IN THIS ISSUE:

Register for CSTI

Creating Space for Dialog on GLBTQ issues

Day Laborer Group Busts Stereotypes on Path to New Workers' Center

Summertime is CSTI time – registration is now open for our popular and ever-evolving gathering for leaders from across the West. Register now to renew your connections with other organizers, sharpen your skills and enjoy some of the best entertainment we've had yet!

We hope you register for CSTI soon, and visit the Center's website to learn more about some of the great work happening here in the West.

Enjoy,

Dan Petegorsky, Executive Director, Western States Center

You've marked your calendars but have you registered yet? This year's CSTI will offer over 30 day-long workshops for grassroots groups on issues you're facing in your daily work. Your choices include:

• Are you ready to take advantage of the buzz created by the presidential election? We'll help you get ready for the fall's opportunities for engagement.
• Wondering how to get your neighbors to stop blaming immigrants for any and all problems? We're offering a wide array of workshops on immigration issues.

Remember, the earlier you register the more workshop choices you'll have.

If your organization received a scholarship packet, remember that the scholarship deadline is June 13th.

Creating Space for Dialog on GLBTQ Issues

This spring, nine Oregon groups gathered for a full-day peer training and dialog about how to incorporate gay/lesbian/bisexual/trans/queer (GLBTQ) issues into their work. The groups -- all based in communities of color or immigrant communities -- spent a day sharing their struggles and ideas about how to make their work include all members of their communities, and worked with our new self-assessment tool for organizations.

"It's the elephant in the room," says Francisco Espericueta of Latinos Unidos Siempre (LUS). LUS organizes youth and develops young leaders in the Salem area. "People know this issue is out there, but it's hard to get started talking about it in our community." Read more...

Day Laborers Bust Stereotypes on Path to New Day Laborer Center

Portland's new day laborer center, scheduled to open later this month, is a great example of how a group that is being marginalized can organize to get themselves a place at the table. Voz Workers' Rights Organizing Project has countered persistent myths and stereotypes about day laborers as they move towards a solid victory for their members.

"People have stereotypes about day laborers, and that makes them afraid." explains Voz director Romeo Sosa. "We keep bringing this back to a workers' rights issue, how a day laborer center will mean safer conditions for the workers and for the neighbors." Read more...

Western States Center Needs You!

Building long-term strategies for progressive social change requires resources. Together, we know that we can make a difference. There are several ways you can help Western States Center. Find out today!