Nuestra Voz en la Comunidad
Nuestra Voz is a group of resident leaders based in Milbridge, Maine. The group formed in January 2015 with support from Mano en Mano’s Advocacy program.
Raising Our Voices
In February 2015, five members of Nuestra Voz en la Comunidad (Our Voice in the Community) traveled to a Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition legislative breakfast event at the State House in Augusta and shared their stories and perspectives with a over 20 legislators and 20 Immigrant Rights advocates and activists.
Photo: Members of Nuestra Voz speak with Democratic State Senator (Portland) Justin Alfond at the Maine State House in 2015.
Areas of Focus
Those priorities shift from year-to-year, but have included improving language services in the schools, meeting with legislatures to discuss policy, advocating for immigration reform, and providing cultural competency training to community members and organizations.
Photo: On May 1, 2017 more than 80 immigrant workers, students, families, and community allies came together in Milbridge for a march and rally as part of the national “Day Without Immigrants” to support and celebrate immigrant and Latino communities.
Community Leadership
Mano en Mano staff provide Nuestra Voz with self-managed funding, training, and professional development opportunities so that members are able to address what they determine to be priorities in their communities and in their lives.
Photo: On February 2nd, 2017 Mano en Mano opened its doors to the community for a potluck dinner to come together for a chance to get to know new staff members and hear new initiatives from Nuestra Voz en la Comunidad leaders.
Community Events
In collaboration with Mano en Mano staff, Nuestra Voz en la Comunidad members design and host 3 to 5 large community events annually. These include an annual Mother's Day celebration and Posada.
Photo: A Nuestra Voz member performs a folkloric dance from Mexico during the 2016 Mother's Day event held at Milbridge Elementary School.
Group Development
Based on feedback and requests from Nuestra Voz, Mano en Mano designs and hosts bilingual leadership development opportunities open to all. In the past, trainings have included sessions on restorative practices, assertive communication, political education, group development, interpersonal leadership, and community organizing.
Photo: On June 21, 2017, MeM staff and community members came together to enjoy a summer BBQ and a donation-based yard sale at our office in Milbridge. Nuestra Voz presented their experience from a training with Movimiento Cosecha in Boston.
Looking Ahead
We are developing a clear pathway from membership in Nuestra Voz to membership in Mano en Mano’s Board of Directors as well as a more direct link between those two bodies in the development, implementation, and evaluation of Mano en Mano’s programming and services. Community members are increasingly involved in determining organizational policies around language and inclusiveness.
Photo: January 2017, Nuestra Voz discuss their vision and plans for the year ahead in the first meeting of the year.
