The physical act of turning to that first blank page of a brand new calendar is a reminder of all the space that lies before us in which we can imagine and create and bring about something new. The dawning of 2012 brings with it exciting possibilities for folks in this community to come together and work for positive change. In December, Francisco Lopez, the Director of Causa, a powerful immigrant rights organization in Oregon, came to CUMC with Barbara Ghio, a volunteer Causa lawyer with extensive experience in immigration law. Not only did they provide valuable information to the 75-some adults who joined us that evening, but they inspired all of us to action, reminding us of the power each of us has to let our voices to be known and to shape policy that affects us and our families and communities. At the end of the lively evening, many participants expressed interest in participating in future gatherings, and they will soon have another opportunity to do so! In February and March, CUMC will host a Causa-led popular education leadership class for Spanish-speakers in Cornelius. Soon after the course is completed, the church will be the site for a naturalization workshop, where legal permanent residents who are eligible to apply for US citizenship can come and meet with volunteer lawyers who will help them fill out applications and begin the process. I am very excited to be partnering with Causa and with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (who will provide the attorneys) as we organize and educate ourselves and empower leaders to advocate for our community in the halls of power.
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