The Power of Participatory Action Research in the Undocumented Youth–Led Movement

• In Event: Roundtable Session 35
  In Roundtable Session: Youth Voice in Educational Justice

Abstract

In this paper, we draw on data collected with the core members of an undocumented youth-led participatory action research (PAR) collective about the role of PAR in their activist work. We find that members of the this group view PAR as a beneficial process in further elucidating the issues affecting undocumented youth, democratizing the research process, and providing a platform for collecting data to inform political and public debate and decision-making. Overall, we suggest that PAR bolsters the undocumented youth-led movement in Tennessee by providing comprehensive data that can be used to inform public and political debate regarding immigration policy and practice in Tennessee and the U.S. more broadly.

Authors

• Krista Craven, Guilford College

• Rodrigo Robles, Fisk University

• Diana Montero, Fisk University

• Jazmin Ramirez, Trevecca Nazarene University

• Maria Robles, McGavock High School

• Brenda Hernandez, Fisk University