The mission of the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is to promote the integration of refugees, immigrants, and the community at large into a self-sufficient, healthy, and inclusive multiethnic society.

IRCO's Diversity & Civic Leadership (DCL) program work closely with three communities: the Asian Pacific Islander, Slavic and African immigrant and refugees. IRCO’s DCL pogram works in partnership with the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, the Slavic Coalition of Oregon, African Community Coalition of Oregon, and many other mutual assistance associations.

DCL supports the goal of building the organizational and communication capacity of community organizations of color and immigrant/refugee organizations to build community identity and understanding of existing City governance structure and power dynamics; develop communication structures to encourage and maintain communication among community members and public agencies; develop leadership opportunities to be more effective advocates responding to City public involvement initiatives and policy making needs; foster effective representation on City advisory committees, boards and commissions and neighborhood associations, encourage collaboration and development of partnerships between a wide range of underrepresented community organizations and neighborhood and business associations; and develop culturally appropriate models for how these communities can safely and successfully interact in City processes. IRCO’s signature activity is the ENGAGE Diversity & Civic Leadership Training offered annually. Over 90 community members have graduated this program in 2008-2010, educating, organizing, informing, and engaging a new generation of leaders.