About OneAmerica
MISSION OneAmerica advances the fundamental principles of democracy and justice at the local, state and national levels by building power within immigrant communities in collaboration with key allies.
BACKGROUND
OneAmerica was formed directly after September 11, 2001 in response to the hate crimes and discrimination targeting Arabs, Muslims and South Asians. Called Hate Free Zone at the time, the organization expanded to organize and advocate with many diverse communities of color. OneAmerica has now grown into a leading force for immigrant, civil and human rights.
GOALS
To achieve OneAmerica's mission, we have five primary goals:
- to increase and enhance the participation of immigrants in civic life;
- to win positive policy change for immigrant communities locally and nationally;
- to improve the public climate for immigrant communities locally and nationally;
- to increase the capacity of immigrant organizations across the state to lead and advocate for change;
- to increase OneAmerica's organizational capacity to achieve our mission effectively, efficiently and sustainably.
OneAmerica operates under the fundamental premise that voices spoken together are stronger. That’s why we work to build coalitions between immigrant communities and mainstream communities. Although the burden of policies that erode constitutional and civil rights is falling primarily on immigrant communities, we know that all people are affected.
OneAmerica has been recognized with regional and national awards:
* Public Interest Organizational Achievement Award, North American South Asian Bar Association
* Ecumenical Leadership Award, Washington Association of Churches, 2003
* President's Award, Minority Executive Directors Coalition of King County, 2003
* Community Strength Partner, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare 775 NW
* Civil Equal Justice Community Partnership Award, Washington Access to Justice Foundation, 2003
* Human & Civil Rights Award, Washington Education Association
* Voices of Unity Award, National Council on American-Islamic Relations, 2003
* Partner of the Year Award, Seattle Chapter Council on American-Islamic Relations
* Certificate of Appreciation, Gurdwara Singh Saba, 2003
* Multicultural Excellence Award, Washington State Association for Multicultural Education
* Best New Activist Organization, Seattle Weekly, 2003
* Leadership Award, Northwest Asian Weekly, 2002
* Innovative Program Award, Seattle Human Services Coalition
* Tom Wales Award Honorable Mention, Washington CeaseFire, 2003
* Certificate of Recognition, Japanese American Citizens League, 2003
* Best of Puget Sound Regional Leader, Seattle Times, 2004
* Innovative Program Award, Seattle Human Services Coalition, 2003
* Certificate of Appreciation, Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Renton, 2002
* Certificate of Appreciation, Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Renton, 2001
Awarded to founder and Executive Director Pramila Jayapal:
* Woman of Influence, Puget Sound Business Journal, 2007
* 25 Most Influential People, Seattle Magazine, 2004
* Jeannette Williams Award, Seattle Women's Coalition
* Distinguished Citizen Award for Human Rights, Office of the Seattle Mayor, 2002
* Best Foe of Hatred, Seattle Weekly
* Holmes-Weatherly Award, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, 2003
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