| United Council (UC) is a grassroots advocacy organization founded in 1960 that works on behalf of students and those affected by higher education. According to David Glisch-Sanchez, University Affairs Director who has worked for United Council for two years, they are the only organization in Wisconsin whose mission is centered on higher education. They are a statewide, nonpartisan, nonprofit, student-directed organization committed to protecting access to higher education. Glisch-Sanchez received his B.S. in Public Administration from UW-LaCrosse. A Milwaukee native, an MPS graduate, and first-generation immigrant family, he believes students across the state are being priced out of an education and that access and affordability are not one and the same. He said that approximately 24% of adults 25 years old and above in Wisconsin have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher, which may explain why one of their greatest challenges is getting the community involved. This disconnect, Sanchez believes, is why many community members are unaware of what is happening on campus and the struggles United Council endures to keep education affordable and accessible for all communities. The challenges with retention and graduation of students of color, especially African American students continues to be a primary concern for Sanchez and those who share his advocacy work. With a 20-point difference between the graduation rate of students of color and White students, Sanchez believes the climate on campus must also be addressed. Though UC is one of the nation’s oldest student organizations, by many accounts they are a youthful association, meaning, their staff are relatively young in age and often told they are "idealistic." Sanchez states, "Despite the patronizing they endure, I am hopeful." Hopeful that the voices of students will be heard and that they will continue to be able to work with the Board of regents to help find remedies to offset the cost of tuition. Each year, United Council sponsors a retreat that brings together student leaders from across Wisconsin to network, learn campaigning and other valuable skills, and create work plans to take back to their respective communities and organizations. This year's retreat includes workshops on planning a campaign, staff development and management, volunteer recruitment, building power through electoral work, media relations, voter registration, connecting communities, and coalition building. This year's retreat will be held August 17-19th at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. For more information or to find out how to get involved, call David Glisch-Sanchez at 263-3422 ext. 17. This fall UC will be focusing on making their vote count. They will be working with UW campuses across the state to register voters, educate and mobilize students. |
| Campus Community Connection United Council: Preparing tomorrow's leaders by Pamela Pfeffer |
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