WHAT: More than 500 leaders of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) will launch the state’s largest non-partisan voter turnout campaign for 2012 during its 3rd bi-annual Democracy Day. ICIRR will be mobilizing 159,885 voters from around the state to protect immigrant families and communities, including:
· In the Western Suburbs, where immigrants are fighting the opening of a new Strip Club, mere blocks from a local convent
· In Bolingbrook (Rep. McAsey), Elgin (Rep. Farnham), Schaumburg (Rep. Crespo), Hanover Park (Rep. Mussman), and Mundelein (Rep. Sente) – districts with more than 26 percent immigrant population… and Representatives who have voted NO on: Illinois DREAM Act, Smart Enforcement Act, and recent bill to forbid the privatization of immigrant detention centers.
· In Cicero, where previous voter turnout campaigns have been met with intimidation and scare tactics.
· And 13 other key areas around the city and suburbs, where immigrants are building power.
Illinois has shown repeatedly that only when immigrant voters show their strength will lawmakers take seriously the need for wiser policies that welcome immigrants and bring our community together—rather than the divisive and destructive policies.
At the event, ICIRR will offer workshops on upcoming efforts: DREAM Relief workshops in English, Spanish, and Polish; DREAM Relief Train the Trainer; Voter Turnout; How to Run for Office; Health Care; and other issues. The President’s recent announcement for DREAM Relief has energized the immigrant community to continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform and protection for all families.
WHEN: Saturday, July 14 from 9:30 am to Noon
9:45am – WORKSHOPS
Choose from 8 Workshops on DREAM Relief, Candidate School, Health Care, Train the Trainer, DREAM Stakeholders Meeting, and Get-Out-The-Vote Training!
11:00am – RALLY WITH CONGRESSMAN GUTIERREZ
We will lay out our plan to do the biggest Voter Turnout Drive in the entire State of Illinois, with help from local leaders from the Muslim, Asian, Polish, African, and Latino Communities!
12:00pm – ATTORNEY CONSULTATIONS for families
& VOTER REGISTRATION DAY IN THE FIELD!
WHERE: Benito Juarez High School, 1510 West Cermak Chicago Illinois
VISUALS: Hundreds of participants. After the rally Democracy Fellows wearing bright color t-shirts will knock on doors in Pilsen to register new voters and urge registered immigrant voters to vote on November 6.
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights is a statewide coalition of more than 130 organizations dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society. For more information, visitwww.icirr.org.