Past Events
12/17/2006
Candlelight Vigil - Uniting Families Separated by a Broken Immigration System
Removing ourselves from the hyper-political debate on immigration, on this occasion we invite you to reflect on the experiences of families and walk with us.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Milo Bail Student Center, 2nd Flr Ballroom
4:00p.m. Open Forum and Testimonials
5:30p.m. Candlelight Vigil to the Memorial Park Overpass "Bridging Families Together"For more information, contact: srulla@yahoo.com
Co-sponsored by the Office of Latino/Latin American Studies (OLLAS), the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law and the Public Interest, the Creighton Center for Service and Justice, Justice for Our Neighbors and the Chicano Awareness Center.
View Event Flyers in English and Spanish
12/14/2006 Training on Immigrants and Public Benefits
2pm-5pm
Southeast Community College Continuing Education Center Room 304
301 S. 68th (68th and O), Lincoln, NENebraska Appleseed is offering a training that will explain immigrant eligibility for key public programs and services such as:
- Medicaid
- food and nutrition programs
- child care for working parents
- job training assistance
The training will also help navigate some of the questions service providers may have about eligibility in families with mixed legal immigration status.
Please RSVP to Gloria at so that we can prepare enough materials. Please feel free to invite others from your organization. Do your clients have questions about other subjects? Watch for future trainings on immigrant workers’ rights, immigrant banking options, and other topics in the New Year!
11/11/2006 Naturalization Workshop
8am - 5pm
Location TBA10/27/2006
10/28/2006Eighth Annual “Strengthening and Valuing Latino/a Communities in Iowa Conference”
At the Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines, Iowa
For more information, contact:
Diane Finnerty - (319) 335-4933 - diane-finnerty@uiowa.edu
Kate Kemp - (319) 335-1254 - kat-kemp@uiowa.edu
10/25/2006 Immigration, Nebraska, and the Future Panel Series
STATE AND LOCAL WELCOMING POLICY: Policies for successful community integration
This second panel will consider state and local policy strategies for most effectively welcoming and integrating newcomers in our communities. While the federal government has authority over the laws that determine who can enter the United States, some of the most meaningful choices about how to integrate people when they get here fall to local governments and communities. What is the need for local action? What is being tried around the country and locally? Where do we go from here?
6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M Street, Lincoln.
10/22/2006
A Day for Immigrants
AMOS, A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy, is organizing two special events for immigrants and all who believe in community and justice.
Special Mass for Immigrants at 1:30 p.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Cathedral in downtown Des Moines.
At the conclusion of the mass, Bishop Charron will lead a processional from St. Ambrose Cathedral across the street to the AMOS Community Rally for Justice at 3:00 p.m. at the Convention Complex.
10/21/2006
1st Spanish Language Seminar 9am - 1pm
Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa
According to the initial plan the conference will consist of Two Key-note Speakers and two work shops, (one speaking to those participants that speak English and one who will speak to those who speak Spanish). The academic content will be presented by members of the Cervantes Institute, of Chicago, they will provide us with their expertise in the Spanish Language.
10/16/2006
10/17/2006Diversity Conference/Institute 2006
Conference: October 16, 2996 – Scheman Center
Institute: October 17, 2006 – Memorial Union
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
10/12/2006
Grand Island Multicultural Coalition's 2nd Annual Fall Conference
Willie Lopez of California State University in Fresno -- who grew up with farm migrant labor, gangs and discrimination -- is the keynote speaker. There are a number of breakout sessions during the day to be presented by speakers with Latino, Sudanese and Native American backgrounds, as well as entertainment by Lincoln-based Andean folk group Kusi Taki.
For details or to download a conference brochure, go to grandislandmulticulturalcoalition.com
or
call director Odalys Perez at (308) 385-5242 and she will be glad to help you.
10/07/2006
7th Annual Iowa Statewide Meeting of the Immigrant Rights Network
Grand View College (Auditorium)
1309 Grand View Avenue, Des Moines, IA10/07/2006
Renters Education Workshop 9:00 – 12:30 pm
2005 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
Learn rights that renters have at this free workshop from Des Moines CCI. Free childcare and snacks.
Call Amber at 515/255-0800 to reserve a spot.
10/04/2006
Seminar: Everyday Human Rights: What are they and how do you recognize abuses?
AFSC, 4211 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
Learn how to recognize discrimination and human rights abuses, document abuses, what groups are protected by discrimination laws, how to document abuses, and what to do when presented with discrimination. Interactive discussion and exercises with Rud Simms, Des Moines Human Rights Commission, and Sandra Sanchez, AFSC. No Cost.
Contact Emily.mize@iwd.iowa.gov or 281-9606 by Sept 29th to RSVP
10/03/2006
Immigration debate planned for today
A debate on illegal immigration in Nebraska will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at the Westside Community Center, 108th and Grover Streets.
Former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub, also a former congressman, and Doug Kagan, chairman of Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom, are scheduled to debate for about an hour. Both will answer questions from the audience after the debate.
For more information, call Jennifer Greff @ 551-0921
09/27/2006
An American Dilemma in Immigration: Welcoming the Unwelcomed
Panel Facilitated by: L C Menyweather-Woods, Black Studies, UNO
Panelists Include: Dr. Gustavo Cano, OLLAS and Political Science, UNO; José Luís Cuevas, Consul, Consulate of Mexico; Edward Leahy, Family Economic Success Initiative; Rita Melgares, Attorney
Metropolitan community college
12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
Fort Campus, Bldg 709/23/2006
09/24/2006El Consulado General de El Salvador estará en Des Moines, Iowa el Sábado 23 de Septiembre del 2006 de 08:00 am a 5:00 pm y el Domingo 24 de Septiembre de 08:00 am a 3:00 pm.
1548 8th Street, Des Moines, Iowa (Trinity United Methodist Church)
09/23/2006
The Mexican Consulate will be coming to Des Moines, Iowa to take applications from Mexican citizens and nationals for Consular IDs (Matriculas), and for a very few passports.
Our usual practice is to give tickets for the consulate visit in advance. This time we will be handing out tickets on Saturday morning, September 16th (the week before the consulate comes). The people need to come to AFSC (4211 Grand Ave.) on Sept. 16th in order to get their “ficha” (ticket), and on the ticket we will have written the location of the consulate on the 23rd.
09/16/2006
Public Forum on Immigration 09/16/2006
7 p.m. at Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church, 851 N. 74th St. Omaha
Organizers are hoping for a respectful conversation that sorts out the myths and facts of an important and complex issue, said spokeswoman Diane Greenfield. A panel of experts will lead the discussion: Alison Brown, immigration attorney with Justice for Our Neighbors; Rita Melgares, attorney and Latina leader; Adriana Hinojosa, court interpreter; Horacio Wheelock, attorney and former public defender; and Ed Leahy, associate director of Family Economic Success Initiative. The event will be held in the church's fellowship hall.
Child care will be provided.
09/01/2006
09/02/2006The World Cultural Center - First International Festival
Cedar Rapids, IA
Greene Square ParkIf you have any questions, please contact:
Don Novick (319) 521-3120
Jesse Martinez (319) 521-6729
Nancy Becker (319) 350-119409/01/2006
HOUSE AND SENATE IMMIGRATION HEARINGS – Summer 2006
Time: 9:00 am
City: Dubuque, Iowa
Location: TBD
Type of Hearing: House Judiciary Committee08/16/2006
Iowa Civil Rights Commission Meeting
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Second floor of Grimes State Office Building Iowa Dept of Education's board room
Discussion on immigration issues. The focus of discussion will be immigration issues, Including learning of any recommendations for policy changes, and what the ICRC can or should do be doing.
08/10/2006
Immigration Summit
Noon-5pm
Botanical Center - 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50316
06/25/2006
Voter Registration
9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
St. Mary's Parish Center in Grand Island
06/22/2006
CLASES DE COMO COMPRAR UNA CASA
(Homebuyer education classes in Spanish)6pm-8:30pm
Contactarse con:
Jerri A. Scott
Home Ownership Education Specialist
Des Moines Citizens for Community Improvement
2005 Forest Avenue, Des Moines IA 50311Call Jerri @515-255-0800 jerri@iowacci.org
Llame a Keren @515-255-0800 keren@iowacci.org
06/17/2006
World Refugee Day
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
At the downtown Des Moines Farmers Market (4th/Court area)
06/10/2006
Global Villages (Interactive booths and cultural activities)
10:00 am. – 4:00 pm
At Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines, IA
More information: www.iciu.org
02/16/2006
Walk/Vigil for Comprehensive Immigration Reform!
Omaha , February 162:45pm walk begins in Deglman Circle at Creighton (4.3 miles)
(Deglman Circle is located on 24th St. between Burt and Cass)
4:30pm vigil begins at 72nd and Dodge.
Join us for either or both!
02/02/2006
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Event
6:30 - 8:00PM
Creighton University
Skutt Student Center Ballroom
2500 California Plaza Omaha, NE5:30pm – Potluck rice and beans
St. John’s Church (across from Skutt Center6:20pm – Candlelight procession to Skutt Student Center
6:30pm – 8:30pm Comprehensive Immigration Reform forum
11/03/2005
11/04/2005Heartland Latino Leadership Conference
To register: www.latinoleadership.info
10/12/2005
Nebraska Comes Together
A Meet-Up For Positive Immigration Reform
Women’s Club, 407 S. 14th St., Lincoln, Nebraska
On October 12, 2005, more than 100 Nebraskans came together to remind our elected officials that a majority of Nebraskans support comprehensive immigration reform and appreciate the contributions New Nebraskans make to our state, economy, and communities. Participants rallied in front of the Denney Federal Building in Lincoln, NE and then held a public forum with representatives of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation. At the forum, panelists from a variety of interests and backgrounds talked about the impact the current broken system is having on Nebraska communities and families. Panelists included Dick Creek from the United Way of the Midlands, Joe Avila from the Carpenters’ Union District Council, Ann Severes – Director of Social Ministry for the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska teacher Stacy Rulla, and Jerry Hoffman from Nebraska Coalition for Educational Equity and Adequacy. Representatives from Nebraska’s Congressional delegation included Mary Garcia from Representative Tom Osborne’s office, W. Don Nelson and Eva Saranil from Senator Ben Nelson’s office, and Heidi Kaschke from Senator Chuck Hagel’s office. Representative Lee Terry sent a warm letter supporting the day
10/04/2005
"Educating Our Minds, Fostering Greater Understanding"
Conference with IRNIN presentation, Grand Island.
To register:
Grand Island Multicultural Coalition
Suite 124, 504 North Elm
Grand Island NE 68801
(308) 385-524209/22/2005
"Tu Voz Cuenta, Tu Presencia es Crítica"
Centro Latino, Council Bluffs, 6:00 PM
09/18/2005
Nebraska Appleseed Fundraiser
09/15/2005
Keynote by Ed Leahy at Creighton University Hispanic Heritage Celebration 7 PM
08/27/2005
IA Statewide Meeting Community Church of Christ, 1500 Blairs Ferry Rd., Cedar Rapids, IA 8:30-5:30pm Flyer/Registration
The Immigrant Rights Network of Iowa & Nebraska held its Sixth Annual Iowa Statewide Meeting in Cedar Rapids, bringing together over 60 immigrant members and allies from across the state to promote comprehensive reform of the U.S. immigration system. Participants received an update on current legislative proposals as well as trainings on the legislative process and how to more effectively speak with their elected representatives. The day culminated in small-group meetings with elected officials (or their representatives) from the following offices: Senators Grassley and Harkin, U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, Governor Tom Visack, and state representative Ed Fallon. IRN Members were able to effectively share their desire for comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes the contributions of immigrants and to develop relationships with these officials that will allow them to continue to advocate going forward.
08/22/2005
Meeting with Sen. Chuck Hagel's staff 10am
08/20/2005
Cure For America's Future Rally
12:00-1:00 pm Gene Leahy Mall (Corner of 14th & Farnam)
Omaha, Nebraska - August 20, 2005. On a beautiful Saturday, a variety of community, religious, labor, and social organizations showed support for Iowa and Nebraska’s immigrant neighbors and rallied for positive comprehensive immigration reform. Prominent community leader Dr. Jose Romero, Anne Severes – Director of the Social Ministry Commission of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Ed Leahy of the Immigrant Rights Network of Iowa & Nebraska, and Ari Mota of the Council Bluffs Latino Center spoke to the crowd.
Documents to Print and Share:
Cure For America Statement - English / Español | Cure For America Action Steps | Cure For America Flyer - English / Español
08/19/2005
Lincoln Asian Community & Cultural Center Dedication
08/09/2005
Legislative Visit with Rep. Lee Terry 1:00 pm - photo
07/25/2005
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Meeting
5 pm - Head Start Center - 123 N. Marian Road
Hastings, NE
07/25/2005
Presentation at the Grand Island Multi-cultural Coalition Meeting
Grand Island, NE. Old Walnut/Suite 124 504 North Elm
07/23/2005
IRNIN Leaders Training - UNO
07/21/2005
Madison Chapter meeting
6PM - Location TBA
07/18/2005
Schuyler Chapter meeting 6PM
07/16/2005
07/17/2005Immigration Rights meeting
St. Ann's Church - 303 E. 6th St. Lexington, NE
07/16/2005
Major Immigration Reform Rally!
Show the governors at the National Governors Association Conference that YOU support positive changes in the immigration system! 12PM outside the Catholic Diocese, 601 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA - Flyer
06/16/2005
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Meeting
Meeting in Omaha, NE - Chicano Awareness Center - 1st floor, 4821 S 24th St - 6PM
06/15/2005
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Meeting
Meeting in Lincoln, NE - El Chaparro restaurant 14th & Hwy 2 6PM
06/13/2005
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Meeting
Schuyler, NE - St. Augustine Church - 619 Banner St - 6PM
06/09/2005
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Meeting
Norfolk, NE - Sacred Heart Parish Center - 200 S 5th St - 6PM
06/06/2005 Comprehensive Immigration Reform Meeting
Madison, NE - tentatively at the Community Center - 6PM05/25/2005 Support for NLRB-ordered election at Nebraska Beef
The election has been postponed after a formal complaint about alleged unfair labor practices was filed. The following events are scheduled
- Tuesday, May 24th 1:15 PM at the South Omaha UFCW/OTOC Office (5001 S. 24th Street...old South Omaha City Hall...SW Corner of 24th and O St) - A strategy meeting for all interested in helping create and carry out the strategy of community support
- Wednesday 3 PM -- 5 PM: Rally of support at Nebraska Beef, 4501 S. 36th Street
- Wednesday 7 PM Press Conference at the South Omaha UFCW/OTOC office
05/24/2005 OMAHA, NE – Labor/community forum on immigration reform
Meeting of labor and community to consider new immigration proposal(s). Join us for a forum to debate the particulars of the new McCain-Kennedy bill with the legal insight of Alison Brown, an immigration attorney with Justice for Our Neighbors. From 10:30am to 12pm at the William Brennan Center for Labor Studies, Room 233 J, 1313 Farnam Street.
05/22/2005 DUBUQUE, IA – Immigration reform march!
The Dubuque Chapter of the IRNIN invites EVERYONE to a kick off for immigration reform! 1pm – Spanish Mass at St. Patrick’s Church (1425 Iowa St.) to bless our efforts as we speak up and out on the issue. Sit on the left side of the church near the IRN banner. 2:15pm – March to the steps of the Dubuque Country Courthouse (about 9 blocks) for rallies and speeches. Possible meeting afterward for those interested. ALL ARE WELCOME (children, families, leaders within your immigrant communities, etc.) AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. PLEASE BRING BANNERS, FLAGS AND THE COURAGE TO GET THIS IMMIGRATION REFORM MOVING!
05/22/2005 IOWA CITY, IA – Basics of Immigration Law presentation
The Iowa City chapter of the IRNIN invites everyone to a “Basics of Immigration Law” presentation (in Spanish) by immigration attorney Miryam Antunez de Mayolo. 1:30pm, after Spanish mass, at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall (228 E. Court Street).
Domingo, el 22 de Mayo - Iowa City. Presentación sobre inmigración – información en español.
03/11/2005 New Voices at the Unicameral
New Voices was an event sponsored by the Immigrant Rights Network of Iowa & Nebraska together with 18 organizations around the state, and attended by more than 100 immigrants, students, and advocates. Participants spent the morning organizing, held a rally at noon, and after a quick lunch broke into teams to meet with their senators. For many it was their first time meeting with their representatives, and some had been preparing for weeks before the event.
11/13/2004 Nebraska statewide IRNIN meeting
9 am - 5 pm @ UNO Thompsen Alumni Center - Bootstrapper Rm West 67th & Dodge Omaha, NE
Print & post the flyer / Invitación en Español
Yes, I want to participate! Registration form ¡Si, quiero participar!
09/22/2004
Rally: Opening the Door to Our D.R.E.A.M.
A rally to urge the President and Congress to pass the DREAM Act.
Dozens rally to support proposed immigration law - Lincoln Journal-Star
09/18/2004 Immigrant Rights Network - Iowa Statewide Meeting
More than 200 participants gathered for a day of training and organizing at the Iowa Statewide Meeting. (Thanks to Lee Searles of DMACC for the photos!)
