Sister Organizations

PCUN works closely with these organizations. We share similar goals and work in the same communities. We're proud to offer you some information about their work.

TOPICS ON THIS PAGE:
Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas
Voz Hispana Causa Chavista


Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas
Women Fighting for Progress



Project information:
Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas (MLP), or Women Fighting for Progress, began as a project of PCUN but has since incorporated as its own organization. MLP is an organization of 25 farmworker women, mostly from the Woodburn community, whose goal is to create opportunities for economic and leadership development for its membership. The group focuses on developing women’s skills and confidence as a way of supporting them to make changes in their lives.

The main project of the group is a cooperative enterprise to make, market and sell Christmas wreaths. Through this project, women have the opportunity to not only gain greater economic independence but also to take on leadership roles in the organization. MLP is run by a Board of Directors elected from within the group, and assisted by a Project Coordinator.

Although the prospect of extra income is often what initially leads women to join the group, once women are involved in the group and realize that it is not a standard job, they begin to take more pride in their work and take on leadership roles in the organization. Through the wreath project, MLP members learn organizational, management, and public speaking skills, and, in the course of working together, develop a system of support and often new friendships.

For more information, contact Lorena at 503-982-0243, ext. 203.


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VOZ HISPANA CAUSA CHAVISTA
In 1997 Voz Hispana was started as an informal committee in Woodburn. In December 2000, Voz Hispana Causa Chavista became a non-profit organization composed of parents, workers, students, small business owners and community organizers. 95% of active VH members are Latino and 90% are immigrants. According to the 2000 census, Latinos are now officially the majority of Woodburn residents (10,000 Latino residents making Woodburn the largest city in Oregon with a Latino or people of color majority). Voz Hispana’s mission and principles of unity commit the organization “to promote recognition and respect for the achievements and values of César Chávez and other Hispanic heroes and motivate Hispanic participation and leadership in the decisions that affect us in order to achieve a fair society.”

Voz Hispana’s work is concentrated on two projects: César Chávez Day and Voter Organizing Project. Our goals in César Chávez Day are: (1) educate and organize all sectors of the Woodburn community and schools to recognize the valor and legacy of César Chávez (2) institutionalize the César Chávez day in the Woodburn Schools and, (3) dedicate March 31 of every year to commemorate in Woodburn the life and work of this farmworker leader.
Our goal in the Voter Organizing Project is to encourage Latino citizens (especially new citizens) to participate in the electoral process in order to understand the importance of voting.

Accomplishments
§ Marched in Woodburn to commemorate César’s Day in March 1999.
§ Dedicated the Valor Middle School Library in honor of César E. Chávez in April 1999.
§ Created the César Chávez Day curriculum and commemoration committees to coordinate the materials and activities in the schools and community (June 2000)
§ Five consecutive years of celebrating César Chávez Day in Woodburn (1998-2002)
§ Oregon former Governor John Kitzhaber proclaimed March 31, 2001 as César Chávez Day in Oregon.
§ Created the Latino voter network in Woodburn in May 1999. We increased our voter network by about 400% to just over 800 voters.
§ Registration campaign (1998-2003)
§ Six consecutive years of community forums to inform the Latino voters about the electoral process in Woodburn and Salem. (1998-2003)
§ Created the Ballot Study and Recommendation committee to review, discuss and translate the ballot measures in each election. (1999-2003)
§ Created the Political Action Committee “ Voz Hispana PAC”, (previously LUChA Política) in December 2000.

Voz Hispana PAC
Voz Hispana PAC (previously LUChA Política) is a new political action committee established in Woodburn by leaders of Voz Hispana to raise funds to support political campaigns and candidates who defend and advance the interests of the Hispanic community and to oppose campaigns and candidates that work against our interests.

For more information, contact Bart Marquez at 503-982-0243, ext. 204.