Something is breaking free in rural Oregon. As I’ve traveled the state in the past two weeks I’ve sense a hope in the air – that the immigration reform that escaped us in 2006 and every year since will finally be a reality.
Join the Rural Organizing Project, CAUSA, and PCUN Farmworkers Union for the
**March for ONE Oregon**
to unite behind our vision of immigration reform and fair treatment for all in our community.
The March will be in Congressional District 2 from March 5th to 9th – We invite statewide participation!
Last Monday, the Senate released their framework for immigration reform. The next day, President Obama spoke in Las Vegas about the need to move quickly, and the White House released his framework – if Congress can’t come to agreement, he said, he will push forward his own version of reform.
Are we happy with these proposals? Take a look for yourself and let us know what you think.
- President Obama’s Proposal
- Senate Framework
- Digest Version Handout from CAUSA comparing the two frameworks
We are thrilled to see a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented Americans (especially in Obama’s proposal), each with their own story of struggle, their own hopes that may soon be within reach. We’re glad that the visa process will be sped up, and that uniting families will be a top priority.
On the other hand, we are disappointed that both frameworks talk about the need to beef up border security, with contract handouts to private corporations, and further militarization of the border. The Senate proposal even talks about using unmanned drones to patrol the border! We’re frustrated that there is no mention of stopping the 400,000 deportations that are happening every year under Obama, that he defends the system that criminalizes immigrants, even charges them with felonies, for crossing the border looking for work or to be reunited with their family – and that many of these people could be disqualified from a legalization as “criminals.” Colorlines has come up with a great graphic looking at who could be excluded from immigration reform.
So what are we going to do? We will march. We will unite. We’ll show Congress, our neighbors, our allies, and ourselves that we are willing to do what it takes for an immigration reform we can be proud of.
“March for ONE Oregon” Bus Tour
From March 5th to March 9th, 50 Oregonians will get on a bus to travel Central and Eastern Oregon for the March for ONE Oregon to let Walden know that we are united in demanding that families be united under this immigration reform. We’ll hold up the urgent need for drivers licesnes on the state level. We’ll start in Central Oregon, travel to the Gorge, to Eastern Oregon, to Idaho, then unite with our allies in Washington State in Walla Walla on a 5 day tour, hosting rallies, press conferences, vigils, sharing stories, and meeting new activists along the way.
We have limited space on the bus, so fill out an application (included below) and email it back to keyla@rop.org as soon as possible if would like to apply to join us for the entire tour.
If you can’t make the entire 5-day trip, you can still join us for one or more of the local events that will happen in each town – Bend, Madras, Hood River, The Dalles, Boardman, Hermiston, Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City, and Ontario are all on the route. We will release dates, times and places in the next few weeks.
We hope you will join us for this historic march. This is the time to be seen. It will be an experience that shapes who we are. Together we can achieve great things this year.
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“MARCH FOR ONE OREGON” BUS TOUR
MARCH 5TH – 9TH, 2013
Participant Application and Commitment
NAME:
TELEPHONE & BEST TIME TO CALL:
E-MAIL:
ADDRESS:
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE:
GROUP/ORGANIZATION:
LANGUAGES:
- As a marcher, I understand that I will:
_Support the mission and message of the “March for One Oregon”:
- Support Fair and Just Immigration Reform
- Support Driver’s License Restoration
- Racial Justice and Unity across Races, Ethnicities, and Documentation Status
_Know that my space and food is reserved for me and notify organizers of any change in my status at the earliest possible moment.
_Pitch in with planning and fund raising efforts as much as possible.
_Participate in scheduled events during the tour.
_Represent my county, my values, and organization in a responsible and respectful manner.
_Follow all rules and guidelines set forth by the “March for One Oregon”
_Keep an attitude of flexibility and openness to the experience we will have together
_Carry the message of the tour home with me, and organize an event or activity to share this message with my community
- I represent the following constituencies:
_I am an Elected Official
_I am leader of a Faith Community
_Leader at immigrant/Latino group
_I represent a labor organization or union
_I am a business owner
- I have the following skills:
_Media/Journalism
o (Please specify ________________)
_Attorney / Legal Background
_Artist/Musician
_Public speaking
- I pledge to (you must check one option):
___ Be present as a bus rider on the March for the entire five days: March 5th – March 9th
___ Arrange to be present on the tour for the days and times indicated below:
Tuesday, March 5th, Central Oregon: Daytime_________ Evening_________
Wednesday, March 6, The Gorge: Daytime_________ Evening_________
Thursday, March 7, Eastern Oregon: Daytime_________ Evening_________
Friday, March 8, Eastern Oregon and Idaho: Daytime_________ Evening_________
Saturday, March 9, Walla Walla, WA: Daytime_________ Evening_________
* Overnight accommodations as well as 3 meals a day will be arranged for 50-55 participants who will ride the bus for the entire duration of the tour. We encourage other guests to join us on their own at each stop, or to caravan, following the bus in their own vehicles.
* The March for ONE Oregon will begin at 12pm in Bend on Tuesday, March 5th, and end in Bend on the evening of Saturday, March 9th.
- Are you able to make a donation to cover expenses?
(a donation is not necessary, but is appreciated)
__ $0, request for full scholarship
__ $100 covers one day on the bus tour
__ $500 covers your expenses for the entire bus tour
__ I can make a donation of ____________
- Please indicate any dietary, sleeping, walking, transportation or any other special needs you may have:
______________________________
- I, (print name)_________________________
_______ , am committed to participate on the “March for One Oregon Bus Tour 2013” . I understand that this is a great honor and responsibility and I will support the mission of this event.
Signature: ______________________________
Why do you wish to join the March for ONE Oregon Bus Tour?
Return this form as soon as possible, or by February 25th. The options are:
- Mail it to: ROP, P.O. Box 1350, Scappoose, Oregon 97056. ATTE: Keyla
- Call 503-543-8417 so we can take your information
- Copy and paste the application on your email, fill it out and send it to: keyla@rop.org