MANOS

Projects

We work in three principle areas:

(1) Support for Oaxacan migrants and their families

(2) Support for refugees

(3) Educational workshops and trainings

support for oaxacan migrants

Thousands of Oaxacans move far from their home countries, leaving everything behind. Many return to their communities after decades of hard work in the U.S., where they pay taxes, save, and send money home to their families. Others still live there, far from the emotional support of their parents, friends, and communities. Tragically, others unexpectedly disappear, their families hear nothing from them and their whereabouts are unknown. Our organization provides legal services and guidance to returned migrants (e.g. review of migrant file (A file), consultations regarding future options, guidance through applying for SSI / SSDI benefits), support for migrants detained in the U.S. (e.g. facilitating communication with family members and advocates, case support), as well as support for families whose loved ones have migrated and are missing. While providing these services, we aim to weave together a collaborative network of NGOs and advocates with the goal of protecting the rights of our Oaxacan migrant community.

Support for Refugees

Numerous refugees pass through the state of Oaxaca every year. The majority come from Central and South America and are fleeing violence and corruption. We know their journey is tremendously difficult and that young people and families are journeying north hoping for a safer and more secure future, like many Oaxacan migrants. We extend to them our support through information about their rights to seek asylum as well as the current politics of the U.S.-Mexico border, and we assist them in understanding the requirements and applications necessary in the U.S. and in Mexico.

EDUCation

We offer and develop trainings for the local and international community. For communities where migration is common, we give know-your-rights workshops informing citizens of the risks they may face as well as the reality of what they may see at the northern border and within the U.S. For the international community, two times a year we offer workshops for U.S.-based migrant advocates and attorneys who wish to enhance their intercultural communication, learn about indigenous ways of understanding, improve their Spanish, and discover new strategies for zealous representation of migrants. In addition, MANOS provides seminars about these themes to international students studying in Oaxaca for a semester abroad with the School for International Training.