CAUSA is a well known non-profit organization in Oregon that speaks and fights for undocumented immigrants rights. CAUSA was first established in 1995, primarily to address discriminatory laws and policies that are in violation of Human Rights for undocumented immigrants. Recently, they have been featured on the news regarding immigration reform across the nation. On Thursday, November 7, 2013, Lara Media Services had the opportunity and privilege to attend an event in recognition of CAUSA. The purpose of this event was for CAUSA to reveal and discuss their plans for the upcoming 2014 year.
Victoria Lara (CEO of Lara Media Services), the host of the event introduced the leaders of CAUSA and thanked everyone in attendance. Andrea Miller, the new director of CAUSA, introduced herself along with her co-workers, where they discussed and emphasized the importance of CAUSA’s goals, mission, and objectives. Andrea introduced her coworkers Lorena Manzo, who works on behalf of CAUSA in the Woodburn area, and Christian Baeff, who works to improve the rights of the LGBTQ community in Oregon. Further, the leaders of CAUSA discussed the significance of immigration reform, Bill SB 833, also known as Oregon Driver Card, jobs, economic and health equity. Lorena Manzo shared how much they need volunteers to help promote their causes and to inform about legislative issues in regards to the bills CAUSA is supporting.
Andrea and Lorena then introduced Marina, one of their active volunteers to share her story of her personal struggles and how CAUSA has been a strong and reliable support to her and her family. Marina continues to volunteer to ensure CAUSA can continue helping people in similar situations. As she shared her story, everyone in the room listened intensely; expressions across the room ranged from sadness and compassion to resentment towards the system for how no one would help this young single mother. Once she finished her story, Andrea Miller and Lorena Manzo discussed how everyone can help by either donating or help promote CAUSA at other events so the community is informed correctly about CAUSA’s mission.
Finally, Lorena and Andrea discussed the upcoming events for the remainder of the year including: the American Dream event in December in Portland and the LGBQT retreat. Lorena discussed the importance of the American dream event, and how this event recognizes members of the community who give support and give a helping hand to CAUSA and their endeavors. Andrea also mentioned important events to remember for next year such as: Immigrant Action day on February 8th, and May Day on May 1st , among others. Keep checking the CAUSA blog and social media for upcoming events in Greg Walden’s district.
If you would like more information about CAUSA and how you can help, visit http://causaoregon.org/. For volunteering opportunities contact Reyna at reyna@causaoregon.org for more information on how to get involved.