I am concerned that the Daily Bruin’s editorial board
missed the opportunity to endorse the strongest presidential
candidate, Lucero Chavez.
Chavez not only has the ability and the experience to advocate
for students at UCLA on a campus level, but at a state and national
level as well.
External advocacy should not just be left for the external vice
president, especially when dealing with student initiated programs
and on-campus diversity.
Chavez’s demonstrated on-campus leadership and
unparalleled advocacy are characteristics of an ideal
president.
In addition to leading one of the most successful
student-initiated access centers in the country here at UCLA,
Chavez also initiated a multitude of statewide coalitions of
student-initiated outreach projects and centers this year.
Last year, Chavez led the PULSE campaign to unite dozens of UCLA
student organizations and increase funds for student-run community
service programs by over $700,000 a year.
In 2004, Chavez helped to found the University and Neighborhood
Learning and Outreach Coalition to help restore $29 million to
outreach programs and the UC Labor Centers after the governor cut
all funding to these programs from the state budget.
As a board member for MEChA de UCLA, Chavez has led student
mobilization efforts regarding immigration and workers’
rights.
Chavez has also worked with on-campus administrators to
proactively address enrollment challenges at UCLA and to bring more
students to our campus as a member of the Chancellor’s
Enrollment Advisory Committee.
As the examples above clearly illustrate, Chavez is an advocate
and an organizer who knows how to bring about positive social
change.
The other presidential candidates do not have the advocacy
experience or the conviction necessary to tackle significant campus
problems.
Only Chavez will effectively lead UCLA to increase diversity,
affordability and campus safety for all students.
Park is Students First! candidate for external vice
president.