ONE Lowell

CONTACT:

9 Central St., Suite 402
Lowell, MA 01852
978-654-6957
www.onelowell.net

Victoria Fahlberg, PhD, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

The majority of children in Lowell public schools are immigrants or the children of immigrants. They speak over 40 first-languages. While such cosmopolitanism is right in tune with 21st-century globalization — ripe with promise for an exciting cultural future — how can community be maintained in such diversity? How can newcomers gain access to civic decision-making? How can polyglot voices be heard, and cultures become appreciated, respected, and mutually enriching? These are fundamental issues for all our futures.

ONE Lowell was originally established as a coalition of 11 immigrant/refugee groups and mainstream organizations, to promote Lowellian integration. In November 2003, it organized as an independent organization. Its goal is a productive, harmonious, civil society — i.e., integration, not assimilation. With funding from the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement, city and philanthropic boards and human service agencies were surveyed to determine their diversity and accessibility by newcomers; immigrants were asked to identify barriers to their full participation in civic life. A plan was developed to increase participation. Creative, powerful, programs have emerged — more than we can even suggest here. Now philanthropic donations are needed to help make it all work; you can join this exciting, future-oriented, and strategic adventure.

(2002: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)