Students, staff and faculty are gathering today to share stories of survival and the difficulties migrant workers face.

The event is in preparation for César Chávez week and will occur today from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the César Chávez building, Rooms 205 and 209.

The speakers invited for the event come from families with migrant worker backgrounds.

“”Anyone is welcome to come in, stop by, learn and listen,”” said Ramon Carranza, student office assistant for the Chicano/Hispanic student affairs center. “”This past week has been about just trying to get his name out there in a more appropriate sense and honor him so people know about him and what he did.””

Students also see the importance of such events.

Caroline Nelson, a senior majoring in studio art and choral music, said she believes such events help people better understand important issues that are still being debated.

“”I think it’s an important topic now because of the immigration situation on the Mexico border,”” Nelson said. “”It is always beneficial and helps broaden your horizons when you hear someone else’s firsthand account of the issue.””

Nelson said it is possible for people to form opinions based solely on information from sources who may not have had firsthand experience.

“”People can form opinions that are not right,”” Nelson said. “”Sometimes it is based on what they hear, and that could be wrong. That is why it can be so powerful to go and listen to these people yourself.””

Along with the various speakers, who had not been finalized by the time of publication, a birthday cake in honor of César Chávez will be served.

“”It’s important not to lose sight of what he did for people,”” Carranza said. “”Some of the things he represented are still going on today and our main goal is to honor him and people sharing stories will definitely help show that.””