CSTI is the premier movement-building event for Western progressives, with three full days of intensive training and networking for social justice organizers. The event is designed for leaders and staff of organizations who are working to address civil rights, immigration, gender justice, women's leadership, electoral power and other critical struggles facing our communities. Click here for more about CSTI 2007!

Also taking place at CSTI:
CAPACITY BUILDING INSTITUTE for Women & Trans People of Color Led Organizations
Thursday, August 2
Organizational Applications Required

EXPANDING THE MOVEMENT
The Center Trains New Social Change Organizers

From May 3rd through 5th, Western States Center will be training new staff and volunteers of 12 grassroots organizations in the region. This Introduction to Social Change Organizing course reflects both a renewed interest in base-building and groups' expanding organizing campaigns.

Participating organizations: African Women's Coalition (OR), Basic Rights Oregon (OR), Center for Intercultural Organizing (OR), Equality State Policy Center (WY), Latinos Unidos Siempre (OR), Montana Women Vote (MT), Native American Youth and Family Center (OR), Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (NV), Salem Keizer Coalition for Equality (OR), Stonewall Youth (WA), VOZ (OR)

U.S. SOCIAL FORUM
Another World is Possible - Another U.S. is Necessary

The U.S. Social Forum (USSF) is more than a conference, more than a networking bonanza, more than a reaction to war and repression. The event sends a message to people around the world that there is an active movement in the United States opposing destructive U.S. policies at home and abroad. Western States Center did a quick scan of travel resources for groups in our region who are interested in attending the event in Atlanta, Georgia this June. We contacted a range of state and regional funders, and have posted our findings on the Center's web site. Click here for information.

TOOLS OF THE MONTH
Raid Resistance

Given increased immigration enforcement activity in recent months by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), immigrant rights advocates and local communities are preparing for future raids. National Immigration Law Center (NILC) has assembled the following tools for individuals, organizations and communities:

How to Be Prepared for an Immigration Raid (Eng)
Como prepararse para una redada de inmigración (Esp)

Community Raid Preparedness Checklist: Lessons Learned from New Bedford, MA, and Marshalltown, IA (Eng)

Rights during immigration raids (Eng)
Protéjase de las redadas de inmigración (Esp)

Community Resource Kit: Information on ICE Enforcement, Detention, and Deportation (Eng)

SITE OF THE MONTH
Breakthrough

Breakthrough is an international human rights organization that uses education and popular culture to promote values of dignity, equality and justice. From video logs (vlogs) to animation shorts, Breakthrough uses cutting edge technology to organize for change. Their web site is chock-a-block full of immigration and gender justice teaching tools, all available for download.