Border Action Network / Acción Fronteriza

PO Box 384 • Tucson, AZ • 85702

Ph 520.623.4944 • Fax 520.792.2097

ban@borderaction.org • www.borderaction.org

Press Release

For Immediate Release: Friday, October 23, 2009

For More Information:

Hilary Tone, Communications Coordinator (520) 481.6482 hilary@borderaction.org

Jennifer Allen, Executive Director (520) 820.0360 jallen@borderaction.org

Tucson's Newest Class of Human Rights Promoters Graduate on Saturday

Group will work across the city to build support

for reforming immigration policy

What: Graduation ceremony of Border Action Network's newest Human Rights Promoters in Tucson, Arizona. The all-volunteer group, who chose the name "Unidos Luchando por un Mundo Mejor" (United for a Better World), will be formally recognized as part of the network of nearly 100 Human Rights Promoters throughout Southern Arizona. After the graduation ceremony, the nine people will each fan out across the city to train other Spanish-speaking, immigrant families in their rights as well as how to get involved in building support for reforming the U.S.'s failed immigration policy.

When: Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM

Where: Southside Presbyterian Church at 317 W. 23rd St., Tucson, AZ

Who: Sponsored by the Border Action Network

Why: Immigrants have been pushed into the shadows, mocked by Halloween costumes, and targeted by outrageous state legislators and law enforcement antics in Maricopa County. To counter these and other indignities, immigrant men, women and youth are becoming trained Human Rights Promoters who are committed to defending and promoting human rights in their communities. Over the last three months, nine men and women studied the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, how to document and denounce rights violations, and how to share what they've learned with others. Upon graduation, this new group of community leaders will train others in their basic rights and instill greater confidence and participation of immigrant families in the issues that impact their lives. The new Human Rights Promoters of Tucson will become the tenth class of human rights promoters affiliated with the Border Action Network in southern Arizona.

Interviews & Visuals: The new and previous Human Rights Promoters and the Border Action Executive Director will be available for interviews. Photo opportunities include the Promoters receiving their certificates in a formal graduation ceremony.

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Border Action Network formed in 1999 and works with immigrant and border communities in Arizona to ensure that our rights are respected, our human dignity upheld and that our communities are healthy places to live. We are a membership-based organization that combines community organizing, leadership development, litigation and policy advocacy.