What Is VIA?
VIA is a youth group through the organization Learning Alliance of NM and we are also sponsored by Albuquerque Public Schools’ office of Equity and Engagement. We consider ourselves a revised student council, where unlike a regular student council that is made up of students with high grade point average and at times popularity, VIA is an all-inclusive group that allows any person to come and talk about how we can better our education system because we believe in order to create change diversity is a must.
What we do:
• VIA uses popular education to strategize with students in order to build campaigns to create change at their schools
• VIA uses a social justice lens to work with students to build leadership skills such as public speaking, self-advocacy and community organizing
• VIA focuses on encouraging students, specifically students of color, to see their own potential and to develop the skills necessary to lead campaigns to make change in their schools because we believe those who are directly affected by an unjust education system have the ultimate power to create change.
• VIA acts as a pipeline for students to have direct control over holding their school accountable for having just and equitable policies implemented on their campus’
Who can join VIA?
APS students, APS drop outs or students who were pushed out of APS. We work mostly with Middle and High School aged youth but younger children, parents and allies are always welcome!
Our Mission Statement:
Youth of different ages collectively coming together to speak up, be heard and make a change in our education system to fit the needs of everyone.
Our Vision:
We work to create student-led trainings and campaigns that will help eliminate inequities in the education system and incorporate Student Voices in Decision Making at Albuquerque Public School (APS).
Our campaigns are made by youth for youth.
Founded:
March of 2015
APS students, APS drop outs or students who were pushed out of APS. We work mostly with Middle and High School aged youth but younger children, parents and allies are always welcome!
Our Mission Statement:
Youth of different ages collectively coming together to speak up, be heard and make a change in our education system to fit the needs of everyone.
Our Vision:
We work to create student-led trainings and campaigns that will help eliminate inequities in the education system and incorporate Student Voices in Decision Making at Albuquerque Public School (APS).
Our campaigns are made by youth for youth.
Founded:
March of 2015