#techLA #ImmigrationHack Event Focuses Attention on Immigrants’ Stories
This past month, the Civic Innovation Lab, in partnership with FWD.us and Welcome.us, celebrated Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM). Established in 2014, #IHM2015 is a nationwide effort to gather and share inspirational stories of immigration in America – stories of individuals, families, and communities who have contributed to the unique social fabric of a country whose greatness is fueled by its diversity.
Throughout June, more than 200 partners, including Civic Innovation Lab, jumped on board to promote this effort that highlights our immigration stories, family traditions, and cultural heritages. We joined 94 cities and states that have issued proclamations designating June as Immigrant Heritage Month, as well as the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate that have done the same. President Obama even shared his immigration story during his weekly address! You can watch that here.
The Los Angeles City Council issued a proclamation for the month of June, and each Council Member told his or her family’s immigration story while honoring an immigrant restauranteur in their district. It was incredible to see the outpouring of support for our immigrant communities of Los Angeles.
June might be over, but the work most definitely is not. We need to continue to support the integration of new Angelenos into our communities, better facilitate citizen engagement, and drive economic activity through entrepreneurship. That is exactly what Challenge:LA, in partnership with the Office of Mayor Garcetti and the#techLA initiative, is aiming to do this summer.
On Sunday, July 19, the Civic Innovation Lab is hosting an #ImmigrationHack at the Los Angeles Central Public Library to tackle these challenges. The Community Hack and Training will include workshops on immigration advocacy and resources, a Social Lab that will generate ideas and solutions around the challenges, and a hackathon focused on immigration issues in LA.
We hope you’ll join us and extend the momentum and success of Immigrant Heritage Month well past the end of June. RSVP here to reserve your spot for the #ImmigrationHack and find out more details on Challenge:LA here.
