By Luis Chacon

(Los Angeles, California) – From March 12th to 14th, I represented the Salesian Family Youth Center at the annual ACCESS D.C. event organized by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. This gathering, attended by over 130 delegates, was a platform for advocating crucial issues impacting the Los Angeles region, bridging the gap between policymakers and community stakeholders.

In the spirit of Don Bosco, a champion for the rights of children and youth from all backgrounds, my trip to Washington, D.C., was imbued with the essence of the Salesian mission. While there, I joined forces with representatives from the Los Angeles United District to champion a multitude of causes.

Foremost among these causes was the urgent need to increase funding and support for immigrant students and families, including newcomer students. This endeavor was coupled with a resolute call to urge Congress to pass permanent legal protections and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth, ensuring their rightful place in our society.

In addition to this pivotal advocacy, our efforts extended to other critical areas, including increasing achievement for multilingual learners, fortifying IT security infrastructure, expanding connectivity funding for students and teachers, and investing in universal preschool.

Throughout the two days of advocacy, I had the privilege of meeting with over 15 members of Congress, engaging in meaningful discussions, and advocating for tangible change. The essence of Don Bosco’s mission permeated every conversation, guiding our efforts toward building a more just and inclusive society.

As we navigate the complexities of our times, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to advocacy, inspired by the enduring legacy of Don Bosco and the Salesian ethos. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future, where every voice is heard, and every individual is empowered to thrive.