[Peace] Fwd: ATTENTION: Urbana Champaign Immigration advocates and local residents interested in immigration issues

[Brian Dolinar]

This gathering today at 4pm at the YMCA for people working on immigration
issues. BD

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ri Diaz <xpenn.diaz at gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 4:14 PM


 Dear Friends:

I am writing to invite you to two forums between individuals working on
immigration issues in Champaign County.
Please consider joining us on the following dates:

Tuesday, January 18th from 4:00 to 5:30PM
University YMCA
<http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=university+ymca+champaign&fb=1&gl=us&hq=university+ymca&hnear=Champaign,+IL&cid=15979210432205234870>
 1001 South Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820


Tuesday, February 1st from 4:00 to 5:30PM
University YMCA, 1001 South Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820

Over the past year, I have talked to a number of individuals, some long-time
residents and some new, who work in any number of areas - community service,
religion, education, social justice activism, etc - that address the issues
of immigration and immigrant rights.  It is apparent that some county
residents have yet to meet each other; many seem to feel that they are
alone or have activities that would be of mutual interest and to their
clients/constituencies.

The first purpose of the open forum would therefore be to introduce
ourselves to one another, to exchange cards, strategies, successes, and
failures so that we can *renew* the positive spirit of immigration that
moves us all to contribute .

The second purpose is to find *commonalities,* build bridges, and possibly
formulate a  common vision and a broader coalition.

The last year has had curtailed visas, more legal enforcement, and more
negativity towards all immigrants. Neglected have been the many *
contributions* that we make to help our society better. The few working in
services or advocacy may yet have to defend their positive labor. Our
combined effort can maintain the language and tone of discussion with the
local public that has supported us in the past. Importantly, even a loose
coordination in framing the issues could sway those that have begun to
listen to negative rhetoric.

To fully explore both purposes, I have arranged for two meetings.  The first
will be held at the University YMCA on Tuesday, January 18th from 4:00 to
5:30PM, and the second will be held two weeks later at the same place and at
the same time on February 1st.

Please let me know via email or phone if you will attend the *Forums on
Immigration* meetings on January 18 and February 1st.  I look forward to
your presence and insights.

Sincerely,

Ricardo Díaz

cell # 217 979-0255

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Notes:
Do pass along this notice. The sessions are open to all those interested in
bettering the climate for immigrants in the area; you do not have to
represent an organization to attend and no organization need be cited unless
its objectives or board have had a chance to consider participation in this
positive effort. Participation may be discrete if you so wish.

Sessions will be held in English and we welcome all efforts to make them
multi-lingual.

Do bring business cards and flyers to start making each other aware of
offered programs, trainings, issues.

Parking around campus is strictly enforced at the meters but all university
parking lots that don't say "Reserved 24 hours" are OK places to park after
4 PM.
Public Transit route: Wright &
Chalmers<http://maps.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x880cd73e63b29127:0x9f81d31689dc46e9&q=type:transit_station:%22Wright+%26+Chalmers%22&gl=us&ved=0CE8QgQVIAA&sa=X&ei=OIYnTb79J4TWNMTe9LsG>

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-- 
Brian Dolinar, Ph.D.
303 W. Locust St.
Urbana, IL 61801
briandolinar at gmail.com
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