Every year, MEChA de UCLA hosts a youth conference for students from local middle schools and high schools. I’ve been part of it since I got to UCLA way back in 1998. True, I may have been just one year out of high school, but helping to plan the conference really helped get me invested in MEChA. In one day, we were able to bring out over 1,000 students and parents to UCLA for a day of workshops, inspirational speakers, local entertainment, a college fair, and a chance to meet youth from around Southern California.

Raza Youth Conference is now the same age as some of the kids participating. I was invited to hold a workshop during the second session. C, the workshop coordinator, asked me to present on the educational pipeline for Chicana/o and Latina/o students when she first called me. I scrunched my nose at the idea. The pipeline is depressing, even for someone who has heard it many times and is a graduate student in education. I don’t want to tell a room full of high school students that based on the statistics about roughly half of them will not complete high school, less will go on to college, and only one kid will get a BA. Wouldn’t that depresse you?

Instead, I proposed doing something about the legislative and electoral system and how youth can get involved despite not being of voting age. I figured I could use some of the knowledge I’ve gained this past year working on statewide campaigns. But the idea still bored me. I told Ralph about it and he came up with a better idea.

“You should have a workshop on Blogotitlán!” he exclaimed excitedly.

“Hey, I could do that. I could call it ‘Blogotitlán: More than MySpace’” I responded, feeling pretty thankful that despite the breakup, I could still count of Ralph for some pretty good ideas.

I’m working on my blurb for the conference program. I think this needs a little help… I definitely want students to come to the workshop.

Blogotitlán: Using the Internet for More than MySpace

Blogs (short for weblogs) are quickly becoming a popular way for youth and others to express their voices on the Internet. Learn about how to set up a free weblog, post photos, personalize your space, and publicize your writings on life, school, politics, or whatever you choose. Don’t let others speak on what youth believe and how you feel.

If you have any tips for this workshop, let me know!

(Photo of Raza Youth Conference 2000 planning committee.)