My Nonprofit Reviews
reedguarnero
Review for Unite Oregon, Portland, OR, USA
This organization literally changed my life. Before my involvement with The Center for Intercultural Organizing (CIO), I had been in the United States for almost 50 years and never felt like I belonged here. My previous attempts to get involved in civic life were met with being shut down, feeling isolated and ignored; no matter what I tried, I essentially came away with either no influence, or feeling invisible. So I stopped trying and continued to feel like I had no voice in this city or state, let alone America.
But then I was fortunate in being chosen to participate in the leadership program for first generation immigrants & refugees (Pan-Immigrant Leadership & Organizing Training or PILOT). Through this program, I learned the basics of how our city government worked, skills for effective public speaking and organizing, and so, so much more! Through this program, I found my voice and learned how to affect change. Before my year of PILOT training ended, I finally started growing roots in this country and was empowered to create change for the better in my community.
Now I am board member for this incredible organization that has touched so many lives in a very positive way.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the difference of my before and after CIO's PILOT program. I went from being a very uninvolved member of my community to a very active and proactive community member. Since graduating from PILOT, I had joined a few city committees (Vision Into Action, Portland Plan, ONI Budget Advisory Committee), and I am currently board president of CIO.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
find more diverse funding streams for a solid and sustainable future. The board is currently embarking on this now.
