Guest post by Cascadian.

Connecting Communities
JULY 17 -22, 2011
a program of Tivnu: Building Justice
in partnership with PCUN, the Oregon Farmworkers Union

Do you want to make a tangible, positive impact in the world and explore the connections between Judaism, Jewish community and current social justice issues? In this action-based learning week, we will:

• Help build the Capaces Leadership Institute (see below) at the PCUN headquarters in Woodburn, Oregon (near Portland). Tools and training will be provided. No construction experience necessary.
• Participate in field trips and learning sessions that examine social, cultural, historical, and justice issues in the Woodburn Latino immigrant community.
• Explore Jewish texts and values that address workers’ and immigrants’ rights and the mandate for social justice action.
• Optional home-stays with local Latino families (additional $125).

The program is geared toward young adults but all who are interested are welcome to participate. $195- $400 sliding scale. Some scholarships available if necessary. For more information and registration, please e-mail Steve Eisenbach-Budner at [email protected] by June 24. Space is Limited.Tivnu: Building Justice inspires and strengthens participants’ passion for lifelong Jewish social justice work through building structures, building community, study and advocacy. Tivnu founder Steve Eisenbach-Budner began his construction career in Israel over 25 years ago and is currently a construction trainer and site supervisor with Portland YouthBuilders, a job-training program.
The Capaces Leadership Institute will serve PCUN and its eight sister organizations by providing a place in which the leadership capacity of the Willamette Valley Latino community will be developed and strengthened, enabling it to sustain and expand the farmworker movement. The Institute intends to be built nearly exclusively with volunteer labor and be the first Passive commercial building to be built in the United States. “PassivHaus” design renders up to 90% energy savings compared to today’s standard construction techniques. For more information on the design for this unique building, read the specs or in The New York Times.