Become a community organizer!

If you are an immigrant or refugee and would like to learn the leadership tools necessary for organizing community change, you can apply to the Center for Intercultural Organizing PILOT (Pan-Immigrant Leadership and Organizing Training) program! If you are accepted to the PILOT program, all training expenses including food, transportation, and childcare reimbursement, will be covered for you. This program is an opportunity to learn, expand your community, and develop organizational skills for free. 

The program, centered in Portland, takes course over 9 months, during which participants will meet for four two and a half day retreats. The retreats cover the basics of city government, introduction to community organizing, politics of oppression, power analysis, cross-cultural community movement building, conflict resolution, base-building, media strategy and more. During these workshops, participants will collaborate with other immigrants and organizers to learn how they can amplify the voices of immigrants and implement community projects to make a difference.

If you are inspired to apply to the PILOT program, make sure to turn in your application by Friday, August 8th. Applications can be submitted online here. Or, if you cannot apply online, stop by the Center for Intercultural Organizing at 700 N Killingsworth (open Monday-Friday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM) or call (541) 280-8817.to receive an application by mail. 

All applicants who are accepted into the program will be notified by Tuesday, September 2nd. Remember, applications must be received by Friday, August 8th, so apply now! Check below for PILOT 2014-15 dates and PILOT participant qualifications.

All questions about the program or application process should be directed to Nicole Brown at nicole@interculturalorganizing.org or (541) 280-8817.

PILOT 2014-2015 dates:

• October 10-12: Retreat Center outside of Portland, TBD
• January 9-11: Retreat in Portland
• March 13-15: Anderson Lodge, Ariel, WA
• May 15-17: Retreat in Portland and Graduation

PILOT participant qualifications:

• Must have the direct experience as an immigrant, refugee, or asylee
• Must be able to participate in all PILOT retreats
• Must be willing to learn in a safe space where we respect and honor the views and opinons of people from diverse backgrounds
• Must have a passion for social change and serving the community
• English is not a requirement, interpretation can be provided