Hi there, dear donors,

It takes a community and goodwill to create independent and contributing citizens. A kind action always has a positive impact on the community, benefiting others to thrive. I come from a background where helping others is seen as the thread that holds a healthy society, and in my experience, it has been the key ingredient for social justice. I have been an immigrant advocate in the Berkshires these past years, and I hope to walk you through this perspective during the GoFundMe!

My name is Clemente Sajquiy, I am an indigenous Mayan entrepreneur, artist, and activist residing in the southern Berkshires. A recipient of some awards for helping out in the immigrant community. For instance, I am a recipient of the 40 Under Forty award given out every year by educational and business developmental entities in the locality. And although I was hesitant about my nomination, friends were convinced that I deserved it. I´ve been a local advocate for immigrant justice, a local translator, and an indigenous Mayan helping hand for many fellow indigenous people to navigate the local system. A system that, to many undocumented immigrants, is complicated to navigate. More broadly, I have been an outspoken advocate who's helped a group of the community gain access to driver's licenses in Massachusetts. An effort that made everyone in the community safe, thanks to the tireless participation of many good-hearted people. Although I have an insatiable desire for social wellness, the process of advocating for the less fortunate hasn't been easy on a personal level. I have fallen behind on some bills, and I have spent the last few years trying to catch up. As an indigenous person from a small village in Guatemala, I felt compelled to participate with my resources, as this effort affected me on a personal level. I am also an undocumented immigrant seeking for a better life, and although I have outstanding work ethics and a flowless skill to acomodate around my situation, I was constantly reminded about my precarious situation. I wasn´t able to apply for a driver's license. So gaining access to being able to drive legally was crucial for me. It could mean changing a social condition for better opportunities. I paid my way out of pocket. And although the journey has been quite satisfactory, and I now hold a driver's license from the state of Massachusetts that I celebrate, it´s been hard to catch up with all the unpaid bills.

Once again, I find myself in a place where I need to listen to friends. I deserve a break from all the worries by opening to others to participate. Yes! I am turning to the community for help. Being an individual who cares about equality and democracy so much hasn't been a thriving effort in today's society. Despite the high hopes I had when I started in 2016, considering that I was in a country beacon for democracy and considering the tremendous support I got from the community, especially when you are from extreme poverty and/or an immigrant seeking shelter in the Berkshires, I have come to doubt whether I should keep participating civically. Until now, it has only meant economic setbacks. It´s gotten me to believe that life in my corner leaves no time for healthy civic participation from people in my background, and that people like myself are only meant to be simple workers at the mercy of others. I have so far only found barriers to get out of survival mode. And the attacks from this new administration have recently made it worse for everyone. Adding more uncertainty as to what the future holds for people like me.

But not all of it is a downward situation. I have gained experience on navigating the social conditions of our time and learned that being from poverty is not the only factor contributing to economic problems. One develops helpful life skills and habits from it. What becomes a deterring situation is the social context in which an individual could thrive towards independence with basic needs. Shelter, education, health, and food are major factors holding people at a disadvantage. And my experience as an undocumented immigrant starting over in a completely different place is walking me through just that. It's been somewhat of an experiment for what it takes to be truly independent and a contributing citizen in a free and democratic society. And believe me, kindness and understanding from everyday people play a major factor in the equation. It´s been a journey through the many layers of the social fabric someone has to poke through to get convinced and be part of a larger arena. I hope to tell you all about this during the fundraiser.

Let´s dissolve the bottleneck that the last few years of civic participation have created for me. Who knows, together we may be tapping into a positive story for everyone. A story that could bring hope during these uncertain times for many. Please donate!