2021 is the start of a new legislative session, so that means new legislation to learn about and advocate for! This session is shaping up to be an exciting 2-years for immigrant communities. We already have several pieces of pro-immigrant legislation introduced, and in the works.

• Access to Driver’s Licenses for All – HB 279. This bill would provide access to a uniform driver license to all Pennsylvanians, regardless of immigration status. It also creates robust data security to ensure everyone’s information is safe and kept private. Get involved.
  
• Hairbraiders licensure – SB 60. This bill would exempt natural hairbraiders from onerous cosmetology licensing requirements and fees.
• Office of New Americans – SB 101. This bill would create a state Office of New Americans that would focus on programs to promote immigrant integration
• Tuition Equity & Inclusion. This bill will be introduced soon, and would ensure that all students that attend and graduate high school in Pennsylvania are able to receive in-state tuition and financial aid at state-funded school. Sign up to join the campaign. 

The Welcoming Schools Campaign launched a survey to understand the educational experiences of immigrant and refugee students and their families. The information collected will be used for developing policy recommendations about the ways that our school districts can best support immigrant and refugee students and families across Pennsylvania.

The student survey is intended to be completed by immigrant students or the children of immigrants that are currently in grades 4-12. The parent survey is for immigrant parents with a child currently in grades K-12. The surveys are anonymous and confidential. We do not ask for any individual identifying information (name, address, etc.) and individual results will not be shared with any third parties.

Please share with your students, youth groups, after school programs, parent groups, and other relevant spaces. Below are links to the student and parent surveys in each of the seven languages. The deadline to complete the surveys is March 15, 2021.

Welcoming Schools Campaign Surveys for Students

• Available languages:
  English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Somali, Vietnamese

Welcoming Schools Campaign Surveys for Parents:

• Available languages:
  English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Somali, Vietnamese

We will be hosting training sessions on Tuesday, February 16th, 6:30 - 7:30 PM and Friday, February 19th, at 12 - 1 PM to go over the survey and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please email Felicia Shapiro (education@paimmigrant.org) for more information and zoom links for the training sessions.

The Capacity Development Director will be focused on helping PICC answer the question: how do we build the organizational capacity, individual leadership, and infrastructure of our movement so that immigrant communities can access the services they need and have powerful vehicles for creating systemic and structural change?

The Capacity Development Director will lead the work of developing and implementing a movement-oriented capacity building strategy that includes a robust public education program, leadership development, and providing organizational development support. The Capacity Development Director serves as a member of PICC’s leadership team and shapes strategic thinking for the organization, including program development, communications, and planning. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a flexible and team-oriented approach to problem solving, and be excited about building movement infrastructure.

Read the full job posting and application instructions. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with a final deadline of February 15, 2021.