What past RISE participants have said:

• "I enjoyed learning about the nuts and bolts of immigration. Learning about the vocabulary, the systems and the history helps me better able to understand the context for current events."
• "I loved the open discussions. I think we all learned a lot from each other."
• "Learn as much as you can about each other, and remember that wherever you go and whatever you do after this workshop, all people have a story to tell, and by telling these stories to each other we can keep the issues and complexities in immigration alive in the minds of Americans who may be inclined to forget that we are almost all immigrants and refugees."
• "Everyone had the ability and welcome to speak, listen, and ask questions. It was a very cooperative full circle."
• "Come with an open mind and heart, listen patiently and speak up. We are a community, lucky to be here with eachother making connections."

Immigration is a major force shaping the economic, racial, and cultural identity of the United States. Public policy about immigration changes constantly due to social and economic factors, and significant immigration reform proposals will be considered in the coming year.

The Refugee and Immigrant Solidarity Education (RISE) Workshop is a popular education course—led by the Center for Intercultural Organizing—designed to build a common understanding in our community about the historical forces shaping immigration policy and the current political interests at stake. Its purpose is to inform community members on how they can become good allies in the struggle for immigrant and refugee rights.

In addition to participating in a community learning setting, participants will help to plan and participate in a Center for Intercultural Organizing event. Participation in this popular education course will help individuals to develop a thorough knowledge of the dynamics of immigration, political influences on immigration policy, as well as equip them to participate in open discussion and public advocacy on immigration issues.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Each participant will be able to engage multiple viewpoints and articulate a personal perspective on immigration
• Each participant will learn about the needs of immigrants and refugees through narrative and research
• Each participant will evaluate and draw conclusions about public policy towards immigration
• Each participant will take responsibility for necessary tasks to produce an immigration-related event and coordinate with other participants
• Each participant will develop skills to influence public discussion about their own issues of concern

INSTRUCTORS' PERSPECTIVES:

• Immigration is a transnational phenomenon that needs to be approached from a transnational perspective
• Immigration policy is often influenced by nationalist and racial perspectives, which must be understood
• Immigrants are people with resources to contribute as well as problems to be solved
• Immigration and attitudes towards immigrants are central to our identity as US-Americans

INSTRUCTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide information about immigrants and refugees through books, articles, videos, speakers, and lectures
• Facilitate open discussion where all viewpoints may be considered
• Raise participant awareness and challenge bias in discussions
• Orient and train participants with the necessary skills to plan and manage an immigration-related event
• Orient participants to dynamics of teamwork and help participants ensure accountability in working groups

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend all community classroom sessions or obtain necessary information provided during absence
• Complete all coursework as specified in a timely manner
• Participate fully in group project
• Notify instructors and other group members of any disability or life circumstances that may affect participation in this community classroom course

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Reflection journals (2-3 double-spaced pages each)
2. Course readings and articles
3. Plan for group project
4. Participation in group project
5. Final written assessment of learning acquired during the course (online)

TEXTS:

• Reader of information and articles provided by instructors

********2007 RISE WORKSHOP DATES********

FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2007 RISE WORKSHOP SERIES
Monday, February 12 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, February 19 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, February 21 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, February 26 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, February 28 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, March 5 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, March 7 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, March 12 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, March 14 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, March 19 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, March 21 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

APRIL - MAY, 2007 RISE WORKSHOP SERIES
Saturday, April 7 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 14 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 21 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 28 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 5 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 12 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

JUNE - JULY 2007 RISE WORKSHOP SERIES
Monday, June 4 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, June 6 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, June 11 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, June 13 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, June 18 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, June 20 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, June 25 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, June 27 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, July 2 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, July 9 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, July 11 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2007 RISE WORKSHOP SERIES
This RISE series is FULL.
Monday, September 24 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, September 26 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, October 1 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, October 3 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, October 8 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, October 10 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, October 15 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, October 17 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, October 22 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Wednesday, October 24 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Monday, October 29 – 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM