of various points of interest that a good immigration bill should have, comparison of different proposals (Schumer vs. others), look at other laws that affect immigrants (Arizona law, Dream Act)
6. Writing activity where participants in groups write a letter to President Obama, a Congressperson or Councilperson telling their personal story of how they or their family were affected by U.S. laws and how CIR (or Dream Act, or another legal issue that affects their lives) should be developed with consideration to real people’s lives and needs (15 min.)
7. Reading of some letters to the full group (10 min.)
8. Wrap-up and connection to a political action and the host organization’s campaign work: these letters will be sent to Washington or appropriate recipient with a cover letter explaining these letters and this event as well as the host organization’s work (10 min.)
9. Reception (30 min.)
