Roosevelt Avenue: Contested Terrain, Neighborhood Center, or Border?
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"Community Based Organizations"
Objective
Adhikaar, meaning rights in Nepalese, is dedicated to improving the lives of Nepali-speaking communities and getting their voices heard in the social justice movement.
History
Began in 2005, when four young women with $500 collected stories of social injustice among immigrant workers. They address unpaid wages, employment discrimination, unemployment, and domestic violence. Their programs are a direct response to the immediate and urgent needs which were not being met. Their community center was built in Woodside, Queens in 2007.
Target Group
Nepalese Communities
Approach
- Workers’ Rights – campaigning, workshops
- Access to Healthcare – organize free health fairs
- Immigrant Rights – workshops and discussion groups
- Community Organizing
- Leadership Development – peer led programs and youth groups
- Participatory Research
- Classes and Training – English classes
- Individual Assistance and Referrals
Important Documents
Snapshots of the Nepali-Speaking Community in New York: Demographics and Challenges
Why They Matter
Should they decide to become involved in the Bid on 82nd Street, their voices will be heard regardless of which side they choose. Adhikaar has been recognized in their community in beyond for training the Nepalese people to fight for their rights. They are extremely active in terms of grassroots mobilization.
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“NICE envisions a world where all people -regardless of status- live and work with dignity and justice.”
Objective
NICE is a community-based, non profit organization who has made it their mission to guarantee that new immigrants have the the resources available to build social, political, and economic power in their communities and beyond.
History
NICE was founded in 1999 as a response to anti-immigrant billboards posted by Project USA in Queens. They are recognized for their Government Access and Accountability Program which provides a means of communication between undocumented workers and government officials. In 2006, they built their headquarters in 2006 in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Target Group
Immigrants. NICE happens to serve undocumented, latino workers.
Approach
- Immigrants Rights Committee
- Worker’s Rights Committee
NICE Members and Immigrants at the April 10th Rally on Immigration Reform
- Theatre Production of Looking at the Horizon details the journey of certain members in this organization
- Know Your Rights ESOL Program – Classes that inform undocumented workers of their rights
- Young Teachers Initiative – Gives the opportunity to first & second generation immigrant children to gain experience in the education vocation by teaching int the ESOL program
Important Documents
Details the immigrant consumer market of those living in Corona, Jackson Heights, and Elmhurst.
Why They Matter
The stance that NICE decides to take on the BID issue may prove to be influential on the outcome on whether or not it passes. NICE gained a named for themselves when they fought to remove racist billboards in Queens in 1999 and won. They have a huge support in the community. In the aftermath of 9/11 they embarked on a quest to impede the hate crime that ensued as a result of racial profiling. Needless to say, NICE’s grassroots advocacy will certainly come into play.
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