The Center educates both immigrants and allies on local, national and global social justice issues affecting immigrants and refugees. In addition to holding bi-monthly public forums, the Center offers a six-week long popular education course (four times per year)—Refugee and Immigrant Solidarity Education (RISE) Workshops. Through RISE, participants work together across cultural lines to develop a thorough knowledge of the dynamics of immigration, political influences on immigration policy, and effective community organizing tactics. The Center also participates as a community partner in the PSU Capstone Program, a community based learning seminar focusing on the immigrant/refugee experience.

The Center organizes issue campaigns targeting unfair public policies, empowering immigrants and refugees throughout the Portland Tri-County region to develop a unified voice, advocate for their rights, and create an environment in which they are recognized and supported as valued community members. The Center also participates in:

•  Bridgetown Voices
•  Immigrant & Refugee Coalition of Portland

ORGANIZING AND MOBILIZATION

The Center holds organizing trainings for immigrant and refugee community leaders and mobilizes multiple diverse constituencies to take action collectively. 2007-2008 trainings include: Basics of City Government; Introduction to Community Organizing; Politics of Oppression (Poverty, Class, Gender, Immigration Status, Race, etc.); Power Analysis; Issue Selection & Campaign Planning; Meeting Planning, Turnout and Facilitation; Conflict Resolution;
Volunteer Recruitment and Base Building; Media Planning and Cross-Cultural Movement Building.

INTERGENERATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The Center develops new leaders throughout our various internal and external programs, giving special attention to youth. In 2007, the Center will be partnering with Oregon Action and Latino Network to develop a Diversity and Civic Leadership Academy for people of color.