As part of the Santa Clara County immigrant integration model, a special focus has been placed on immigrant issues, trends, contributions to the society, and leadership in diverse communities. Below are some examples of that work:
OIR Annual Events
- Beacon of Light Awards
- Educational Forums
- Citizenship Days
- National Welcoming Week
- Immigrant Heritage Month
12th Annual Beacon of Light Awards Ceremony
The 12th annual Beacon of Light Awards event is scheduled for January 25th between 5:00 and 8:00 PM at Campbell Community Center. This is an important event that highlights immigrant achievements and contributions. In the current social climate immigrants are scapegoated and on the receiving end of harmful policies and hate speech. This has been a difficult year, so it’s even more critical to focus on the positive and send different messages about our immigrant residents by recognizing their important role in building and transforming our local communities. Immigrants fuel the development of this region and improve the lives of all residents. OIR appreciates their enormous contributions by presenting Beacon of Light Awards to remarkable individuals and organizations. This year we have a nationally acclaimed keynote speaker Jose Antonio Vargas and award-winning emcee Yosimar Reyes to enrich the program. Local immigrant artists will also display their work and guests are invited to weave our immigrant tapestry into a remarkable wall art.
Our outstanding 2018 awardees are:
i. Cindy Avitia Lifetime Achievement: Father Jon Pedigo
ii. Beacon of Light: Beth Chance – Santa Clara County Public Defender
iii. Beacon of Light: Almaz Negash - African Diaspora Network
iv. Beacon of Light: Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network
Welcoming Week Celebration in Santa Clara County
Under the umbrella of Welcoming America, numerous municipalities and community based organizations across the country are celebrating National Welcoming Week. Numerous entities across the United States and other parts of the world have recognized that immigrants and refugees make communities stronger economically, socially, and culturally.
Santa Clara County joined more than 80 communities across the United States to celebrate National Welcoming Week for the first time in 2016. Office of Immigrant Relations hosts a number of local welcoming activities, including colorful displays containing resources and information, library events, immigrant and refugee film screenings.
Past Events
Immigration at a Crossroads
Event was held on February 11, 2015. Below is the program and main documents presented at the event: