VOZ

By Ty Olson

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Worker Center celebrated its second anniversary earlier this summer. Now, with two years behind it, we decided to engage the business community in the neighborhood with a brief survey, specifically inquiring as to how people view the hiring site’s presence in the area over these few years.

Two years ago, surrounding businesses in the neighborhood voiced concerns around the potential for a rise in crime, loitering, and other safety related issues in relation to the Center opening. These concerns, however, seem to have gradually dissipated over the past two years since the Center opened. Instead, there appeared to be a continuing trend in the opinions expressed in the comments and reflections of those who participated in the August survey. Both employees and business owners alike suggested that the Workers’ Center has developed a good reputation within the business community. Time and again, people expressed their appreciation with regard to the Center’s ability and desire to communicate and develop good relations within the neighborhood. Some businesses even alluded to having hired day laborers for small but physically intensive projects from time to time.

The only salient disturbance people vocally conveyed was in relation to the perpetual construction projects along MLK with the new streetcar being put in, and the street remodel of Couch and Burnside. Yet, the common attitude suggested that even this annoyance is good progress for the community.

In general, people feel like the neighborhood is progressing in a positive direction. People continuously mentioned that the area is feeling safer and becoming cleaner. Even new members of the business community expressed their excitement with regard to how the area is developing, and desired to develop a partnering relationship with the Worker’s Center.

VOZ supporters gather at Buchan Hall to enjoy dinner, drinks, a silent auction, and live music on the organization's 10th anniversary.

By Rafael Soto

On June 18th, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the organization with more than 160 community members and day laborers. We celebrated 10 years of success in fighting for immigrants and day laborers. We had a dinner, live music, and an auction. During the program, members of the committee of day laborers, along with some volunteers, put on a play for the community, detailing the cause that motivated the creation of VOZ. I wrote the six scenes describing the history of VOZ, beginning in 1996, when a raid took place on the corner of 6^th and Ankeny. This was the driving force that caused us to organize on street corners. VOZ continues to fight similar injustices. From this moment forward, day laborers began to look for a more secure place to find work. This effort took two years filled with hopeful struggle. Day laborers and volunteers demonstrated in marches, fought for the center, and undertook organizing work, nourishing the organization and the community. The scenes ended with the current situation in Arizona and the surrounding area. The event was a great success and we took in more than twice what we did last year! Thanks to all of our supporters and to the day laborers for your solidarity and for your commitment!

Don’t miss out on this year’s

Solidarity Salsa Party

Saturday Sept. 25^th

Doors at 7:30pm Lesson at 8:00pm

SEIU 503 Dance Hall, 6401 SE Foster Rd.

Buy your Tickets Today!

The tickets are $15 and include admission to the event, food and dance lessons.

For the past four years Jobs with Justice and Voz the Workers Rights Education Project have joined together to host the Solidarity Salsa Party to bring together individuals that are a part of and support both of our organizations for dancing, fun and fundraising.

Together we work to strengthen the connections between immigrant rights and workers rights.  This year with the new racial profiling law SB 1070 introduced in Arizona and the various Police/ICE collaborations that exist locally our alliance is as important as ever.
This year’s Salsa Party will be fun for everyone, and will include dance lessons, food and a silent auction. You can help by spreading the word, and helping to sell tickets.  For more information call Lizzie at 503-233-6787.