Roosevelt Avenue: Contested Terrain, Neighborhood Center, or Border?
“NICE envisions a world where all people -regardless of status- live and work with dignity and justice.”
Objective
NICE is a community-based, non profit organization who has made it their mission to guarantee that new immigrants have the the resources available to build social, political, and economic power in their communities and beyond.
History
NICE was founded in 1999 as a response to anti-immigrant billboards posted by Project USA in Queens. They are recognized for their Government Access and Accountability Program which provides a means of communication between undocumented workers and government officials. In 2006, they built their headquarters in 2006 in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Target Group
Immigrants. NICE happens to serve undocumented, latino workers.
Approach
- Immigrants Rights Committee
- Worker’s Rights Committee
NICE Members and Immigrants at the April 10th Rally on Immigration Reform
- Theatre Production of Looking at the Horizon details the journey of certain members in this organization
- Know Your Rights ESOL Program – Classes that inform undocumented workers of their rights
- Young Teachers Initiative – Gives the opportunity to first & second generation immigrant children to gain experience in the education vocation by teaching int the ESOL program
Important Documents
Details the immigrant consumer market of those living in Corona, Jackson Heights, and Elmhurst.
Why They Matter
The stance that NICE decides to take on the BID issue may prove to be influential on the outcome on whether or not it passes. NICE gained a named for themselves when they fought to remove racist billboards in Queens in 1999 and won. They have a huge support in the community. In the aftermath of 9/11 they embarked on a quest to impede the hate crime that ensued as a result of racial profiling. Needless to say, NICE’s grassroots advocacy will certainly come into play.
More Info
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