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Changing immigration policy will require increased participation by immigrants and their allies in the movement for reform. PICO California understands what’s at stake and is working to bring the voices and concerns of diverse Californians to the debate.
PICO California includes 20 congregation-based community organizations representing 400 congregations and 450,000 families across the state. Its mission is to “translate faith into action” by developing leadership and encouraging civic engagement in congregations throughout California.
The Haas, Jr. Fund currently is supporting PICO California’s Statewide Immigrant Leadership Development Program. The organization is using its Haas, Jr. Fund grant to train immigrant civic leaders in organizing skills so they can build support for policy reform in their communities. PICO California also is using the Fund’s support to mount voter education campaigns on the immigration issue, and to educate communities about the importance of being counted in the 2010 U.S. Census.
“Real immigration reform needs to reflect the interests and concerns of those who are most affected by these policies,” said Sylvia Yee, Vice President of Programs with the Haas, Jr. Fund. “PICO California is providing immigrant communities with training and opportunities to influence the process and shape solutions.”
