OUR MISSION
VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network is a non-profit organization that supports migrant communities in Oregon. Our mission is to empower our community, educate, create immigrant rights awareness, and take action against inhumane immigration policies.
OUR VISSION
VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network defends migrants and refugees communities by helping them identify tools needed to protect their rights and stop family separation. We aspire to help build a diverse community where migrants and refugees are welcome with full rights and responsibilities in an environment of mutual respect, peace, harmony, and justice, We want to continually work to bring people together to work toward social justice, to advocate for marginalized populations and break the cycle of oppression of migrant communities and those with less opportunities.
OUR HISTORY.
VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network was founded in 2016 by community leader Francisco Aguirre, who began bringing together people who share the same mission and values to create a new platform of inclusivity and a safe place for migrants and refugees. We are concerned about the lack of equal rights among migrant and refugee communities in Oregon, and we started working to find resources to meet the needs of the growing Latino community. Since then, we have evolved into an organization that helps transform the power of the community through programs that benefit the most marginalized populations and empower Oregon’s Latino communities and more. Join us in our mission to continue bringing people together so we can all have equal opportunities in a space filled with understanding and respect, where everyone is welcome, with full rights and responsibilities.
OUR PRINCIPLES AND VALUES ARE PEACE AND NON-VIOLENCE.
VIVA Inclusive Migrant Network is a practitioner of the non-violence. Our movement for social justice is based on non-violent confrontation and peaceful resistance, which are legitimate and effective ways of achieving social change and justice. More than a tactic, we embrace peace and non-violence as a way of life.
DIVERSITY
Migrant communities’ members come from different countries, as well as racial and ethnic groups, and it is in this diversity where we find a main source of our strength as an Inclusive Migrant Network. Our work is inclusive and respectful of every segment represented in the migrant community and society at large. VIVA is committed to combating racism, xenophobia, classism, and sexism wherever and whenever these practices and perceptions exist. We work to ensure diversity in our community and unity in our diversity.
INTEGRITY
In our work we strive to optimize our resources, administering them in a judicious, transparent and accountable manner. At all times we strive speak our minds with clarity and without deception.
Firm Convictions
We are clear about the legitimacy of our cause and struggle. We believe in what we do and have faith in the migrant community and its ability to be a collective force for social change. We appreciate efforts of our friends and allies, but the sources of our strength come from within.
Discipline
Our struggle for justice and a more humane society demands from our organization high levels of discipline. Individually, our community leaders, board of directors, organizers and executive director strive to work hard and persevere, despite adverse conditions and obstacles. Compliance with this code is rooted in collective responsibility and reciprocity, not coercion.
Collective & Self-Criticism
Individual and collectives benefit from a firm but constructive process of cooperative and self-critical research. To respond to the daily challenges, we face as an organization, and as leaders of our community, we must constantly evaluate our practice in light of its principles.
Gender Equality
We deeply believe in gender equality. The success of our struggle is predicated on the participation of women and men, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. We work towards the construction of gender relations based on the principles of justice, equality and participation.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
VIVA is committed to protecting the civil and human rights of migrant workers and their communities, regardless of national origin or immigration status. We adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that every person has the right to life, work, and liberty.
Democracy
We are committed to the active participation of the migrant community in the decision-making processes of VIVA. We believe in the practice of collective decision-making, where the community and staff engage in dynamic dialogue with the goal of building consensus. The process of achieving consensus relies on ongoing consultation to ensure that immigrant communities have a voice in decision-making. When consensus cannot be reached, we resort to a majority vote while addressing the concerns of the minority.
Solidarity
We believe that solidarity begins with the giving of oneself without the expectation of personal gain. Solidarity helps to strip oneself of the drawbacks of individualism. It entails sharing who we are and what we have with our colleagues and the people we work with. It is a shared commitment to improving in our daily lives, and to help each other acquire new abilities and deepen our social consciousness.