Civic Engagement
Kenya Peace Rally. Chicago. 2008
Our Civic Engagement Program (CEP) grew out of our realization that the Kenyan Diaspora cannot continue as divided and passive bystanders, if the full cultural, social, economic and political potential of the community is to be realized.
Through CEP, United Kenyans of Chicago recognizes that a just, fair and equitable society is only possible through the participation of members of the community.
Immigration Reform Rally. Chicago. May 2006
UKC has supported comprehensive immigration reform (Annual May day rallies), the Darfur (Sudan) peace process, the Kenya Post Election Violence peace, the recognition of Chicago as a “Fair Trade” city and US Census participation through this mechanism.
CEP carries out the following activities:
- Annual Pamoja (Unity) Campaign: Pamoja began in 2008 in response to the Post Election Violence in Kenya following the Presidential elections in December 2007. With meetings throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, Pamoja provided an important and visible platform for pushing for peace, reconciliation and healing. Since then Pamoja has become an annual series of meetings with outreach into central and western Illinois.
- Advocacy: CEP works to raise the visibility of the Illinois Kenyan community before public officials and within the family of immigrant communities. In this regard CEP ensures that the voice of the Kenyan community is heard on matters that have a direct bearing on the life of the community. Information on relevant issues and events is also share with community members.
- Collective Action: Through this mechanism UKC is able to mobilize community wide responses to issues and matters of national importance to the Kenyan Diaspora. Examples are the Post Election Violence (PEV) rally and peace campaign in 2008 and the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort in 2005.
If you would like to participate in shaping this program, please email pamoja@chicagokenyans.org
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