Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees - GCIR

ABOUT THE CONVENING

Mark your calendars now for the kick-off event of GCIR's 20th Anniversary Commemoration!  As the founding place of GCIR, New York City provides a historic backdrop to reflect on the progress made on immigrant rights and integration over the past 20 years, the role that foundations have played over time, and what funders can do to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The convening will highlight the work of GCIR members, uplift the accomplishments of the field, and hone in on the most critical immigrant-related issues facing communities across the United States.  Hear differing perspectives and engage in strategic discussions with fellow colleagues on the immigration and integration issues that are most important to you, including:

• The new economic, political and policy realities in which we operate and the creative, cutting-edge, and inspiring work that is taking place across the country.
• The latest in comprehensive immigration reform and the implementation challenges if that legislation were it to pass.
• The most effective approaches to building a strong immigrant integratio infrastructure, whether in a new or pre-emerging gateway, a rural setting, or a traditional urban immigrant destination. 
• The cross-issue, cross-community, and cross-sector alliances that have become so crucial to organizing and advocacy campaigns, whether to win immigration reform, combat anti-immigrant forces, or foster an environment that welcomes immigrants.

The convening will offer a dynamic combination of sessions, including:

• Plenary sessions that provide a "big picture" perspective, connecting national trends to local implications.
• Workshops that will showcase promising models and best practices on specific issues defined by our members - from workforce development to movement building to the role of art and culture in immigrant integration.
• Walking tours that provide a historical and contemporary view of immigrants in New York City and insights on how philanthropy has facilitated - and continues to facilitate - their integration and contribution to the city's uniquely vibrant diversity and prosperity.
• Film, art, and live performances that put a human face on the complex immigrant and refugee issues facing our nation today.

Look for electronic updates of GCIR 2010 Convening, commemoration events, and online registration soon!

Online Registration is Now Open!

The member registration rate is $450 through May 21st, and the non-member registration is $595.   Late registration (after May 21, 2010) will be $595 for members and $750 for non-members.

To register, visit our 2010 convening registration site.