Q&A: Latinx and Indigenous Students Taking Action
The Latinx and Indigenous Students Taking Action (LISTA) student organization is one of ten featured on The Signal’s 10 Most Fascinating People of UHCL of 2019 list.
Read The Signal’s Q&A with Erica Solis, president; Arturo Perez, vice president; and Jacquiline Garcia, treasurer, below and see the complete list here.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about LISTA and what it is your organization does?
A: The Latinx & Indigenous Students Taking Action (LISTA) student organization focuses on creating an environment of acceptance and inclusion of our various identities and cultures. Our organization is built on the understanding that we must band together with our shared experiences to take the necessary actions towards educating ourselves on issues/topics such as: colonization, microaggressions, stereotype threat, first-generation (navigating university life), how to be more active in the community, the importance of community engagement, self-reflection, professional and educational development. We push to reform the traditionally held invisible (latent) culture that is present for those students that identify as Latina/o/x, Indigenous, Hispanic, Chicana/o/x here at UHCL and we try to make room for those students to have the opportunity to put a voice to feelings or experiences they may be having but have not been able to identify why/where those feelings or experiences stem from.
Q: This year, LISTA has held various events on campus including discussions and social gatherings. Which event(s) was your personal favorite and why?
A: Garcia – My favorite event had to be LISTAS for FRUTAS. This event allowed us to see the student body and faculty interact with us for a full day and it was great to share a little bit of our cultura with everyone, while also sharing delicious fruit.
A: Perez – My personal favorite event held this past semester was the small protest LISTA members held for Columbus Day (now being termed Indigenous People’s Day). This was a favorite of mine because it was the first time we actually made other people feel uncomfortable in the sense that we were protesting the false narratives imposed on indigenous peoples.
A: Solis – It’s hard for me to choose because they all were important and served a purpose in some way. One that stood out for me had to have been the small protest around Columbus Day. Those types of events really touch on so many bigger issues and allow us to have deeper conversations. It not only challenges social norms, but it forces us as individuals to practice using our voice and gain a sense of empowerment. The decision to do these is never an easy one, and they really challenge those of us who participate.
Q: What are some achievements or challenges LISTA has had this year and how have they impacted the student org?
A: Solis – The biggest challenge for me this semester (because we just started in August) has been member engagement…being physically present. The ability to motivate students at UHCL to see the importance of why joining an ethnic student organization is important, what it means, what it represents (for not only themselves but for the future), and how it helps them beyond their enrollment here. It has impacted the student org by us constantly having to be creative and innovative in our outreach techniques. It definitely doesn’t allow room for complacency or comfort because we are constantly strategizing; so that is an achievement and one we can take anywhere.
A: Perez – I believe the biggest challenges faced this semester as a student org was that not many people knew we existed since we’re so brand new. Having said that, one of the biggest achievements was that we also established a base for the organization with regularly attending and returning members. The biggest achievement was that we as an organization we’re able to make a presence on campus and spark conversations that people don’t normally have the courage to start.
A: Garcia – LISTA is still a new organization (this is its first semester) so I think it’s done an amazing job at establishing itself as an organization and being a part of the student body. You wouldn’t be able to tell that this is a new organization because we are working so hard to bring in speakers that will inspire, enrich, and teach us, we are hosting events in our community as well as on campus, we are making our best efforts to be seen and heard on campus so that our presence in know. I think we have done an amazing job given our amount of time and we are still going to accomplish so much more!
Q: What are some 2020 projects/events the UHCL community can look forward to from LISTA?
A: Solis – It’s a surprise! No, all kidding aside, some upcoming projects/events we have in store for the 2020 semester are going to be the continuation of bringing in outside community guest speakers. Connecting with other universities and community colleges, and the possibility of expanding LISTA. Maybe a new LISTA chapter soon?
A: Garcia – Tons of new projects are in the works. We can maybe see another iteration of FRUTAS and we still have the idea for a super fun ‘Latin Bash’ in the works that will hopefully be hosted towards the end of the semester. For sure you can expect more speakers and more opportunities to volunteer and serve our community.
A: Perez – Some upcoming projects involve many more community speakers that will be able to share their stories with our members. We are also looking to have a greater presence in the Houston community so that our organization can expand.
Q: Is there anything you would like our readers to know?
A: Perez – We encourage UHCL students to become involved with our organization! We invite those that may or may not identify with the specific identities represented by LISTA because it’s about learning and increasing awareness of topics, and issues that affect all of us.
A: Garcia – LISTA is open to all individuals whether they be Latinx, Indigenous, or an ally. We will be having our meetings this upcoming spring semester every other Wednesday from 12 – 1 p.m. so please come and participate in our discussions or meetings. You can sign up to be a part of our student organization by logging on to GetInvolved. By signing up you’re able to get on our email list to know about upcoming events or happenings involving the organization.
A: Solis – That sometimes joining or attending a student organization can be a little scary or intimidating at first, and that’s normal! Sometimes it takes a couple of meetings or participating in a few events to find your niche and feel comfortable, but all of these experiences teach us something we can take with us once we graduate.
