Raíces (www.raicesproject.org) is a four-state project focused on building community capacity in rural Latino communities in Idaho, Oregon, Iowa, and Minnesota. Western States Center is collaborating with the Main Street Project (Minnesota) and the Institute for Support of Latino Families and Communities (University of Iowa) to coordinate the Raíces Project's work in Idaho and Oregon in coordination with local field organizers. The project is funded by the Northwest Area Foundation.
The name Raíces, or roots, refers to the deep roots that connect rural Latinos to their communities, and the strength of Latin American roots, cultures, and connections in addressing challenges facing communities today, including poverty, and working together to sustain a vibrant future. The Raíces Project is a Latino-led and Latino-accountable project and strives to build individual and community capacity by strengthening community readiness to develop, implement, and sustain asset-based strategies and initiatives toward community improvement.
Western States Center is working with community members in the Hood River, Oregon area and in Idaho's Magic Valley to organize and support the hopes and dreams of Latin@s living in rural communities, while also working with their non-Latino community members and institutions. By enhancing leadership skills, on-the-ground connections, and cultural competence, the Raíces Project strives to foster the long-term collaborations among organizations and community members necessary for lasting, and deeply rooted, community and social change.
Click here to read the latest Raíces Project community news.
Click here to download the Raíces Project brochure. |
