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What is TIRRC?

TIRRC is a statewide, immigrant and refugee-led collaboration whose mission is to empower immigrants and refugees throughout Tennessee to develop a unified voice, defend their rights, and create an atmosphere in which they are recognized as positive contributors to the state.

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Justice Schools

 

The main objectives of TIRRC’s Justice Schools project, which is a collaboration with the Highlander Research and Education Center, are to empower immigrants to :

  • learn about their rights
  • address community issues
  • become effective leaders
  • participate effectively in the civic process

The Justice Schools also strive to provide immigrants with the training and guidance they need to understand their role in the broader U.S. Social Justice movement.

 Up until now, immigrants across Tennessee—particularly in more rural areas—have faced serious abuses by employers, as well as by landlords, law enforcement and others. Many immigrants are unaware of what their rights are, and are unaware that their rights are being violated. Others are aware of violations, but are afraid to confront those committing the violation.

Also, because the recent wave of immigration is so new to Tennessee and the South, an infrastructure to support immigrant workers within the state is extremely deficient. In Tennessee’s rural areas an infrastructure equipped to address the needs of immigrants is virtually nonexistent.

TIRRC began the first Justice School with the Highlander Center in March 2007 in Middle Tennessee. Fifteen immigrant leaders graduated from this first session in June of ’07, after 8 four-hour classes were completed. Graduates now have a much deeper understanding about their role within the larger social justice movement in the U.S. (and globally), and are more confident in their ability to make real social change in their communities and in their state. Justice Schools are now being held around the state.

To find out more about Justice Schools or to participate, contact:
Leticia Alvarez  615-833-0384 ext.104  Leticia@tnimmigrant.org    or
Amelia Post  615-833-0384 ext. 108   Amelia@tnimmigrant.org

 

Friday
Jun262009

Spring 2009 Justice School Graduates 

This year 3 classes have completed Justice School Training, including youth participants in Nashville and Knoxville, as well as adult leaders in Nashville. To find out more about TIRRC's youth organizing, click here.