Center For Intercultural Organizing

The Center for Intercultural Organizing, often referred to as Unite Oregon, is a diverse, grassroots organization dedicated to building a multicultural movement for immigrant and refugee rights. Their mission is to advocate for these communities through education, civic engagement, community organizing and mobilization, and intergenerational leadership development. The organization works tirelessly to empower individuals and communities, providing opportunities for youth leadership, equity in economic development, and addressing systemic barriers to education.

In the realm of youth leadership, Unite Oregon has implemented the Yield (Youth-Led Involvement Through Engagement and Leadership Development) program. This initiative offers leadership development training to students, enabling them to participate in youth organizing, community-based leadership, and social justice training. The curriculum aims to enhance academic performance, confidence, and graduation rates for students who have been disproportionately affected by discrimination.

The organization's work in economic development focuses on building equitable economic ecosystems that prioritize the needs of immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities. Unite Oregon has launched the BIPOC, Refugee, Immigrant Development Growth & Economic Sustainability (BRIDGES) program, aimed at retaining wealth in systematically and institutionally excluded communities, with the goal of launching 40 BIPOC-owned small businesses over a period of 2-3 years. Additionally, Unite Oregon has initiated an initiative to establish childcare centers and support childcare small business owners.

In response to the climate crisis, Unite Oregon has conducted a virtual climate justice listening tour, engaging with frontline communities to hear their needs, concerns, and ideas regarding climate and environmental justice. The organization's Rogue Valley chapter provides direct support for community-led organizing to prepare for impending climate disasters. Unite Oregon's approach to climate justice involves education, leadership development, and building relationships and trust within communities to address urgent climate needs.

Furthermore, Unite Oregon has provided free legal aid and rent assistance to BIPOC Oregonians facing eviction and housing threats. The organization's organizing team has shown pride in recruiting a multicultural and intergenerational cohort of participants, including several youth, to build advocacy and organizing skills. This initiative is an expansion to further build community capacity after the success of the first phase of the program in developing the cohort's skills.