Community Links
Immigrants are the largest population group moving to our region. More and more immigrants and refugees are becoming U.S. Citizens. So their role in the political, social and economic life of St. Louis is growing.
At the Institute, we work with all immigrants but especially with refugees to better connect them with their native-born American neighbors and co-workers as well as with elected officials, law enforcement and other community influentials.
We develop, prepare, and translate materials that help our newcomers learn more about crime prevention, safety recommendations, and neighborhood life. We can also help the police, neighborhood associations, elected officials and others translate materials to orient newcomers. Click here to learn more about our fee-based translation services.
Through voter education, non-partisan candidate forums, and citizenship and voter registration drives, we increase the political and social integration of new Americans. Our most recent initiative includes educating the foreign-born about the importance of the 2010 Census and helping them complete and return their Census forms. We have been serving on the Missouri Complete Count Census initiative and assisting with City efforts as well to ensure that immigrant needs and perspectives are considered in policies and plans.
We offer the Institute’s headquarters facility as a meeting place for other non-profits needing to gather with our clients. We also serve as a community center for the immigrants themselves when they want to hold social gatherings for their communities or for their families. Rental charges may be waived under certain conditions.
Additionally, we spend hundreds of hours annually participating in local, statewide and national initiatives that build bridges between diverse populations to better serve our community. And we are committed to ensuring that the ethnic voice is heard. We provide advocacy at many levels when proposed issues and activities will impact new American communities as well. For instance, our agency president served on the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations independent task force in 2004 which produced the report “Keeping the Promise: Immigration Proposals from the Heartland.” Staff is active on dozens of other initiatives including the Integrated Health Network, the US Attorney’s Hate Crimes Task Force, the United Way 2010 Women’s Leadership Society Cabinet, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
We are also doing our share to create more informed St. Louisans by offering dozens of presentations annually. For instance the Institute shares the complex story of immigrants and immigration with FOCUS St. Louis’ Leadership St. Louis class each year as well as with CORO’s Women in Leadership Program. Schools and other non-profit groups frequently visit the Institute to experience our community’s growing diversity first hand.
Contact Information
Kate Howell314-773-9090 ext. 189
| Click here to go to: | Ethnic Mediation Council of St. Louis |
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