May 17, 2012                                                                                                   

202-331-2389

Immigrant Youth Launch National “Right to DREAM” Campaign Calling on

Obama to Provide Relief for All DREAMers

After Tense Meetings with Senior White House Officials,

Immigrant Youth Hold Nationwide Community [...]]]>

May 17, 2012                                                                                                   

The United We Dream Network (UWD) seeks a consultant/contractor to assist with its new Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project (QUIP).  This is a short-term contract to assist with short-term programmatic needs from approximately May 28, 2012 through October 31, 2012. The contractor [...]]]> Request for Proposal

Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project Contractor

 Click here for PDF

The United We Dream Network (UWD) seeks a consultant/contractor to assist with its new Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project (QUIP).  This is a short-term contract to assist with short-term programmatic needs from approximately May 28, 2012 through October 31, 2012. The contractor can be located anywhere in the U.S.

Background

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants and their families.  NILC envisions a society in which all people—regardless of race, gender, immigration or economic status—are treated fairly and humanely, and have equal access to rights, freedoms and opportunities that enable them to achieve their full potential as human beings.  NILC uses a variety of tools, including policy analysis, litigation, education and advocacy, to achieve this vision.  With expertise in the policy and legal implications of a wide range of issues, including government safety-net programs, health care, workers’ rights, due process, and immigration enforcement, NILC plays a critical role within the movement for racial, economic, and social justice for low-income immigrants.   NILC also serves as the fiscal sponsor for the United We Dream Network, described below.

UWD is a national immigrant youth-led organization.  The mission of the UWD is to achieve equal access to higher education for all people, regardless of immigration status. UWD aims to address the inequities and obstacles faced by immigrant youth and to develop a sustainable, grassroots movement led by immigrant youth, documented and undocumented, and children of immigrants. UWD uses leadership development, organizing, policy advocacy, alliance building, training, and capacity building to pursue its mission at the local, state and national levels.

UWD’s mission is to build power through local, regional, and national convening and leadership development opportunities; to provide the tools and resources to immigrant youth leaders to organize and grow their movements at every level; to create meaningful alliances with other national immigrant and education rights organizations and ensure there is a voice for immigrant youth at the national level; to strengthen anchor organizations of UWD; and, to support emerging groups and provide capacity where organizing is needed but nonexistent.

The individual selected for this contract role will work with and on behalf of UWD and will be contracted through NILC, the fiscal sponsor for UWD.

Scope of Project

All questions about the RFP and submissions of proposals should be directed to:

Cristina Jimenez, Managing Director

United We Dream Network

cristina@unitedwedream.org

Project Goals

This project will focus specifically on developing and implementing QUIP’s strategic plan to empower and develop the leadership of queer undocumented youth

Specific deliverables and Scope of Work to be included in proposals for consultant for online organizing work:

• Lead the development and implementation of strategy session evaluation
• Develop QUIP curriculum and training manual
• Lead and coordinate media opportunities for the work of the project
• Lead the execution of QUIP plan adopted during strategy session
• Develop and maintain communication and relationships with affiliate and leaders involved in the project
• Provide coaching and necessary support to QUIP leaders in 10 pilot states
• Work with organizing staff to integrate project goals and overall plan into UWD’s organizing goals and strategies
• Assist and support affiliates involved in project with training activities
• Work with organizing staff and affiliate leaders to identify local opportunities for engagement where strategically valuable and execute state/local/regional focused campaign components

Note:  This project is anticipated to include a 5-month contract period.  Proposals for the Scope of Work and deliverables above should be submitted with an accompanying project budget not to exceed $6,000.  The approximate date for this contract to begin is May 28, 2012 or earlier/later.

Requirements

Proposals must include:

• Resumes or organizational descriptions, including references and a description of other work of a similar nature completed by the individual, LLC or firm.
• A detailed narrative that fully describes consultant’s qualifications to successfully complete the specific project or Scope of Work outlined in the RFP or Attachments to the RFP, not to exceed one page.
• A detailed contract budget or explanation of contract fees and rates. The total contract budget must not exceed the amounts specified above.
• A detailed timeline outlining proposed, specific activities to be performed from initial planning meetings to completion of contract and project deliverables and/or stages.

Timeline

Proposals due:  May 23, 2012

Selection:  RFP will remain open until contract role is filled.  We anticipate this will occur by no later than May 28, 2012

Project (s) Commence:  Approximately May 28, 2012

Completion of Project Deliverables:  Not later than October 31, 2012

Selection Criteria

UWD Board and/or staff will review all proposals received before the submission deadline.  A program consultant or contractor will be chosen based upon specific qualifications, including:

• Demonstrated competence, professional qualifications and capacity necessary for performing the work required.
• Creativity and flexibility in work schedule and program work ideas.
• Ability to demonstrate all requirements outlined in the RFP.
• References.
• Evidence of ability to perform all tasks associated with the project.

Final Selection

Finalists will be invited to engage in a panel interview with members of the Selection Committee, which consists of board, NCC, and staff members. UWD will then select a consultant or contractor.

Contract

After selection, the consultant will enter into a contract with NILC (acting as UWD’s Fiscal Sponsor) on behalf of UWD.  The contract will not be considered valid until it is signed by both parties.  The contract may be terminated early by either party for any reason with written notice to the other party 30 days prior to the termination date, to be sent by U.S. Certified Mail.  Unpaid contract fees for work not yet completed by contractor/consultant will not be paid to contractors whose contracts are terminated early, with or without cause, at the sole discretion of UWD and/or NILC.

Payment

Payments for contractual work will be made in accordance with Addendum B of the contract to be executed with the chosen contractor/consultant or upon the demonstrated, successful completion of specific project deliverables outlined in the contract.  Final payment will not be made until after the full completion of the project.

Click here for PDF.

The United We Dream Network (UWD) seeks a consultant/contractor to assist with its new Dream Educational Empowerment Project (DEEP). This is a short-term contract to assist with short-term programmatic needs from approximately May 28, 2012 through December 31, 2012. The contractor [...]]]> Request for Proposal

Dream Educational Empowerment Project Contractor

Click Here for PDF

The United We Dream Network (UWD) seeks a consultant/contractor to assist with its new Dream Educational Empowerment Project (DEEP). This is a short-term contract to assist with short-term programmatic needs from approximately May 28, 2012 through December 31, 2012. The contractor can be located anywhere in the U.S.

Background

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants and their families.  NILC envisions a society in which all people—regardless of race, gender, immigration or economic status—are treated fairly and humanely, and have equal access to rights, freedoms and opportunities that enable them to achieve their full potential as human beings.  NILC uses a variety of tools, including policy analysis, litigation, education and advocacy, to achieve this vision.  With expertise in the policy and legal implications of a wide range of issues, including government safety-net programs, health care, workers’ rights, due process, and immigration enforcement, NILC plays a critical role within the movement for racial, economic, and social justice for low-income immigrants.   NILC also serves as the fiscal sponsor for the United We Dream Network, described below.

UWD is a national immigrant youth-led organization.  The mission of the UWD is to achieve equal access to higher education for all people, regardless of immigration status. UWD aims to address the inequities and obstacles faced by immigrant youth and to develop a sustainable, grassroots movement led by immigrant youth, documented and undocumented, and children of immigrants. UWD uses leadership development, organizing, policy advocacy, alliance building, training, and capacity building to pursue its mission at the local, state and national levels.

UWD’s mission is to build power through local, regional, and national convening and leadership development opportunities; to provide the tools and resources to immigrant youth leaders to organize and grow their movements at every level; to create meaningful alliances with other national immigrant and education rights organizations and ensure there is a voice for immigrant youth at the national level; to strengthen anchor organizations of UWD; and, to support emerging groups and provide capacity where organizing is needed but nonexistent.

The individual selected for this contract role will work with and on behalf of UWD and will be contracted through NILC, the fiscal sponsor for UWD.

Scope of Project

All questions about the RFP and submissions of proposals should be directed to:

Cristina Jimenez, Managing

Director United We Dream Network

cristina@unitedwedream.org

Project Goals

This project will focus specifically on developing and implementing DEEP’s planning process and action plan for 2012. 

Specific deliverables and Scope of Work to be included in proposals for consultant for online organizing work:

• Developing an investment-worthy Action Plan for Dream Educational Empowerment Program by November 15th, 2012. The action plan will be created in collaboration with DEEP Leadership and selected DEEP Launch site.  DEEP Planning Coordinator should work with each launch site leadership team to accomplish the following objectives:
  • Develop history timelines of undocumented immigrant students’ educational access and attainment by June 15, 2012
  • Develop a community based ecosystem analysis of the unique factors impacting immigrant youth educational access and attainment at the local level within different affiliate organizations communities by July 1st, 2012. Understanding the opportunities and barriers to success the contractor will create a tangible list of needs for each community
• Develop and establish Performance Indicators to measure the outputs and outcomes of each DEEP Launch Site by August 15, 2012. Performance indicators will include qualitative and quantitative data through surveys and data collection including:
  • A data analysis of undocumented immigrant youth educational access and attainment. The data will be integrated into the Action Plan to set baseline metrics to measure short-term, intermediate and long-term success
    • Collect research on institutional, state and federal policies that impact undocumented students overall access to higher education and connect with scholars who are currently championing such studies
    • Identify/Establish sustainable partnerships with key organizations and enhance cross-organizational partnerships and communication:
      • Develop partnership with key organizations:  UCLA Labor Center and Dream Resource Center, Educators for Fair Consideration, HACU, CCCIE, Lumina Foundation, as well as those identified by DEEP Leadership Team.
      • Help affiliate organizations (all DEEP Launch Sites) identify at least 5 educational, business and community development partners by November.
        • ·Redefine roles and responsibilities by October 1st, 2012
        • ·Develop a sustainability and fundraising plan for the project and each launch site by October 15, 2012
        • ·Compile and publish a DEEP Launch Report by December 1st, 2012
        • ·Create and publish a DEEP Map by June 10th, 2012
        • ·Organize and provide monthly online training sessions/webinars on educational access and success topics for UWD affiliates from May through November (7 webinars)
        • ·Other duties as assigned such as DEEP specific programming for UWD Congress in November 2012.

Note:  This project is anticipated to include a 7-month contract period.  Proposals for the Scope of Work and deliverables above should be submitted with an accompanying project budget not to exceed $6,480.  The approximate date for this contract to begin is May 28, 2011 or earlier/later.

Requirements

Proposals must include:

• Resumes or organizational descriptions, including references and a description of other work of a similar nature completed by the individual, LLC or firm.
• A detailed narrative that fully describes consultant’s qualifications to successfully complete the specific project or Scope of Work outlined in the RFP or Attachments to the RFP, not to exceed one page.
• A detailed contract budget or explanation of contract fees and rates. The total contract budget must not exceed the amounts specified above.
• A detailed timeline outlining proposed, specific activities to be performed from initial planning meetings to completion of contract and project deliverables and/or stages.

Timeline

Proposals due:  May 23, 2012

Selection:  RFP will remain open until contract role is filled.  We anticipate this will occur by no later than May 28, 2012

Project (s) Commence:  Approximately May 28, 2012

Completion of Project Deliverables:  Not later than December 31, 2012

Selection Criteria

UWD Board and/or staff will review all proposals received before the submission deadline.  A program consultant or contractor will be chosen based upon specific qualifications, including:

• Demonstrated competence, professional qualifications and capacity necessary for performing the work required.
• Creativity and flexibility in work schedule and program work ideas.
• Ability to demonstrate all requirements outlined in the RFP.
• References.
• Evidence of ability to perform all tasks associated with the project.

Final Selection

Finalists will be invited to engage in a panel interview with members of the Selection Committee, which consists of board, NCC, and staff members. UWD will then select a consultant or contractor.

Contract

After selection, the consultant will enter into a contract with NILC (acting as UWD’s Fiscal Sponsor) on behalf of UWD.  The contract will not be considered valid until it is signed by both parties.  The contract may be terminated early by either party for any reason with written notice to the other party 30 days prior to the termination date, to be sent by U.S. Certified Mail.  Unpaid contract fees for work not yet completed by contractor/consultant will not be paid to contractors whose contracts are terminated early, with or without cause, at the sole discretion of UWD and/or NILC.

Payment

Payments for contractual work will be made in accordance with Addendum B of the contract to be executed with the chosen contractor/consultant or upon the demonstrated, successful completion of specific project deliverables outlined in the contract.  Final payment will not be made until after the full completion of the project.

Click Here for PDF

I keep having these nightmares where my precious dog, Homer, keeps falling off a cliff and dying. Every time I wake up from this dream, I just thank God it wasn’t real. We all have dreams. Sometimes you have a good dream where you win the lottery or your ex wants [...]]]> By Mark C. Prater

I keep having these nightmares where my precious dog, Homer, keeps falling off a cliff and dying. Every time I wake up from this dream, I just thank God it wasn’t real. We all have dreams. Sometimes you have a good dream where you win the lottery or your ex wants to get back with you. But waking up always brings you back down to reality. My name is Mark Christian Prater and this is my Dreamer story.

I was born in Dallas, Texas, to two fabulous parents, Harry Prater (a businessman) and Lisa Prater (an artist). When I was in Kindergarden, my family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee. This is where I grew up all my life. In elementary school my dad started teaching me about business management, and the American economy. I become totally infatuated with the world of business and economics, and I spent a lot of doing research on it, and writing business plans, and improving my knowledge and experience.
In middle school, I became interested in movies and TV production. I wanted to be a director or a producer, so much like I did with business management and economics, I started doing a lot of research and I began writing screenplays and novels. I also tried to become an actor but I never landed any jobs.

Let’s jump ahead a little bit to senior year of high school. In 11th grade, I decided to move away from Chattanooga to Atlanta which is about an hour away to live with my mom. I started going to Woodstock High, where I had no friends what-so-ever. But after a few months, I started talking to this guy named Allan Morales in my science class.
Allan and I were best friends all through senior year, and up until this day. Our friendship was grounded in our similarities, interests in music and business, and the fact we knew we could trust one another as friends. I am truly thankful to have this friend. He is by law an undocumented immigrant, a Dreamer. What he helped me to learn is that I am a Dreamer as well, even though I am a U.S. Citizen.

Everyone has dreams, no one sits around and fantasizes about being trapped. But the Dreamers are the most trapped group of people I’ve ever seen in my life. The fact that someone come here illegally, to me, it shows that our immigration system is broken. I find it extremely infuriating when I watch the Republicans talk about how undocumented immigrants are all criminals, because I know this to not be the case. I find the anti-immigrant law in Arizona, SB1070, to be extremely detrimental and offensive. I have seen its effect in the state I live so close to, Georgia.

Sometimes Allan and I will be walking down the street and we’ll stop a little building that used to be a Mexican restaurant. But not any more. Georgia’s anti-immigrant laws are making it impossible to even exist here if you’re not a legal citizen. I want to do all I can to help with this issue. I want America to be a secure place where people don’t have to worry about criminals walking down the street. But I also want it to be a place where you don’t get treated like dirt because your family doesn’t have legal status.

I’m very thankful that United We Dream is giving me this opportunity to tell my own story. The Dreamers stories are very important. I would like for my friend Allan to write his own story, but he is more private than me. I think it’s important for people to know not just the stories of the Dreamers but the stories of the Dreamers friends as well. In Georgia and Tennessee, the Dreamers all live under the radar and they don’t have rallies to go to or anything like that. I’m glad that Allan and I became friends because otherwise we would probably both still not have any friends, and I would never have known about the Dream Act or anything.

I know as a country we can do better than this. And as a U.S. Citizen who can vote in this upcoming election, I am casting my vote to Barack Obama. I am voting for him because I want to see comprehensive immigration reform, where everyone is treated fairly, as opposed to the Republican approach which is evil and cruel.

You truly don’t have to be undocumented to be a Dreamer, we all have dreams! As long as you support the Dream Act, and oppose the anti-immigrant laws, and have righteousness and justice in your heart, you are a Dreamer. Many people are Dreamers and they don’t even know it. If you dream of seeing America a place where we all are treated with dignity and respect, you are a Dreamer.
I have a Dreamer story, and so do you!

April 12, 2012
Contact
Gaby Pacheco
gaby@unitedwedream.org
305-600-9585

STATEMENT

Confusion usually starts here.

What do we need to do? Hosting? Domain Names? WordPress? Dreamweaver?  Hold on. Let’s take a deep breath and watch this video [...]]]> Your organization rocks! Dream Act events left and right, growing following on Facebook, the press is recognizing you. The time has come and you decide, “We need a website!”

Confusion usually starts here.

What do we need to do? Hosting? Domain Names? WordPress? Dreamweaver?  Hold on. Let’s take a deep breath and watch this video first.

This video is really good at showing how simple it is to make a website.  It literally can be done in under 10 minutes.  We shared this video because a lot of affiliates have been asking how to set up a website.  Some already have a domain, but use quick solutions like Weebly or Yola.

Quick Disclaimer here: While Weebly or Yola are perfectly fine to use in the beginning, what usually ends up happening is that they become very limiting.

There are three options when it comes to making a website:

1. Drag and Drop Websites (Weebly, Yola). These are super easy to set up and use.
2. Static HTML Website (Dreamweaver).  These are very customizable, but requires extensive technical knowledge of HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, and possibly more.
3. CMS Website (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal) (btw CMS = Content Management System).  This lies somewhere in the middle.

We recommend a CMS, more specifically WordPress.  It is the most widely used CMS, it is very well known, and there are lots of plugins for it.  It is also very easy to work with (a lot easier than a static HTML website).  It strikes the balance in terms of User Friendliness and Complete Control.

The reason we recommend WordPress is because usually, UWD affiliates have a lot going on.  We have a lot of content we need to be updating (such as Republicans trying to entice us with a watered down Dream Act).  Plus, we can’t make ourselves dependent on someone that knows HTML, CSS, and has Dreamweaver.  With WordPress, you can still do cool things with HTML and CSS, but it’s not really necessary.  And you can access your website, from anywhere; no need for Dreamweaver or an FTP program.