I had the pleasure to work at Western States Center through New Voices Fellowship from 2005-2007. I credit Western States Center and my New Voices Fellowship for giving me the United States context for community organizing. That new perspective, coupled with my own knowledge of culturally-specific organizing practices, has allowed me to grow as a leader and has enabled me to be more effective in uniting immigrant and refugee communities in a common struggle. Prior to my tenure at Western States Center, my work was primarily locally focused. With the introduction of various networks and through my position as a Western States Center Trainer/Organizer, I was able to connect with others doing immigrant rights work in the national arena. Although my experience with the New Voices Fellowship is truly beyond words, I can attest that working with Western States Center was one of the best things that happened me as an organizer and I wish that everyone had the opportunity to work with such a dynamic organization. The tools and skills that I acquired during my work at Center will last a lifetime. My current work as the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Intercultural Organizing is a direct response to the need for coalition building across cultural and racial lines. It is a dire need, particularly in the wake of 9/11 and the subsequent policy attacks against immigrants and refugees. One of the challenges in doing this work is gaining allies who share a collective vision. As I learned at the Center, “We can no longer afford to be single-issue organizations.” CIO is able to continue improving our work because of the support we receive from Western States Center. We are part of both the VOTE Project and the Base Building Project, where our staff and key volunteers learn the skills and analysis necessary to build a strong grassroots community based organization. We have young and very new staff and the Center’s support has enabled them be effective organizers. Happy 21st Western States Center!