Washington D.C.: Plans are underway for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) 12th annual conference for immigration programs, service providers and attorneys. The conference brings together advocates and non-profit organizations that serve low-income and indigent immigrants. It is scheduled for May 20-22, 2009 in Colorado Springs Registration is now open.
This year's theme "Rising to the Challenge: Seeking Justice and Unity" highlights the complex environment in which immigration advocates and service providers operate. It commends the work of nonprofit immigration programs that operate in the face of increasing immigration enforcement and unrealistic immigration laws.
"CLINIC's goal is to equip charitable immigration programs with the tools and skills to operate efficiently and professionally. The Convening is an opportunity to raise awareness about the need for comprehensive immigration reform at the same time that program directors and advocates receive vital information on substantive law topics and issues and improve their advocacy skills," said CLINIC's Executive Director Mark Franken.
The two-day Convening offers an exciting educational program with expert presentations on key developments in immigration law and advocacy as well as an opportunity to network with colleagues and friends. The two-day agenda is available here.
This year's Convening highlights the challenges for immigration advocates, particularly over the last year as these programs faced local enforcement and federal inaction on comprehensive immigration reform. As CLINIC planned its conference, we wanted to recognize the hard work of these programs at the same time that we ensure these advocates remain prepared and adequately skilled," said Tanisha Bowens, conference chairperson.
This year, CLINIC will also collaborate with the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) campaign, which will host a regional meeting one day before the start of CLINIC's convening. Justice for Immigrants is the national campaign by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to educate and mobilize Catholics to advocate for immigration reform. The JFI meeting runs May 19 through May 20 and is also open to CLINIC Convening registrants. The JFI agenda will include Catholic social teaching, a policy overview, communications and messaging, and organizing techniques. Strategic diocesan plans will also be developed. For more about the JFI meeting, contact Antonio Cube at acube@usccb.org.
For more information about CLINIC's Convening, click here.
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