Third Space Indy: Sayra and Wendy of the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance (IUYA)

Host Michael Zarick welcomes listeners to Third Space Indy and interviews Sayra and Wendy from the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance (IUYA). Sayra explains IUYA’s origins in 2012 after anti-immigrant legislation and the passage of HB 1402 in 2011, which removed in-state tuition for undocumented students; the group initially fundraised through yard sales to award two $500 scholarships to Ivy Tech students and later incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2015. The conversation covers IUYA’s evolution into statewide “know your rights” workshops with attorneys during President Trump’s first presidency, emergency resources, a social justice mentorship program, ongoing scholarships, referrals and resource connections, community safety trainings, and current financial assistance for families impacted by ICE (including utilities, rent, and attorney fees). Wendy and Sayra discuss continuing their work despite being targeted, emphasizing long-standing community roots and the need to keep moving forward. They reflect on organizing history around the Dream Act, civil disobedience at the State House, and how youth organizing pressured the creation of DACA. The episode addresses Indiana’s SB 76 and how IUYA focuses on centering community needs and responding to legislative impacts rather than legislative advocacy itself, while encouraging non-impacted people to get involved through time, skills, or donations. They share how to volunteer via iuya.org and by messaging IUYA on Instagram, and highlight Indy Rapid Response as a local network offering trainings, a community safety training on Monday, February 23 at 7:30 PM, and a hotline (855-589-4639) to report ICE sightings.

Find IUYA online: Instagram/Facebook @undocuhoosier and iuya.org.

00:00 Why We Keep Going: ‘Aquí estamos y no nos vamos’

00:39 Welcome to Third Space Indy + Protecting Guest Identities

01:47 Meet Sayra & Wendy (Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance)

02:48 How IUYA Started: HB 1402 and the Fight for In‑State Tuition

04:06 From Scholarships to Know‑Your‑Rights: IUYA’s Programs Grow

06:47 Living With a Target: Staying Unafraid and Unapologetic

09:41 Sayra’s Organizing Journey: Dream Act Protests to DACA Pressure

13:25 Wendy’s Perspective: Learning the History Behind DACA

15:14 What SB 76 Could Mean + IUYA’s Community-First Response

18:45 How Allies Can Help: Time, Talent, Treasure + Direct Family Support Fund

22:06 14 Years In: Community & Business Support in Indianapolis

25:30 More Ways to Get Involved: Indy Rapid Response & Safety Trainings

28:07 Rapid Response Hotline & Last Call for Registration

28:54 Sponsor Shout-Out + Defining a “Third Space”

31:13 Third Spaces We’ve Lost: Restaurant Kitchens & School Community

34:17 Teacher & Mentor Shout-Outs (and Service Industry Real Talk)

37:49 What Makes a Business Worth Supporting? Safety Signals & Community Boards

40:48 Policy Reality Check + How to Show Up for Neighbors

43:22 Question for the Next Guest: What Do You Procrastinate Most?

44:32 Where to Find IUYA + Final Thanks and Sign-Off