COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Refugee and Immigrant Solidarity Education (RISE) Workshop
A Six-Week Long Popular Education Course

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE!

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2009 RISE WORKSHOP SERIES
Monday January 12 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday January 14 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday January 19 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday January 21 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday January 26 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday January 28 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday February 2 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday February 4 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday February 9 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday February 11 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday February 16 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday February 18 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE!

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 each other 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 likely be considered in the new Congress.

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 activity. 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 issues immigrants and refugees face in our community.

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 as well as the contributions they make
• 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 activity 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
• 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 activity
• 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
• 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 paper at beginning and end of course (2-3 double-spaced pages each)
2. Course readings and articles
3. Plan for group project
4. Participation in group project
5. Final assessment of learning acquired during the course (online survey)

TEXTS:

• Reader of information and articles provided by instructors

********2009 WINTER RISE WORKSHOP DATES********

JANUARY-FEBRUARY RISE WORKSHOP SERIES
Monday January 12 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday January 14 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday January 19 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday January 21 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday January 26 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday January 28 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday February 2 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday February 4 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday February 9 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday February 11 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Monday February 16 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Wednesday February 18 - 6:00 to 8:30 PM