Inaugural Issue

The Official Magazine of the Fresno Men’s and Women’s Alliance INAUGISUSRUAEL
Spring 2013

¡Si Se Puede! TBRAOCANCKK
Jefferson Vang overcomes the odds
Fresno Unified Celebrates
Cesar Chavez

Open Doors

YouTube welcomes Hoover
H.S. Students

Instant impact

Women’s Alliance Making
A Difference

Q&A

Darrin Person
Tyzek Price
Dr. James Aldredge

AD

Spring 2013

ConAtenltsliance Magazine

12 14 18

Editor’s Letter........................................................................................................................................ 2
Q and A.................................................................................................................................................. 4
Cesar Chavez........................................................................................................................................ 10
Open Doors. Open Minds.................................................................................................................... 12
From Negative Ways to Positive Days.................................................................................................. 14
Paying it Forward................................................................................................................................. 18
Alliance Creed...................................................................................................................................... 20

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE, SPRING 2013

A bigger dream EDITORIAL Photo: Angel Sandoval
to come!
Tyler Wilkerson
During the 2010-2011 school year a group of male
students, from all different backgrounds, were se- Editor-In-Chief
lected to join an elite leadership coalition. The Men’s
Alliance started at Hoover, Sunnyside and Edison high schools. Since that year Kassandra Castillo
the Men’s Alliance has expanded to include Fresno, McLane and Roosevelt
high schools. This past year they introduced the Women’s Alliance at Edison, Associate Editor and Writer
Fresno and McLane. Additionally, Young Men’s Alliance programs have been
created at Awahnee, Baird, Scandinavian, Sequoia and Tehipite to provide sup- Andrew Rodriguez
port at the middle school level. Tehipite is the first middle school to also have a
Young Women’s Alliance. Associate Editor and Writer

As members of the Men’s and Women’s Alliance we have attended and hosted Tyzek Price
events, gone on educational and adventurous trips and have become mentors
to younger men and women. For a group that was once branded “Hug a Thug” Editor
by several teachers and fellow students (you know who you are), we proudly say
“look at us now!” We are a shining example of what can happen when you em- Terrell Little
power individuals to believe in themselves. Before Men’s Alliance, under per-
forming students or those with behavioral issues, were suspended or expelled; Editor
written off as hopeless. Today, those students learn skills like conflict resolution,
effective study habits and leadership. DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Angel Sandoval
With all the good that the Men’s and Women’s Alliances have accomplished
we decided to create something fresh, mainstream and informational. This Art Director
magazine is meant to be a montage of all the goals we have achieved and a
testament that we have so much more to offer. Jacques Guidry

I’d like to give a special thanks to everyone who helped us with the creation of Photo Editor
this publication; from staff, to supporters and believers. As you sit back and en-
joy Alliance Magazine I’d like you to think about the ways that you can support Malee Chanthy
our dream of making the Alliance program even better so that it reaches more
kids in more communities. Thank you for selecting this magazine and I hope Photographer
you enjoy the journey.
ADVERTISING AND PRODUCTION
Sincerely, Frazier Pleasant

Tyler K. Wilkerson Production Manager
Editor-in-Chief
FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL
DISTRICT BOARD

2 Valerie Davis Area 3, President
Lindsay Cal Johnson Area 1, Clerk
Michelle A. Asadoorian Area 7
Christopher De La Cerda Area 4

Carol Mills, J.D. Area 5
Luis A. Chavez Area 2

Janet Ryan Area 6

ADMINISTRATION
Michael Hanson

Superintendent

FUSD MENTOR OFFICE
Darrin Person

Mentor Manager

Judy Reynoso

Mentor Facilitator

Sharain Crawford

AmeriCorps VISTA

Brian Ibabao

AmeriCorps VISTA

Annie Cha

FUSD Intern

IMPACT PUBLISHING
Vince Bailey

Publisher
[email protected]

Jonathan Mathis

Creative Director
[email protected]

Alliance Magazine ©2013 is published by Impact Publishing,
1840 Shaw Ave. Ste: 105-36, Clovis, CA 93611 for Fresno
Unified School District and Men’s and Women’s Alliance,
1350 M Street, Fresno, CA 93721. All rights are reserved. No
part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means without the written consent of the
publisher. Unsolicited manuscripts, letters and/or photographs
will not be returned and are considered the property of Impact
Publishing to be treated as unconditionally assigned for
publication, copyright purposed and use in any publication or
brochures and subject to Alliance Magazine and/or Impact
Publishing’s right to edit and comment.

www.ImpactPublishing.com

Photos: Jacques Guidry Contributors FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Kassandra Castillo, Junior, Edison High School Tyzek Price, Senior, Sunnyside High School
Ninth grade wasn’t easy for me. My grades weren’t I am a veteran member of the Men’s Alliance
right, my attitude was even worse. Nobody was having participated in the program since its
there to tell me I could achieve anything. Sopho- inception. I’ve seen first-hand the difference
more year, I get my schedule. First period, Women’s the program has made in the lives of others,
Alliance?! What’s Women’s Alliance? It was my last including myself. I got in a lot trouble a lot as a
chance to change the way I looked at life. Women’s freshmen. Later that year my counselor asked me
Alliance motivates me to do better for myself, my if I wanted to be in a new program. During my
school and my community. I started high school sophomore and junior year I focused more on
with a 0.4 and now my current G.P.A. is a 3.8. school and sports. When I didn’t make the team
Women’s Alliance gave me a strong friendship with my junior year I blamed everyone but me. After
other girls that I really didn’t like before I’ve learned my counselor challenged me to take responsibil-
about conflict resolution and self respect. I am a ity for my actions I began to turn my life around.
better me because of Women’s Alliance. Now I stand strong as a member of the Men’s
Alliance, a member of BSU, and President of the
Malee Chanthy, Sophomore, Fresno High School United Black Men’s Club of Sunnyside.
Ever since the day my grandmother passed away
life has never been the same. The last words she Andrew Rodriguez, Senior, Sunnyside High School
had told me were to make my parents proud. I’ve been a member of the Men’s Alliance for 2 years.
At the time I didn’t knew what she was talking I’m proud that I accepted the challenge because
about until I realize my grades and G.P.A.. were life before joining MA was rough for me. Having
going down. I also didn’t know what I could do lost my mother to drugs and my cousin and best
to improve but the Women’s Alliance helped me friend Nico to street violence, I began skipping
to figure things out. Thanks to the positive sup- school, hanging with gangs and became involved
port and assistance I’ve received I’ve been able to with drugs. Realizing that I wanted more out of
turn my grades around and I dedicate it all to my life I joined MA at the start of my junior year. I
beautiful grandmother. R.I.P. now hold a 3.8 G.P.A. and am college bound. Nico
always had the dream of turning his life around by
Jacques Guidry, Junior, Edison High School attending school and going to college but never had
Before the Men’s Alliance, I did not perform at the chance. All of my hard work is dedicated to my
my fullest potential. I maintained good grades cousin Nico.
and stayed out of trouble, but took the value of
education and character for granted. I became Angel Sandoval, Senior, Sunnyside High School
easily distracted by all of the extra things that It’s been 2 years since I’ve accepted the chal-
came along with high school. I was referred to the lenge. Initially, I didn’t know what to expect
program by a teacher who saw more in me. I’ve from the Men’s Alliance. Turns out being in the
since learned what it means to be a leader, as well Alliance helped me increase my grade point av-
as the significance of a positive attitude. I decided erage, my perspective of school and to really be
it was time to turn things around and the Men’s able to burst out of my shell. I’ve since become
Alliance was there to help. Through so many involved in activities such as Link Crew and
workshops, role models, retreats, and speeches the Yearbook Production. Not bad for a guy that
program has taught me to raise my standards and use to describe himself as timid and shy. Like
take advantage of opportunities to get ahead. every kid, I was looking to find myself. There are
so many opportunities in the world you’ve got
Terrell Little, Sophomore, Edison High School to remain optimistic and seize them. The Men’s
The Men’s Alliance helped me improve a lot. Last Alliance has inspired me to do just that.
school year I had a 1.9 G.P.A. In September I
joined the Men’s Alliance. They have been teach- Tyler Wilkerson, Senior, Hoover High School
ing me to accept ownership for my actions and I live my life by three words, “Education, Dedica-
pushing me to reach my goals. My G.P.A. is now tion, & Determination”. At Hoover High School
2.57 and improving. and Center of Advanced Research and Technology
(CART) my grades and performance exceeded
Frazier Pleasant, Sophomore, Hoover High School expectations in General Ed and Business Classes.
I’ve learned that life has its ups and downs. Men’s I immersed myself in independent studies, to
Alliance is a healthy escape from those troubles, increase my knowledge about medicine and the
where you make brothers and sisters of people medical field. I became a working man by getting
you never thought you would associate yourself a job at TJ Maxx. I did it all; from sophomore to
with. It isn’t a program for young adults who senior year and it just so happens I am a veteran
simply have given up school or life; it is a chance Men’s Alliance student.
for them to fight back! For me this magazine is
a celebration of us, the students of the Men’s and 3
Women’s Alliance.

Q&A Darrin Person, Mentor Coordinator

Interviewed at his office on April 13, 2013

Interview by Kassandra Castillo
Photo by Malee Chanthy

4

FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Q: What inspired you to start the Alliance Program?
A: The visionary of the program was Superintendent Hanson who brought me the statistics that showed

the number of students of color getting suspended were higher compared to the other students. He
knew that something had to be done to improve in this area.

Q: What is the purpose of the program?
A: To take students that didn’t have the right tools to reach their full potential and put them on a path to

leadership and success.

Q: Did you personally have any struggles growing up?
A: My father left when I was very young, just a year old. He had drug problems. I was raised by a single

mother. I had struggles in elementary and middle school with my grades. But in high school I met
some positive mentors.

Q: Does Fresno Unified School District support the program?
A: Yes, they fund more than 50%. They support the program and the vision completely. The other half is

funded by California Endowment and Kaiser.

Q: Do you think there are any flaws in the program?
A: I believe there is always room for improvement. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find the right

teacher. We want teachers that can relate to the students, be engaging and challenging yet have the
ability to build a connection with the students.

Q: How are the teachers chosen?
A: I work personally with the principals to identify candidates and then the chosen teacher has to go

through a special training.

Q: Does the program continue to improve, statistically?
A: Yes, the suspension rates are lower and attendance has gotten better.

Q: How would you like to improve the program?
A:  I’d like to expand the program. My goal is to have the alliances at all the high schools. I would also

like for every student to have a mentor. Lastly, I want to be able provide more job opportunities for
the students.

Q: Do you have any worries about the program; like running out or money, etc.?
A: Yes, I’m worried about growing to big and losing the personal bonding I have with the students. I

also worry about being able to offer fewer experiences to students due to lack of funding

Q: How do you pick sponsors?
A: I try and pick people with the same vision that I have for the program. It’s also important to not rely

solely on grant money. Its not about growing fast, you have to grow smart.

Q: Do you have any weird qualities or something you do for personal amusement?
A: I really love and enjoy helping young people succeed. That keeps me motivated. I also love to sing,

but I wouldn’t consider myself a good singer.

5

Q&A Tyzek Price, High School Senior

Interviewed at Sunnyside High School on March 25, 2013

Interview by Andrew Rodriguez
Photo by Jacques Guidry

6

FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Q: So Ty tell me a little about yourself?
A:  Well to start off, my full name is Tyzek Nyquan Price but I’m better known as Ty. I’m a senior

attending Sunnyside High School and plan to attend college. 

Q: How long you have been with the Men’s Alliance program.
A:  I’ve been associated with the Men’s Alliance Program for three years. Yes, I’m a veteran. I’ve been

with the program since the very start.

Q: What changes have you made since participating with the Men’s Alliance?
A:  I’ve made major changes, not only in school but in my life as well. I’ve improved my negative

attitude, my grades and my outlook on life. 

Q: How have those changes improved your life?
A:  Currently, my life is great and couldn’t get any better. I get along with my teachers and will attend

college in the fall.

Q: What motivated you to change ?
A:  It was my little brother. I want to be a role model to him so he can have someone to look up

to instead of misguiding him.

Q: If you would have never accepted the MA challenge to change your life where do you think
you would currently be?

A:  If I never accepted the challenge and changed I probably would never have attended school. I’d most
likely be affiliated with drugs and involved with gangs.

Q: What would be the best advice you’ve got?
A:  The best advice I’ve received would have to be “Stay in school”.

Q: Who did that advice come from?
A:  That advice came from my Mom who told me that eduction was the key to having a

successful future. I’m glad I listened to her because now I’m on the path to success.

Q: Can you offer a word of advice to kids that want to make a change in their lives?
A:  A word of advice that I can honestly give would have to be don’t slack. It will get you no where, so

work hard all the time. Give 105%. Be resilient. At times in life you may be knocked down but that
doesn’t mean to just lay there. It means get back up and keep fighting for what you want. And last but
not least, listen to your parents because they have the best advice and will always be there for you.

7

Q&A Dr. James Aldredge, PhD, Retired

Interviewed by telephone on May 2, 2013

Q: As a member of the Men’s Alliance I’ve heard a lot about you and I’m honored to conduct
this interview. I’d like to use this time to introduce you to fellow Men’s and Women’s Alliance
members that haven’t made your acquaintance. You’ve done a lot over the years to contribute
to the betterment of communities around Fresno. Is this your original birthplace?

A: Fresno, California is where I currently reside but not my birthplace. My hometown is Gilmer, Texas.

Q: Tell me about the field you work in and the education you obtained to pursue your career?
A: I am currently retired and the Director of the Cecil C. Hinton Community Center in Fresno. I was

a professor at the California State University of Fresno. I obtained a Doctorate Degree in Public
Administration. As a professor at CSU Fresno I had Darrin Person as a student. Darrin and I kept in
contact and later worked together to developed the Men’s & Women Alliance.

Q: I’m aware that you were one of the first investors in the program. How much would you say
has been invested into the MA?

A: Money wise I would have to say quite a large amount but it’s not about the money. What we’ve
really invested in the program is thought, time, and discussion.

Q: Explain to me your vision for the Men’s & Women’s Alliances?
A: The vision I have is to help young folks that I know could easily improve but

just need the proper guidance and tools. What I’m most proud of is seeing
young men and women developing the proper social skills and discovering the
importance of education. It gives me a great sense of pride.

Q: When you were a teenager could you relate to being misguided or
living in a harsh community?

A: I lived in West Fresno about a mile from Edison High School and I
was mainly surrounded by agriculture. Trouble was nowhere to be
found as a young man only working in the fields.

Q: Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do for fun?
A: I enjoy many things in life but when it comes to hobbies I enjoy

playing golf with my free time.

Q: What advice do you have for the young men and women of the
Alliance Program who are attempting to make a change?

A: Education, Education and Education.

Interview by Andrew Rodriguez
Photo by Darrin Person

8

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ALLIANCE MAGAZINE, SPRING 2013

Members of the Men’s and Women’s Alliance join forces with politicians,
labor leaders and farm workers to honor the legacy of Cesar Chavez.

March 31, 2013

Cesar Chavez Day is an official holiday in Colorado, At Fresno Unified School District, Cesar Chavez’s mem-
Texas and California. Many, including the President ory is honored each year as students participate in the
of the United States, have called for a national holiday annual parade to celebrate his life and legacy. This year,
in Chavez’s honor with President Obama stating that members of the Men’s and Women’s Alliance played a
“Chavez left a legacy as an educator, environmentalist and prominent role, marching at the front of the parade with
a civil rights leader... And his cause lives on.” several prominent city leaders and carrying the UFW flag.

10

FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dolores Huerta

Having grown up in Stockton,
CA in the 30’s and 40’s,
Delores Huerta saw first
hand the struggles that farm workers
were facing. Stockton, is responsible
for approximately 18% of the U.S.
agricultural market and has the highest
population of migrant farm workers in
California.

While working as an elementary school
teacher, she was brought to tears seeing
her students, many of them the children
of farm workers, living below the
poverty line. Most didn’t have enough
food to eat and other basic necessities.
Huerta quit her job as a teacher and
helped to start the Stockton Chapter of
the Community Service Organization.
This group helped to fight for economic
improvements for Hispanics along with
battling racism, segregation and police
mistreatment.

Through her work as an activist and
advocate for change, she met Cesar
Chavez who had also devoted his life to
improving conditions for farm workers.
In 1962 they came together to create
the National Farm Workers Association
which later became known as United
Farm Workers of America (UFW).
Huerta served as Vice President of
UFW until her retirement in 1999.

Delores Huerta remains an active
voice for workers rights, civil rights,
immigrant protections and women’s
rights. She was awarded the 2011
Medal of Freedom by President Barack
Obama. Through her Delores Huerta
Foundation she continues to fight
tirelessly for equal protection for all.

11

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE, SPRING 2013

Open Doors
Open Minds

Hoover High School Men’s
Alliance Visits YouTube

Story and Photo by Tyler Wilkerson

From the outside, 901 Cherry Ave in San Bruno, trict were about to take a tour of YouTube headquarters,
California looks like any other building in thanks to Mr. Babatunde Iliori, Superintendent Michael
Silicone Valley. It’s got beige brick walls, requi- Hanson’s right hand man at the district office. He was
site trees and bushes and ample parking spaces. able to get in touch with an old friend from college
If not for its easily recognizable logo on the side of the who went on to become one of the lawyers at YouTube.
building one might think they were at any tech firm Through this relationship, Mr. Iliori was able to get us a
or law office. But on March 15, 2013 this nondescript, tour of YouTube.
monotone structure might as well have been Disneyland.
As the bus carrying the young men of the Hoover High With so much energy and excitement we knew we’d have
School Men’s Alliance pulled into the parking lot, the to settle ourselves down before we went inside so we de-
excitement levels onboard couldn’t be contained. For the cided to make a Harlem Shake video for the new MA page
first time in school history, maybe even district history, on YouTube.
a group of students from Fresno Unified School Dis- Check it out: http://youtu.be/u18xKcYYgfA

12

FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Once inside, we were amazed at parent company Google. They music before they determine wheth-
how huge the place was. From the showed us prototypes of pending er it will be a hit. Record companies
front it looked as if it wasn’t going product launches and talked to us are also pleased that in 2006, when
to be as big, but looks can be very about ways they plan to revolu- Google acquired YouTube, they
deceiving. The facilities were colos- tionize the digital media industry. eliminated a popular feature that
sal. There were four stories of pure Unfortunately they made us all allowed people to “steal” music.
amazement. They have what they sign confidentiality agreements so I
like to call an “EcoDome” which can’t discuss any of that here. You’re Through partnerships with Android
means the building is environmen- going to have to trust me. There’s and Apple they have created cell-
tally friendly and decreases heat and some really cool stuff on the way. phone apps that make it easier to
UV rays. The furniture they had was upload videos directly to YouTube.
unique, unlike anything The YouTube partnerships don’t
we’d ever seen before. just stay within the confines of the Through partnerships
Some pieces looked as if facilities. They’re constantly looking with movie directors,
they belonged in an art at ways to improve existing prod- they are also paying
exhibit. There were some ucts and services and have created for and developing
pieces that weren’t even strategic partnerships with other original content,
symmetrical. I had the companies. One such partnership including feature
opportunity to experi- has helped to change the way music films that broadcast
ence one of the greatest is ranked. In the past, an artist had on YouTube chan-
vibrating chairs this side to sell a certain number of copies nels. Some of those
of the west coast. It mas- of their song before they could be films were playing on
saged every part of your recognized as a “top selling” musi- high-definition flat
body from feet up. That cian. Now, thanks to a partnership screens that were all
alone was worth the trip. with YouTube, Billboard is also rec- around the facility.
ognizing the number of “views” an And you thought
Our visit started by having lunch artist gets on their YouTube video they only showed
in the massive food gallery. We and will rank that song on the same cute kitten videos.
were impressed to learn that they chart as the artists that sell hun-
had a master chef who prepared dreds or thousands of CD’s. Both After a few slide shows and a Q&A
gourmet meals for the staff. In the artists and the record companies session, HHSMA was given a
addition to the general menu that love this concept because they no well-guided tour through the rest
included items like fish, sandwiches longer have to spend thousands of of the building. Some of the people
and sweets, they also prepared dollars to produce and distribute that were working weren’t even
special meals for employees that sitting down. Some were playing
were observing Lent. After some games such as darts, air hockey and
good tasting lunch we had the op- “guess what I am?” The place was
portunity to speak to some of the buzzing with excitement; everyone
employees in charge of the various appeared to be having so much fun.
departments. We were surprised One of the unique, fun features was
to learn that several of them didn’t a slide that workers used, instead
go to college with the intent to of taking the stairs, to go down to
work at a place like YouTube. In other floors. A state-of-the-art gym
fact one of the speakers said he stocked with the latest equipment
majored in “Dance” in college. and an indoor heated pool were ad-
Now he’s a Marketing Advisor for ditional features that one wouldn’t
the company. Department manag- expect in a work environment.
ers showed us new technology that But after our visit we realized that
YouTube is developing with their working at YouTube isn’t just a job;
it’s a way of life.

13

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE, SPRING 2013

From Negative Days
to Positive Ways

Former gang member Jefferson Vang beats the
odds and becomes a leader in the community

By Vince Bailey
Photograph by Jonathan Mathis

14

FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Jefferson Vang is a leader. As the certain he came home every night. He started hanging
with his friends and their older friends. Next came the
oldest of 10 siblings you might even say he was born drinking and partying and ditching school. For most 12
to lead. But leaders, when caught in a vortex between year old’s, this might sound like a dream come true. But
good and evil sometimes go astray. As the son of a for Jefferson Vang, this newfound freedom came with
church deacon Vang is well aware of the powerful price. Sure being able to stay out all night was fun but
forces of good and evil, but he’s also aware that there’s
virtue in all of us. it wasn’t enough to replace the feeling
of loneliness that he felt. He wanted a
How does a strong-willed, Chris- sense of security, a sense of belonging.
tian kid from a good Hmong What Vang really wanted was love.
family end up becoming the
poster child of the Men’s Alli- He found that love with his new family,
ance? “The Men’s Alliance helped his “Crew”. For a naïve 12 year old there
to change my life, says Vang. They was nothing more important to him
teach you that success all starts than this group of guys that took him
with you. If you make the decision in, watched his back and showed him
to do it, nobody can stop you.”
respect. They even took him
Vang’s story begins like most stories. As an to get his first tattoo. They
adolescent boy, from a moderate-income became his new family.
household, Vang went to school and hung out There wasn’t anything he
with his friends. He looked after his younger wouldn’t do for them, so
brothers and sisters, he went to church and did he didn’t think it was a big
all the things a young boy should do. Had he deal when they asked him
continued along this pathway, most likely he to help them protect their
would’ve graduated high school, turf from a rival crew. That’s
continued on to college, found what homies do right? And
a job, got married and perhaps, when they asked him to
had a few kids. But then this drive the get-away car for one of their lat-
story wouldn’t be very interest- est capers? Sure, that’s what homies do. And
ing would it? Besides, this isn’t when they asked him to hold on to a few guns
a story about an ordinary Joe. he didn’t hesitate at all. Why not? That’s what
This is a story about Jefferson homies do! And just like that, young Jefferson
Vang. Vang found himself in a gang.

When he was about 12 years This is the point in the story where the writer
old his life took a dramatic turn coinciding with the usually injects some statistics. And there would
divorce of his parents. As typically happens when one be plenty to inject here. Young men of color and low
parent decides to leave, things at home begin to change. graduation rate statistics. Inner city gangs and crime
Gone was the strict discipline that one might expect statistics. But statistics alone never tell the whole story.
exists in a traditional Hmong household. With his par- And besides, they wouldn’t help us here. Remember
ents attentions turned elsewhere, Vang suddenly began we started the story off by telling you that Vang isn’t a
to experience a newfound freedom. No more curfew. follower. He doesn’t fit in some statistical category that
No one checking to make sure he did his homework would allow you to make assumptions about where his
or chores. In fact, no one was even checking to make story is headed. Vang is natural born leader. So while
the gang became his second family, he never felt any

Photos, From top to bottom: Jefferson and his wife Annabelle ; Fresno Police Chief Dyer; Jefferson’s son Kevin

15

pressure to let go of the other thing in his life that gave dropped out, Vang stuck with it. Class discussions like
him joy, his faith in God. “how to succeed in life” and “ how to be a man” piqued
his interest. It also provided an opportunity to apply his
For the next several years, Vang wrestled with this contra- natural leadership skills. He finally began to understand
dictory existence. “I was very committed and dedicated to why his life took the path that it did. “I felt like if I was
the gang but I was very commit-
ted to church as well,” says Vang. able to show the guys that I could
When he wasn’t hanging with succeed, then they’d know that they
his crew he’d find himself hang- could do it too.” He started going
ing at church. Monday through to class on time and by the end of
Wednesday were reserved for the first semester he improved his
partying, drinking and gang G.P.A. to 3.8. The Men’s Alli-
activity. Thursday, Friday and ance became a reason for him to
Sunday belonged to the Lord. look forward to coming to school.
How’s that for a Shakespearian He loved the field trips and the
paradox? And while this might frank discussions about life. They
seem perplexing to you and me, helped him get job and learn about
Vang felt right at home. He was responsibility. At the same time,
content to continue down this the MA recognized that he had
path, not really concerned where exceptional leadership skills and
it was headed. Then one day he selected him to help them promote
got the news that changed his the program and make it more
life. His girlfriend was pregnant. effective for others. As one of only
two students on the FUSD Gradu-
It’s hard to comprehend becom- ation Task Force, Vang brought a
ing a father while still in middle perspective that was missing from
school but for Vang, this was his previous discussions. Advocating
new reality. Having a son at 13 for mentorship instead of suspen-
triggered something in him. “It was the summer of my sions for kids that screw up he
freshman year that I decided I couldn’t do this anymore, challenged the task force to look at new ways to help kids
because I had a kid,” Vang told me. Plus, some members that needed direction instead of the traditional practice of
of the gang were beginning to question whether his com- ostracizing them.
mitment was to them or his church. “I didn’t want to have
to choose between my guys and my religion,” says Vang. After graduating Edison High School with a G.P.A. just
“But if you force me to make a choice between my friends shy of 4.0, Vang went on the attend Fresno State Univer-
or my church I’m gonna have to choose my church.” And sity and studied criminology for one year before having
with that Jefferson Vang closed the chapter on his old to drop out to find a job. He sees it as his life’s mission to
life and turned his attention back towards school. “I was help others and continues to tell his story in the hopes of
always a good student, says Vang, when I applied myself.” reaching kids that might be in the same position he once
Having only mustered a 0.8 G.P.A. his freshman year, was. He plans to return to college and pursue a career in
Vang managed to get that up to a 2.0 by the end of his law enforcement where he can be of further aid to those
sophomore season. that need help the most. And even though life continues
to throw obstacles in his path, Vang is more determined
By the time his junior year rolled around Vang was than ever to work even harder to overcome them. “With
determined to make a better life for himself. The Men’s God all things are possible,” he says. “Even though I’ve
Alliance couldn’t have come along at a better time. His turned my life around a lot of people still look down on
period-one, “social justice” class seemed weird at first. me and think I’m not going to become anything. I want
“The first thing I noticed was it was all males. There were to prove to those people that I can make it.”
no ladies,” says Vang. Even though many of the guys
Most people would say that he already has.



ALLIANCE MAGAZINE, SPRING 2013

paying it
forward

Women’s Alliance helps Story by Kassandra Castillo
communities through Photos by Malee Chanthy
volunteerism

18

FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

ne of the goals for the Alliance Program is to cre-
ate leaders. The Alliance encourages members to
not just talk about being leaders but to put those
words into action. Through discussions that we
have in our leadership classes, we’ve learned to

Owalk-the-walk and not just talk-the-talk. We’re
also reminded of the importance of “doing good”
for others. One of the best ways to practice leadership and make a differ-
ence at the same time is to volunteer.

This year, Edison’s Men’s Alliance has started going to King Elementary, a
nearby school, to mentor kids. The guys work with kindergarten and first
graders. Each week they read books to the kids and help them with their
homework. By spending time with guys that they look up to, these young
boys and girls are learning that being good in school is “cool”.

What are the girls up to at Edison? Edison’s Women’s Alliance has been
partnering with Fresno’s Parks and Recreation Community Services orga-
nization to give back to their communities by holding events for children.
The ladies of the Women’s Alliance have contributed to many events
including October’s Kids’ Fest!, Thanksgiving Dinner and the Christmas
Carnival. A few of the ladies even got the chance to ride on the Fresno’s
PARCS float in the annual Christmas Parade.

But Edison’s Alliance’s aren’t the only ones doing things for their com-
munities. Recently, the Women’s Alliance’s of McLane, Fresno High,
Edison and Tephite came together to collect dresses for the Women’s Al-
liance Dress Drive. The Dress Drive was created so that more girls could
have the chance to attend prom or any formal event. Prom is one of those
once in a lifetime events that all young girls, regardless of their finan-
cial situation, should have the opportunity to participate in. The biggest
reason many girls give for not attending is the lack of money for a dress,
which can cost hundreds of dollars.

McLane held their dress collection on Wednesday, April 11, while the
other schools collected dresses Friday, April 13. Over 200 dresses were
collected making the Dress Drive a huge success! The dresses were dis-
tributed Saturday, April 14 and May 4. The ladies, who received dresses,
had to contact the Alliance Office to make an appointment and show up
with their high school Student ID card. All the dresses were given away
completely free.

The impact the Women’s Alliance is making is being felt throughout
communities across Fresno and we’re only in our first year. As the pro-
gram grows to include more ladies at even more schools, there’s no limit
to the number of lives we can change. We’re learning that the old saying
“it’s better to give than receive” is true in so many ways. Most of us join
the Women’s Alliance to make a difference in our own lives but end up
helping to change someone else’s life as well.

19

ALLIANCE MAGAZINE, SPRING 2013

Alliance Creed

We are the Alliance
And, We Accept the Challenge
We have high expectations of ourselves and Alliance peers.
We work hard so that we can excel in school and life

We Accept the Challenge
We are respectful to adults, our community, and fellow students
We will not be afraid to ask for help or to support others in need

We Accept the Challenge
We are committed, dedicated, and prepared
We choose to live honorably, responsibly, and
We will not let negativity stop or prevent us from reaching our goals
We accept the challenge to Succeed, Learn, and

to be Career Ready Graduates

We Accept the Challenge

Spring 2013

Where we work, live and play has a profound impact FresnoBHC.org
on our health. Every day, our children are at risk.
They deserve clean parks, safe schools and healthy
foods. It’s time we, as a community, take a stand for
our children’s health. Together we can evoke positive
change in our neighborhoods for the well-being of
our children.

Fresno Building Healthy Communities and its partners work to empower everyday
people - like you and our youth - who are eager to change their community.

If you live in central, southeast or southwest Fresno, we invite you to join your

n¡eSiighSbeorPs uwehodaere!making changes in your community.

TForeslneoaUrnnifimedoCreelebarabteosuCtesFarrCehsanveoz BHC, our partners and upcoming community events, visit
FOrepsneoBnHCD.oorog rosr follow us on Facebook! Q&A

You Tube welcomes Hoover H.S. Students Darrin Person

Instant impact Stay Connected! Tyzek Price
Dr. James Aldredge
Women’s Alliance Making A Difference

A partner of

4949 E. Kings Canyon Road Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 244-5710 ext. 632

Preparing career-ready graduates

Pre-Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten

KINDERGARTEN

MATH SKILLS LITERACY AND SOCIAL SKILLS PLAY CONFIDENCE

It’s important to lay a solid foundation for learning. Fresno Uni ed August 19, 2013
o ers a number of Early Learning programs that are not only 2013-2014 School Year
academically enriching, but socially and emotionally supportive as
well. Exposure to basic math and literacy concepts, before they
begin the kindergarten year, can give students the skills and
con dence they need to be successful in the years ahead. Small
steps today, big leaps in the future.

Learn more about this program and other Fresno Uni ed School District Projects by visiting: www.fresnouni ed.org