Attending the TOCA Conference at CU on November 9th, 2010 was a very fulfilling experience with many lessons to be learned. I have been working on developing an ally program at the University and I always look forward to hearing from others on their experience as allies and the work they are doing to support others. I really appreciated the message from Gary Howard they keynote speaker about the importance of white allies teaching white students about privilege. I think this is a large piece of the institutional racism we face in our system that must be conquered. It is one thing for educators to work with under represented communities in efforts to build their voice but if we want to tear down our power structures at some point there has to be a culture shift for white identities under standing their privilege.
I also attended a workshop on how to support undocumented students. Immigration issues and access and affordability of education for all students are two of my biggest passions so I was very excited to attend this break out. I enjoyed engaging in the policy conversation and was surprised to learn that if the DREAM Act (a piece of legislation I have felt very strong about) will not help undocumented Colorado students. Due to legislation that exists in Colorado is the DREAM Act passed tomorrow these students could only take advantage of the military aspect of the legislation and not the educational. This is why people are advocated for ASSET, legislation that would allow undocumented students to get in state tuition on Colorado and then benefit from the DREAM Act. This was knowledge I did not know about but is vital to my work and I appreciate the workshop for sharing this information.
Overall, I left TOCA feeling refreshed. It is always great to surround yourself with other student advocates and agents of social justice. I also enjoy continuously learning and revaluating how I can be the most effective educator and this conference gave me many opportunities to do this.
