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Civic Leader Education & Advocacy Program
The Civic Leader Education & Advocacy Program (CLEAP), organized by Voces Unidas de las Montañas, a non-profit organization based in Colorado, is a one-week leadership and advocacy program that takes place outside the United States.
During the program, CLEAP participants engage in meaningful conversations with local leaders, field experts, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and federal policymakers regarding the pressing issues of the region.
CLEAP utilizes adult learning theory, as adults learn most effectively through hands-on experience and by observing the practical application of new skills or knowledge. Additionally, the program employs the Socratic method, which encourages questioning and critical thinking to promote the exploration of ideas and underlying assumptions. Lastly, CLEAP incorporates participatory action research, a qualitative research approach that involves collaboration between researchers and participants to gain insight into social issues and develop strategies for promoting social change.
Thanks to the support of community members and foundations, Voces Unidas has been able to make this international experience accessible to 32 Colorado leaders since 2023.
Contact Alejandro Fuentes for questions about the 2025 program.
Nov. 20, 2024
Ten Colorado Latino leaders have been selected to participate in Voces Unidas’ one-week leadership and advocacy program in Mexico City, scheduled for April 7-12, 2025.
Now in its third year, the Civic Leader Education & Advocacy Program (CLEAP) is a one-week leadership and advocacy program that takes place outside the United States.
2025 Program
Location: Mexico City
Dates: April 7-12, 2025
Program Fee: $299* plus travel expenses
Advance Parole: Program qualifies
Registration: Closed
Spots are limited. Apply now for the April 2025 program. If you need advance parole to travel, apply before October 15. AP takes at least 5 months to process.
2025 Program Participants
Daysi Anchondo Chaparro
Glenwood Springs, CO
Raquel Carrillo
Denver, CO
Daniela Cerda Davila
Boulder, CO
Consuelo Gaytan
New Castle, CO
Maria Rios Ramos
Avon, CO
Brenda Ruiz Garcia
Denver, CO
Nubia Sánchez
Silverthorne, CO
Vanessa Toribio Lopez
Glenwood Springs, CO
Karina Toscano
Eagle, CO
2025 Program Facilitators and Special Guests
Alex Sánchez
President and CEO
Voces Unidas
Alejandro Fuentes
Program Lead
Voces Unidas
Sen. Karina Isabel Ruiz Ruiz
Senadora Federal Migrante
LXVI Legislatura
Dip. Maribel Solache González
Diputada Federal Migrante
LXVI Legislatura
Elizabeth Sánchez
Guest Speaker
CLEAP 2024
Mtro. Gustavo Zuñiga Colín
Guest Presenter
UNAM
Marco Cruz
Guest Presenter
Fuerza Migrante
2024 Special Guests
Rep. Elizabeth Velasco
Guest Facilitator
Colorado State Representative
Rep. Tim Hernández
Guest Facilitator
Colorado State Representative
Dr. Francisco Reveles Vázquez
Panelist
UNAM
Dr. Javier Urbano Reyes
Panelist
Universidad Iberoamericana
Dra. Daniela Castro Alquicira
Panelist
UNAM
Dr. Eduardo González Velázquez
Panelist
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Dra. Alma Guadarrama
Panelist
Universidad La Salle
Marissa Molina, MPP
Guest Facilitator
Board Member, Voces Unidas
Brisa Chavez
Special Guest
Board Member, Voces Unidas
Claudia Fragoso
Special Guest
Board Member, Voces Unidas
2024 Program Staff
Alex Sánchez
Program Facilitator
CEO, Voces Unidas
Olivia García, PhD
Program Facilitator
Vice President, Voces Unidas
Alan Muñoz Valenciano
Program Facilitator
Manager, Voces Unidas
2023 CLEAP
Twelve participants were invited to take part in the inaugural program in Mexico City between July 3 through July 8, 2023.
The relationship between Mexico and the United States is complex, given a long history of economic, political, and cultural ties. The two countries share a border that spans over 3,000 kilometers, and millions of people cross between them each year for work, study, and tourism. Mexican-Americans are the largest group of Latinos in the U.S., making the ties between Mexico and the United States even more important. Politically, Mexico and the United States both deal with important public policies and issues such as trade, immigration, economic development, climate change, and security, with dire and direct consequences to the entire American continent but especially to immigrants and their extended families. This program offers an opportunity to engage in conversations with local Mexican leaders, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and federal policymakers about current issues.
Videos
2023 program highlights
2024 CLEAP press conference
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CLEAP?
CLEAP is an affordable international educational program. The focus is on leadership development and creating a practical way for adult learners to learn about public policies and practice leadership and advocacy skills.
Who can apply?
We are looking for individuals who self-identify as immigrants and are interested in immigration policy. Priority is given to rural participants. This program is open to Colorado residents only.
How much does it cost?
Participants are responsible for the program fee, travel costs and travel visas. Voces Unidas provides scholarships to make program fees affordable. We also have limited scholarships to support travel or legal fees.