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ESD 123 Parent Educator / Site Liaison teaches free citizenship classes

Can you name the current Chief Justice of the United States – without Googling the answer?  How about the territory the United States bought from France in 1803?  Do you remember that one?  Sure, we all memorized those facts during History and Government classes at one point or another; but what if your ability to live in this country depended on your knowledge of these facts?  Would they mean something more to you then?  For students in the Washington Parent Information and Resource Center (WA-PIRC) citizenship classes, these questions and their correct answers hold the key to one of the greatest privileges so many of us take for granted.
Erika Alvarez, Parent Educator / Site Liaison for the WA-PIRC Program at ESD 123 in Pasco, is beginning her second year teaching citizenship classes in both Pasco and Prosser.  After a needs assessment indicated a high response for individuals requesting citizenship classes, WA-PIRC teamed up with the Mid-Columbia Library in Pasco to offer the only free citizenship classes in the region.  The next eight week session begins at the Pasco Library on January 11, 2010, by which time Alvarez hopes that another former student of hers will have joined the other 5 who have become proud U.S. citizens since last year.

For Alvarez, however, the hour-and-a-half classes are more than bilingual study sessions meant to memorize answers to a test.  She teaches her students that what really makes a person a good citizen is being good to one’s society.

“I’m not just giving them the answers,” Alvarez said.  “I want them to understand the ‘why’ behind the answers.”
In order to provide the answers and translate the “why” behind these from English into Spanish, however, Alvarez had to do quite a bit of studying, too.

“In order to teach this class, I really had to brush up on my history,” Alvarez laughed.  “These questions are not easy!”
Students in Alvarez’s citizenship class utilize a workbook, handouts, videos, and other resources provided to them free of charge through the WA-PIRC program to study for the U.S. Citizenship Exam.  At the end of the eight week program, a lawyer visits the class (pro-bono) and walks students through the citizenship interview process, while answering any questions they might have.

Alvarez said that the lawyers, such as Jonathan Shaklee from Jakeman & Shaklee, PLLC, and Carlos Villarreal from Roach Law Offices, LLP, have been of immeasurable benefit to her and her students.  Their free consultation to the students and readiness to assist has helped to make the program the success that it is.

Either during or after the citizenship courses, students are encouraged to attend a “New American Event” coordinated by law professionals.  The event provides individuals with a free legal consultation and assistance in completing their citizenship application packet.  Candidates who submit their Application for Naturalization, along with a payment of $675, are given a date to take their citizenship exam – the same 100 question exam that the average American cannot pass.

According to Alvarez and her colleague, Micaela Bernal-Deluna, who also will be teaching citizenship classes soon, the two greatest barriers for students passing the exam are money and self-confidence.  Bernal-Deluna, another Parent Educator / Site Liaison for WA-PIRC, said that their lack of self-confidence is just as crippling for the students as their difficult financial situations and their low levels of education.  Alvarez and Bernal spend a great deal of time building their students’ confidence to take the exam.
Understandably, confidence is a difficult thing to muster up when English is not the student’s first language, and the daunting questions ahead require students to read and write in a language they may still be learning to master.  Yet, those individuals attending the WA-PIRC citizenship classes already have much of which to be proud.

“They’re setting a good example and being a true role model for their kids,” Bernal-Deluna said.
The self confidence and pride that accompanies becoming a U.S. citizen is both a privilege and a power that Alvarez stresses to her students.  She emphasizes that the greatest opportunity citizenship affords is the right to vote.  This right is an opportunity that provides a sense of pride and community for each individual.

It is easy to see the personal pride Alvarez takes in her students.  Each of the 5 students who have passed the citizenship exam have spoken to her and shared their triumph with her.

“You’ve got to admire them for doing this,” Alvarez beamed.  “It’s so inspiring and rewarding, and a real honor to be included in their celebration.”

The citizenship classes offered through WA-PIRC in partnership with the Mid-Columbia Library will begin again January 11 at the Pasco Library.  Alvarez hopes that additional classes will be available soon in Basin City, Othello, Connell, and Walla Walla.  Those interested in attending the Pasco citizenship classes are encouraged to register at the Pasco Library at 1320 West Hopkins Street.  Erika Alvarez may be contacted at 509.544.5772 or at ealvarez@esd123.org.