JuanSaaa

Name: JuanSaaa Location: Miami, FL Activist, Social Media Fan, Political Junkie, @DreamAct Team-Member, Boba Fett Enthusiast, Student, All-Around Good Hearted Person!

A little about me

A very passive-aggressive mover and shaker. A full time student, currently seeking a Political Science degree, who will be the first from his family to graduate from a US university,and will finish college with no debt! I am a huge fan of my school; work with the student government of my University and aim to get students more engaged within their respective colleges. Did I mention I’m graduating in three and half years and will be seeking a Master in Public Administration soon?

I work for the benefit of others without seeking personal gain, and in doing so I dedicate my time to maintaining www.DreamActivist.org. As media liaison, I speak to the press, find undocumented students willing to speak to journalists, grant interviews, and utilize social media to spread awareness about our actions. International media, The New York Times, Washington Post, Univision, Telemundo, and other media outlets have interviewed me about the work I conduct for the Dream Act and immigrant rights. I am a firm believer that those who work hardest should have a means to earn their way to the top; hence why I advocate for those who are voiceless.

When I am not studying, I am looking for ways to motivate others whether it is with my words or my work. People need to to recognize their true potential to bring about change, I just want to help them get there.

Fun fact: I’m a Star Wars and pop culture fan.

I would describe myself as a

blogger

Why I deserve a Netroots Nation Scholarship

I aspire to connect with other doers. Attending Netroots Nation will provide me with the opportunity to speak on a broader stage about the immigrant youth movement; our goals, our wins, and our losses all deserve an audience who is willing to aid us in our struggle.

Direct action remains one of the main components of DreamActivist.org and just like past participants of Netroots Nation demonstrated, we are not afraid of standing up for our beliefs. Students ought to be at the forefront of national issues, familiarizing themselves with other activists while learning the ropes that will lead the progressive movement forward. As an immigrant, a minority, and a student I will seek to acquire as much knowledge as possible from Netroots Nation and seek to implement it into my movement, while imparting it to my community.

Wearing multiple hats is not easy, but we have to spread ourselves thin in order to bring about change. I have collaborated in civil disobedience actions involving the arrest of undocumented students, a risky first for the immigrant youth movement. I have met with legislators, stated my case and represented others, and have stood up to them while demanding straight answers. I have ensured that our actions and thus our causes receives the coverage they deserve even when people are not willing to listen.

Netroots Nations needs to bring more movement builders and cultivate the generation of tomorrow. The Dream Act and my work may have suffered a setback last year but the fight is not over, and I have pledged to take this fight to the end.

I manage these blogs

DreamActivist.org
JuanSaaa

The blogs I use most are

Gizmodo
Mashable

What first inspired me to get involved

Witnessing the injustice that the current immigration system has imposed on my loved ones, friends, and myself.

How I've gotten others involved

As part of the core team of DreamActivist.org I provide resources for undocumented youth in order to encourage them to continue their education and follow their dreams.

Our website has remained at the forefront of the immigrant rights movement. Whether its been combating toxic policies which will bring about more destruction to families and students, stopping the deportation of star students, or bringing the Dream Act to new heights in the political arena, DreamActivist.org http://DreamActivist.org has become the place where immigrant youth marshal their resources and find their strength and voice, and step forth ready to lead.

My work, my personal story, and my involvement has encouraged others to become engaged in the immigration reform movement themselves. The organization I volunteer for has paved the way for other undocumented youth to follow. Together I believe that not only do we aid others, we also provide the tools and the inspiration that gives rise toju future leaders.

Not to mention I remain avidly involved across the Twittersphere. Social media has certainly played a part in connecting my work to others, and for others to become involved themselves.

More about my volunteer work

I aim to pass the Dream Act. Helping others along the way is just an added bonus.

My Twitter manifesto on online activism

Just because your message is short, it doesnt mean is not heard. I will type 140 characters until change is brought to those who seek it.

My suggested bumper sticker slogan

Immigration: The Political Football in Modern Day Politics