Approach the Analysis
Step 1: My Chosen Approach
Generally: My approach to bridging the gap of disparities among immigrants is to build support systems to empower them with programs that support self-sufficiency, community organization, educational outreach and bilingual direct assistance.
Specific Approach/Organization: Los Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center, Durango Colorado www.companeros.org
Specific Approach/Organization: Los Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center, Durango Colorado www.companeros.org
Step 2: Research
- Whats the History of the program and how did it expand?: "Compañeros began in 1999 as a diverse grassroots coalition that formed to block the construction of an immigration detention center in La Plata County. Following this victory, the coalition formalized into a program of the San Juan Citizens Alliance, a local environmental justice nonprofit, until becoming an independent 501(c)3 organization in 2011. The founders of Compañeros differed in race, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, immigration status, and political affiliation but all shared the values of promoting social justice, equity, and inclusivity."
- Whats Los Compañeros mission?: "We are dedicated to empowering the immigrant population of the rural Four Corners region to live fulfilling lives, achieve self-sufficiency, and become active members of society. We strive to make our community a more inclusive and welcoming place where people from all different backgrounds can thrive and flourish."
- Whats Their approach method?: "Educational programs to anyone who wants to be part of these learning lessons. they have a building to teach these lessons located at Albertsons."
- Whats one of their successes?: One of their biggest successes was to prevent a immigration detention in La Plata County and provide services to immigrantes as well as educating the community of the immigration issues. They are a small scaled organization that helps with education of immigrants who struggle to understand the English language. Helping them to know our government and laws, and developing long term community relationships.
Step 3: My Analysis
What I like
I like the local help that Los Compañeros gives to the community. It helps immigrants get a better understanding of the United States government and laws. It is important for them to understand these laws in order to be able to become a functioning part of society and to make better connections to our community as a whole. It helps the immigrants by humanizing them rather than having them flounder in a strange and alien world.
Limitations
Below are some of the limitations that I see regarding a small organization.
This will apply to my proposal of outreach because it provides a construct which has been used to bridge the gap between immigrants and citizens of the United States. My proposal is to continue to work in this area and help bridge the gap between immigrants and society. Like this small grassroots organization that exists in LaPlata County my proposal may be accepted by those who share common interests.
What I like
I like the local help that Los Compañeros gives to the community. It helps immigrants get a better understanding of the United States government and laws. It is important for them to understand these laws in order to be able to become a functioning part of society and to make better connections to our community as a whole. It helps the immigrants by humanizing them rather than having them flounder in a strange and alien world.
Limitations
Below are some of the limitations that I see regarding a small organization.
- Campaigning for continuing funds
- Getting the word to the community that they exist
- Limited personnel
This will apply to my proposal of outreach because it provides a construct which has been used to bridge the gap between immigrants and citizens of the United States. My proposal is to continue to work in this area and help bridge the gap between immigrants and society. Like this small grassroots organization that exists in LaPlata County my proposal may be accepted by those who share common interests.