The Center for Intercultural Organizing (CIO) is a diverse, grassroots organization working to build a multi-racial, multicultural movement for immigrant and refugee rights. CIO’s signature leadership development program—Pan-Immigrant Leadership & Organizing Training (PILOT)—enhances the skills and analysis of emerging immigrant and refugee leaders across cultural groups, builds long-term relationships between diverse communities, and increases the capacity and voice of newcomers to affect change.

Over the course of 12 months, PILOT participants convene quarterly for two and a half day weekend retreats where they attend workshops relevant to the experiences of immigrants, refugees, and people of color. Additional joint convening with Latino Network, our partner organization in the Diversity and Civic Leadership Academy, expands cross-organizational relationships and exposes participants to the importance of coalition building.

PILOT also provides a pathway for immigrants and refugees to directly participate in democratic processes through hands-on projects and collective action. During PILOT, participants put their training into practice by learning how to testify at City Council, hold press conferences, participate in public policy deliberation, and implement short term community projects that they design and implement.