Panera Brainstorm

Today for volunteership we decided to take a brainstorming field trip to Panera Bread. We discussed what our plans were with Border Angels, why we had decided to volunteer with them, and how we thought we could help them. We also came up with quite a few fundraising ideas that we hope will benefit the organization. So far the one that we think will be most successful is renting a dunk tank and having sort of a "carnival" at school. We had one of these at High Tech Middle when I was a student there and everyone seemed to really enjoy it. The only setback is that the cheapest one we can find is around $3000. Without the money that the event would raise, we in no way have the means to actually rent it. So we went simpler and talked to Isabel about possibly just having a food sale. Isabel also asked us to bring any old men's clothing that we have to be donated to the homeless migrants who live in the canyons. Everyone seemed to be really engaged today and I'm hoping that we don't lose that as we get closer to our 40 hours!

**3 Hours

Getting Started

Today was the first time most of us visited the Haven. We didn't really do a whole lot of volunteering - per say - but we did have a good discussion with Isabel about what it was we were planning to do with Border Angels and how we would accomplish it. She seems to be very passionate about her work and I think that it was a bit shocking to some of the students as to how much work she really puts into something that she doesn't get paid a dime for. We discussed possibly painting a mural on a blank wall that is there at the Haven, however Isabel needs to talk to the owners of the church first, since it is technically their property. Isabel has asked me to be the Border Angels Coordinator for HTHI so I will be her contact when she needs to let the students know something or inform of us a volunteer opportunity, etc. As much as I'm a little concerned about feeling overwhelmed, I'm glad that she feels I can be trusted with being in charge of managing the schedule and responsibilities of myself and my classmates. I hope that when we come back to the Haven on Friday we can actually get started on doing something with Isabel and Border Angels.

**2 Hours

Marcha Migrante VI

Today Marcelle, Kim, and I, met up with Isabel, Enrique Morones, and the other Border Angels volunteers to participate in the Marcha Migrante VI (March of the Migrants 6). We walked a total of almost 4 miles from a meeting place all the way down to Friendship Park. Friendship Park is not usually open to the public, however it was opened today for the special occasion. Once we reached the border, there was a large group of people on the other side of the border with posters who were chanting "reforma de imigracion ahora!" (immigration reform now!). Enrique was the first to approach the fence within the park and he gave a motivational call to action speech in Spanish that seemed to inspire the people on the Mexican side of the border as well as the American. We then walked down to the part of the fence that goes through the beach. Here the posts are wide apart and there is literally nothing from keeping the migrants from crossing over. They are technically allowed to come through the posts as long as they stay within about 20 yards of the fence. This area is considered the "no man's land" and Border Patrol is not allowed jurisdiction within that area. One man grew very heated at the rally and began to run toward our group down the beach. Instantly, Border Patrol on quads charged toward the man with their hands on their gun holsters yelling at him to go back. The man screamed and yelled and not until Enrique intervened and kindly asked the men to return to the Mexican side, did he go. It was very strange to think that because someone was born just 20 yards to far south, they are not nearly as privileged as we are and are not even allowed the chance to try and improve their lives here in the U.S. Border Angels is really exposing some truths that I am not sure am okay with accepting.

**4 Hours

Sheriff Joe Arpaio Protest

Tonight was my first event with Border Angels. I went to a protest at the Marriot Hotel in Mission Valley to protest Sherriff Joe Arpaio's presence here in San Diego. Sherriff Arpaio has been accused several times of conducting abusive acts toward his prisoners in Arizona who are illegal immigrants from Mexico. My mentor, Isabel Montano, told us that one of the worse things he does is force his illegal prisoners to wear pink underwear and march up and down the street. If you've ever seen the show "LockUp", you've seen Sherriff Arpaio. He works at Maricopa County prison and is often televised when his prison is being protested, which is nearly everyday. We stood outside of the hotel for about an hour before he arrived with lit candles and crosses. We said a few prayers and spoke to the news channels a few times. As with most protests, there was of course supporters of Sherriff Arpaio. They carried several racist signs and shouted awful sayings. It was nothing like anything I've ever experienced. I hope that every time I go to volunteer with Border Angels, it will not be such a clear view of the ignorance of the American people.

**2 Hours