Help End Unjust ICE Deportations in Multnomah County

Join immigrant, faith, labor, and civil liberties advocates to stand up for our communities and say NO to ICE’s unjust deportations in Multnomah County!

Hearing before Multnomah County Commission to pass a resolution supporting our communities’ and requesting prosecutorial discretion on all deportation cases in our region.

Thursday, March 1st, 10am-12pm

Commissioners Board Room
Multnomah Building,
501 SE Hawthorne St.
Portland, Oregon

The hearing will address issues critical to public safety and immigrant rights in Multnomah County. By asking our local law enforcement agencies to do their dirty work, ICE has forced the costs of federal immigration enforcement onto our local governments and their residents, diminished our public safety, and needlessly torn apart thousands of Oregon families. Help us make our voices heard as we support Chair Cogen and the County Board of Commissioners in protecting our communities and seeking accountability from ICE.

Supported by the ACT for Justice and Dignity Network and Causa Oregon

For more information, please visit www.actforjusticeanddignity.org or contact Aeryca Steinbauer at aeryca@causaoregon.org.

Read more »

Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization to Throw Party for LGBT Equality

November 29, 2011

Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization to Throw Party for LGBT Equality

Salem, Ore.--On December 8th, Causa, Oregon’s Immigrant Rights Organization, will host a “Coming Out Party” marking our year of work towards LGBT equality. The event will showcase Causa's LGBTQ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer) work and highlight the importance of and history behind creating alliances and conversations between the LGBTQ community and the Latino community.

December 8, 2011 | 6:00-8:00 pm
Causa’s Coming Out Party
theSlate
2001 NW 19th Ave #104
Portland, Oregon

While Causa has always been supportive of LGBTQ issues, in this past year we have been intentional about our work for LGBTQ equality, and are moving this work forward as part of our organizational identity. This is the first time in Causa's history that our organization has hired an organizer to do LGBTQ alliance building work with the Latino community and the only group to organize LGBT Latin@s in the mid-valley.

“Even though we’ve taken action in support of LGBT equality for years, we feel this year was our ‘Coming Out’ year because we started our work for LGBT equality in a more integrated, public way,” says Steinbauer. “The Coming Out Party will be a fun time to celebrate this work and recognize the leadership and contributions of LGBT Latinos and Latinas.”

“Causa was honored to accept this year’s Equality Champion award at Basic Rights Oregon’s (BRO) 2011 Annual Dinner,” said Francisco Lopez, Causa’s Executive Director. “This award along with feedback from our staff and supporters has helped us recognize the many ways our alliance has made us stronger, from joint fundraising to strategizing on legislative and electoral campaigns to mobilizing our bases in support of each other’s issues. We are excited to celebrate our "Coming Out" as an organization, while recognizing the LGBTQ Latino immigrant community.”

Tickets for the event are $15 advance, or $25 at the door. Those interested in purchasing tickets can link here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/201409, visit Causa's website at www.causaoregon.org or contact Causa’s LGBT organizer, Christian Baeff at 503-737-7014 or christian@causaoregon.org

For media inquiries, please contact Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of Causa at 503-269-5694 or Erik Sorensen, Communications Director at 503-488-0263

###

Causa, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Organization, is the largest Hispanic civil and human rights and grassroots advocacy organization in the Pacific Northwest. We work to defend and advance immigrant rights through coordination with local, state, and national coalitions and allies. For more information, visit www.causaoregon.org

Read more »

Uniting Communities: Supporting ALL Latinos

November 14, 2011

Uniting Communities: Supporting ALL Latin@s
by Aeryca Steinbauer

It’s been a year since Causa launched our Uniting Communities initiative! In this newsletter we bring you an update on our work to integrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality into the core work of Causa. While we have always worked as an ally with LGBT organizations, in this past year we included the struggle for LGBT equality as a core part of our organizational values.

Our understanding of and commitment to LGBT issues has grown in many ways.

We educated ourselves on the issues that LGBT Latin@s face, and forged relationships with LGBT Latin@ groups such as SOMOS, whose leaders helped organize our most recent Equality Assembly in Portland. Causa’s own LGBT Latin@s group has expanded to meeting every Monday in Salem, currently the only group to organize LGBT Latin@s in the mid-valley.

We increased the broader Latin@ community’s understanding of LGBT issues by bringing queer DREAM Activist Yahaira Carrillo to speak at Immigrant Action Day and including Causa’s LGBT Latin@s group in the May Day program. We launched a new series of leadership classes and community Equality Assemblies that include LGBT issues. In partnership with Basic Rights Oregon, we launched a Spanish-language radio advertising campaign that addressed the importance of family acceptance and marriage equality.

Throughout this year we’ve been asked many times why we’re doing this work. We work for LGBT equality because it’s a part of our organizational values of dignity and respect for all. We work for LGBT equality so we can better serve all members of the Latin@ community, especially since LGBT Latin@s are disproportionately affected by issues such as immigration reform, driver’s license access, and health equity.

Finally, we support LGBT equality because it is strategic. We simply can’t move forward a pro-immigrant agenda in this political climate alone. We must build alliances around common values with many sectors, including the LGBT community. Alliance building already made us stronger in our ability to mobilize, raise funds, and develop leadership in our base. Alliance building will be crucial in achieving driver’s license restoration, tuition equity, immigration reform, and justice for ALL Latin@ families, including LGBT families.

We were honored to accept a 2011 Equality Champion award at Basic Rights Oregon’s annual dinner, and we recognize the many ways our alliance has made us stronger, from joint fundraising to strategizing on legislative and electoral campaigns to mobilizing our bases in support of each other’s issues.

To recognize Causa’s year of working for LGBT equality more intentionally and publicly, we are throwing a Coming Out Party! Join us on December 8th to celebrate and support this work. Causa’s Coming Out Party will take place from 6:00-8:00 pm at theSlate (2001 NW 19th Ave #104 Portland, OR). Learn more about the event and purchase tickets for $15 online by linking here or contact Christian at christian@causaoregon.org or (503) 737-7014.

Read more »

Immigrant Rights Organization Recognized for Work in Oregon

Immigrant Rights Organization Recognized for Work in Oregon

Sen. Merkley presenting award to Causa

We are honored to announce that Causa was presented with two awards—one from Basic Rights Oregon (BRO) and the other from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

During BRO's "Ignite!" Gala on October 7th, Aeryca Steinbauer and Christian Baeff accepted the Equality Champion-Racial Justice award on behalf of Causa in recognition of our efforts to integrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality into the core work of our organization. The award was presented by US Senator Jeff Merkley.

Examples of the work recognized by Basic Rights Oregon include Causa's LGBT Latin@ leaders group, inclusion of LGBT equality as a priority at Causa's Immigrant Action Day and May Day, leadership classes on issues of equality, and Spanish-language educational radio ads about family acceptance and marriage equality.

Causa Director Francisco Lopez

On October 14th, during AILA's 8th Annual Immigrant Achievement Awards Benefit, Francisco Lopez, Causa's Executive Director was presented with the Oregon Immigrant Achievement Award for his work and his leadership at Causa. The award was presented by Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul DeMuniz.

Past recipients include: Serge D'Rovencourt, Former General Manager, Portland Hilton (1986-2000); Sokhom Tauch, Executive Director of Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); Kayse Jama, Executive Director of Center for Intercultural Organizing; Heinz Rudolf, BOORA Architechts; Junki Yoshida, Founder & President, Yoshida Group; Gert Boyle, Chair of the Board of Directors, Columbia Sportswear Company; and Vera Katz, Mayor of Portland (1992-2005)

We would like to thank both Basic Rights Oregon and the American Immigrant Lawyers Association for their awards and recognition of Causa.

For more details about Causa and our work, please visit http://www.causaoregon.org/

Read more »

Two Groups, One Cause: "Freedom to Marry" Campaign Launches in OR

Two Groups, One Cause: "Freedom to Marry" Campaign Launches in OR

August 30, 2011
Chris Thomas, Public News Service - OR
AUDIO: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/mp3.php?f=rss-21917-1.mp3

PORTLAND, Ore. - The focus is on what unites people, rather than what divides them, in a new campaign in Oregon to promote strong families, no matter what their members' sexual orientations. The immigrants' rights group CAUSA, and Basic Rights Oregon, which advocates for GLBT Oregonians, have launched a new campaign to prompt discussion among Latinos about the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.

Francisco Lopez, executive director of CAUSA, says it's a matter of human rights, already a familiar challenge to immigrants in Oregon.

"We have been struggling for equality for these many years. But we want equality for everybody in the Latino community, regardless of the color of your skin, you know, or your sexual orientation, and that's what we're doing. And this is something that we Latinos understand very very well."

Lopez says the campaign, called "Our Families," includes radio ads, community forums and leadership development in the GLBT community.

In the most recent poll by the Pew Research Center, 41 percent of Hispanics in the United States favor same-sex marriage and 47 percent oppose it, a gap that has narrowed in the past few years.

Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, says the two groups have worked together before, but it's usually been in the face of having to defend their rights against conservative political efforts.

"There have been many years of anti-gay and anti-immigrant ballot measures in Oregon, and so to be doing something that's positive and affirming, and on our own terms, is very fulfilling."

Frazzini says they're still considering whether to put same-sex marriage to a vote on the Oregon ballot in 2012, and that advocates will do so only if they believe there's a reasonable expectation of success. The going could be tough, however, with such groups as the National Organization for Marriage supporting a federal constitutional amendment "defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F21917-1

Read more »

Spanish radio ads highlight why marriage matters

New radio ads designed to reach out to Latino communities about the freedom to marry hit Oregon airwaves this month. The ad campaign highlights the strong relationship between two powerful statewide, grassroots organizations: Basic Rights Oregon, which advocates for gay and transgender rights, and CAUSA, which advocates for immigrant rights.

The ads are in Spanish and will run on Spanish-language radio in the Portland region for four weeks. They tell the stories of Latino families coming to terms with having a gay child, and underscore the importance of family supporting each other.

Every gay person is part of someone’s family.  As a Latina, I believe in loving my neighbor, in treating others as we would like to be treated, and in never turning our backs on family.

Marriage has brought so much happiness to my life. And I wouldn’t want any member of anyone’s family—gay or straight—to be denied that chance at happiness. [Excerpt from one ad, translated to English]

Listen to an ad in Spanish: Causa-BRO-Radio-Spot-2

“Regardless of the language you speak and whether you are gay or straight, marriage is about love, family and commitment,” said Francisco Lopez, Executive Director of CAUSA. “We hope these radio spark conversations within Hispanic communities and households about why marriage matters.”

As the ads begin airing, CAUSA is coordinating community briefings in the Latino community and has expanded its community education program to generate dialogue in the Latino community about the freedom to marry and the experiences of gay and transgender families.

“Basic Rights Oregon and CAUSA have a rich history of working together to advance human rights and democracy in Oregon,” said Jeana Frazzini, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. “We have spent years united to defend our communities from attacks on our human rights. Together, we are stronger.”


For more information about the work of Basic Rights Oregon, please see http://www.basicrights.org/
For more information about the work of CAUSA, please see http://www.causaoregon.org/



Also posted at: http://www.lovecommitmentmarriage.org/blog/spanish-radio-ads-highlight-why-marriage-matters/

Read more »

A Conversation with Jose Artiga of SHARE Foundation in Portland & Salem

CAUSA and SHARE invite you to join us for an exciting event in a town near you.

Come participate in a conversation with Jose Artiga, Executive Director of SHARE, about the current economic, environmental, and political struggles in El Salvador and the importance of the upcoming elections.

Read more »

Gathering on Saturday in Portland to Honor Mothers

Portland, Ore.-- Vecinos en Alerta, CAUSA Oregon and individual members of the NE Portland Community will gather in NE Portland on Saturday, May 7th in honor of Mother’s Day. Those attending the neighborhood gathering will show their gratitude for those special moms in their lives and the work they do. There will also be awareness raised about the need for affordable housing and respect for all immigrants.

Mother’s Day Gathering
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Corner of NE Killingsworth Street and NE Cully Blvd.

Participants will walk to Fernhill Park at the corner of NE Ainsworth Street and Cesar Chavez Blvd for a Rally.

For more information please contact Reyna Lopez at 971.240.7414 or at reyna@causaoregon.org

Read more »

CAUSA Oregon presents 2011 Latino Legislative Agenda in Salem

Salem, Ore.-- Yesterday, CAUSA presented it's 2011 Latino Legislative Agenda in a briefing at the Oregon State Capitol. Those attending the briefing included Oregon State Representatives and Senators from both parties—Republicans and Democrats, coalition partners and leaders from the community.

Issues discussed at the briefing  included affordable housing, education, public safety, health, and jobs and the economy.

Those presenting at the briefing included CAUSA's Executive Director Francisco Lopez, Frank Garcia, Executive Director of the Governor's Affirmative Action Office, Oregon State Senator Chip Shields (D-Portland), Oregon State Representative Bill Kennemer (R-Oregon City), Oregon State Representative Tina Kotek (D-Portland), Emily McLain, Executive Director of Oregon Student Association (OSA), Oregon State Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland), Oregon State Representative Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), Attorney Barbara Ghio, Peter Hainley, Executive Director of CASA of Oregon and Attorney Michael Dale.

Superintendent Susan Castillo 

Also attending the briefing included Oregon Department of Education Superintendent Susan Castillo, Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, President of PCUN Ramon Ramirez, Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) Director/CEO Jeff Stone, Kelly Weigel, Director of Western States Center, members of the Service Employees International Union and others.

Videos of speakers presenting at the briefing:

• Francisco Lopez introduces CAUSA's 2011 Latino Legislative Agenda
• Frank Garcia Director of the Governor Kitzhaber's Affirmative Action Office
• Oregon State Senator Chip Shields (D-Portland) discusses Public Safety
• Oregon State Rep. Bill Kennemer (R-Oregon City) discusses Healthcare
• Oregon State Rep. Tina Kotek (D-Portland) discusses Public Safety
• Emily McLain with Oregon Student Association discusses Tuition Equity
• Oregon State Rep. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland) discusses Tuition Equity
• Attorney Barbara Ghio discusses the issue of Public Safety
• Peter Hainley, CASA.of Oregon discusses Farmworker Housing
• Attorney Michael Dale discusses Wage Theft
• Francisco Lopez's closing remarks on CAUSA's Legislative Briefing

Photos of the briefing can be found here: http://s516.photobucket.com/albums/u329/CAUSAOregon/2011%20Latino%20Legislative%20Agenda%20Briefing/?albumview=slideshow

Related News:
Oregon Latino community visits Salem to lobby for 2011 legislative agenda

Read more »

Oregon Latino Organizers Have Plans for Active Spring

Check out the full article from OPB News featuring interviews from CAUSA’s Director, Francisco Lopez and Guadelupe Quinn, CAUSA’s Lane County Regional Coordinator. For the complete audio of the story, visit this link.

Latino Organizers Planning Active Spring On Several Fronts

BY APRIL BAER

Oregon Latino organizers are thinking about several different goals this spring. Some are taking aim at boosting education funding, or the state-level restrictions on drivers' licensing. But the most intense organizing is directed at the federal government, and immigration policy. >>read more

Read more »

Immigrant Action Day this Saturday

This Saturday, CAUSA will host it's annual Immigrant Action Day at Chemeketa Community College in Salem.

At this year's event, speakers will provide information about:

Comprehensive immigration reform possibilities under the Obama Administration

Impact of Oregon's stricter driver's license rules

Civil and legal rights

Advocacy Efforts at the State and National Level

Annual Immigrant Action Day
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m
Location: Chemeketa Community College, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Building 2, Salem

Sponsors: LUS Chemeketa Community College Chapter and CAUSA

For more information, please contact Francisco López at (503) 269-5694

Read more »

IRCO to Hold Event This Evening Marking World Refugee Day

Portland, OR--This evening, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is holding a fundraiser titled “Jazz for Peace” to mark World Refugee Day. The fundraiser will begin at 6:30 at the World Trade Center in Downtown Portland.

IRCO was founded 32 years ago by refugees to help incoming refugees. The mission of the IRCO is to promote the integration of refugees, immigrants, and the community at large into a self-sufficient, healthy, and inclusive multiethnic society. Among the services the organization provides includes employment preparation and placement, and networks of culturally specific continuums of social services

On Wednesday, KATU news interviewed Rowanne Haley and Sheila Garcia from the organization. That interview can be watched by linking here.

In 2000, The United Nations General Assembly designated June 20th as World Refugee Day to recognize and celebrate the contribution of refugees throughout the world.

For more details on how to get involved with IRCO or information about tickets for the Jazz for Peace event taking place this evening, please call their central office at 503 234-1541

Read more »

CAUSA Debuts May Day Music Video featuring Chris Meza

Today, CAUSA debuted a music video highlighting scenes from last Thursday’s May Day March for Immigrant Rights. The video features a performance by Chris Meza, a new, up and coming Latino composer, producer and vocal artist.



Included in the video are clips from the May Day March and Rally in Salem where 2,500 immigrant rights supporters gathered to call for a restoration of drivers licenses for all Oregon Residents, passage of fair, just and non-punitive immigration reform and a halt to anti-immigrant legislation and workplace raids.

In addition to the march and rally footage, the video also contains segments from speeches given during the rally. Among the speakers featured are (in order) Ramon Ramirez , President of (PCUN) Northwest Treeplanters and Farmworkers United, State Representative Chip Shields and Rev. Gail McDougal of the First Congregational Church in Salem.

For more information or for copies of the video, please contact CAUSA’s Communication Department.

To view the high quality version of the video, please visit this link and select "Watch in High Quality" below the video controls, just under the number of "Views"

Read more »