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OneAmerica 

Description

OneAmerica was formed directly after September 11, 2001 in response to the hate crimes and discrimination targeting Arabs, Muslims and South Asians. Called Hate Free Zone at the time, the organization expanded to organize and advocate with many diverse communities of color. OneAmerica has now grown into a leading force for immigrant, civil and human rights.

Mission Statement
Our mission is to advance the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, and human rights at the local, state and national levels. We work with community partners and with partners across the nation to protect and strengthen fundamental American rights for all people, especially immigrants
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OneAmerica
1225 S Weller St Ste 430 
Seattle 
WA
98144-1906 
(206) 723-2203 

Rich Stolz 
Executive Director 

Programs

OneAmerica Programs

To achieve OneAmerica's mission, we have five primary goals:
  1. to increase and enhance the participation of immigrants in civic life;
  2. to win positive policy change for immigrant communities locally and nationally;
  3. to improve the public climate for immigrant communities locally and nationally;
  4. to increase the capacity of immigrant organizations across the state to lead and advocate for change;
  5. to increase OneAmerica's organizational capacity to achieve our mission effectively, efficiently and sustainably.
OneAmerica operates under the fundamental premise that voices spoken together are stronger. That's why we work to build coalitions between immigrant communities and mainstream communities. Although the burden of policies that erode constitutional and civil rights is falling primarily on immigrant communities, we know that all people are affected.

Key program areas for OneAmerica include Community Organizing, Immigrant Integration and Civic Engagement, Policy Advocacy and the Washington New Americans Program. Specifically, our programs include our ability to:
  • Work as a lead liaison to the national campaign to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR).
  • Actively advocate for the equal representation and inclusion of immigrant and refugee populations in Washington State.
  • Serve as a voice for all immigrant populations as necessary to establish a clear and achievable path to citizenship.
  • Advocate for policies that encourage immigrant integration at the national, state and local levels.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

Our nation and the state of Washington are changing.  As Washington’s largest immigrant advocacy organization, OneAmerica is uniquely positioned to empower Washington State and the nation to harness the potential of its growing diversity so that all communities will grow more prosperous and equitable in this complex and changing economy and world. By building the political power of immigrant communities, OneAmerica is poised to ensure that immigrant communities and communities of color will help to shape our shared future.

In the last five years, OneAmerica has become the premier civic engagement organization in Washington’s immigrant communities.  Since 2007, OneAmerica has registered more than 25,000 voters.  In 2012, OneAmerica generated over 50,000 calls to registered voters in targeted ethnic communities in Washington State in seven languages; this more than doubled our non-partisan GOTV efforts in 2010.  OneAmerica also sent non-partisan GOTV mailers to over 50,000 registered voters in seven languages.  This work has changed the debate on immigration and is poised to build on growing demographic change to re-shape the politics of Washington State. 

Evaluation


OneAmerica is unique in the state and region for its ability to bridge the worlds of policy development and grassroots organizing. It continues to receive national and local recognition for its successful organizing models and multi-pronged approach to effecting social change.

Proven Success
OneAmerica registers and mobilizes thousands of immigrants to participate in the political process while using the organization’s voice to advocate for policy reform. OneAmerica has quickly grown to be the largest statewide immigrant organization, with representation on several national and state coalitions in key roles, including the Rights Working Group, Detention Watch Network, the Fair Immigration Reform Movement, the Washington Immigration Reform Coalition, and the National Partnership for New Americans.

Leadership
The organization has strong relationships in the community and has been successful in increasing its organizational capacity and funding through the efforts of a strong board and its well-respected Executive Director.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
OneAmerica uses culturally appropriate, far-ranging strategies to support local immigrant families by building coalitions between immigrant communities and mainstream communities. Through its nine community base groups, OneAmerica brings together our region’s diverse immigrant population across geographic and ethnic lines. OneAmerica empowers and identifies community leaders while assisting them in leadership and skill development.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
3/10/2013 $20,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/10/2012 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/10/2011 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2009 $40,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/22/2007 $50,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/16/2005 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.
10/2/2003 $30,000.00fund leadership development within immigrant and refugee communities and create a new Community Leadership Council.

Financials

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