Vision
In 2000, Rafael Arellano-Barrera founded the organization in response to a lack of Latinxs in leadership and managerial roles. His vision was to create an organization that would educate Latinxs on how to navigate the western system in order to achieve better jobs and health care, helping them to eventually become leaders in the American Society.
Mission
The mission of Edúcate Ya is to facilitate multi-cultural exchange and address the integration challenges faced by Latinxs in Oregon through bilingual health, leadership, and education programs.
Educate Ya Programs
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HIV/AIDS Health Educator Program
The goal of Educate Ya's Latino HIV/AIDS Health Educator Program is to train bilingual (Spanish/English) volunteers to deliver culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS and STI prevention information to high-risk Latino adults, families, and youth living in Latino neighborhoods throughout the Portland metropolitan area, migrant camps, and rural and farmworker communities. The program also focuses on reaching health and social service agencies working with low-income Latino individuals and families. |
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AVANZA Leadership/Mentor Program
AVANZA is a leadership development program for bilingual Latino young adults ages 18-35 in the Portland tri-county area. The program goal is to provide training in diverse leadership skills and create a group of young adult leaders who will participate in community efforts to better the opportunities for Latinos in the educational, social, and professional spheres. Presented by active Latino community leaders and the staff of Educate Ya, the program gives young adults the opportunity to see professional role-models in action and be empowered to create a community that is integrated into mainstream culture while including their own uniqueness that comes from their respective countries. Training topics include leadership and social change; culture and oppression; community organizing; public speaking; facilitation; fundraising and project management; and measuring success. |
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The Cultural Heritage Awareness Program
Educate Ya offers cultural workshops and presentations with an emphasis on the diversity that exists in the Latino communities. Cultural workshops offer three types of curriculums based upon cultural diversity: Latinos born in the U.S.; Latino immigrants; and Anglos learning about Latinos. Educate Ya staff and volunteers facilitate program components that have sessions including lecture, Q & A, sharing personal experiences, and group discussions. Participants learn the origin of Latino communities, who they are, how to develop relationships and outreach in their communities, and how to create a better working partnership with each other. |
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English/Spanish Intercambio
Our Intercambio program provides an opportunity for native English speakers to teach English as a second language to Latinos while improving their own Spanish speaking skills. Each volunteer commits to 2 hours a week for 6 months and attends a 3-hour training prior to beginning teaching. ESL classes are taught one-to-one for 90 minutes, then volunteers practice their Spanish with students for 30 minutes. In addition to providing the language service, Intercambio reinforces our efforts to stay connected to our current Latino clients, their friends and families, the organizations that work with Latinos, and our partner organizations. |
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Edúcate Ya’s Non-Discrimination Policy
Edúcate Ya embraces inclusiveness, diversity, and equal opportunity. We understand that when the gifts of all people are accepted, respected, and maximized, the community becomes stronger and healthier. In all of Edúcate Ya’s programs, services, staffing, and partnerships we embrace and accept everyone including all races, colors, genders, mental or physical disabilities, sexual orientations, creeds, ages, religions, sources of income, marital statuses, identities, veteran statuses, and national origins.
Edúcate Ya embraces inclusiveness, diversity, and equal opportunity. We understand that when the gifts of all people are accepted, respected, and maximized, the community becomes stronger and healthier. In all of Edúcate Ya’s programs, services, staffing, and partnerships we embrace and accept everyone including all races, colors, genders, mental or physical disabilities, sexual orientations, creeds, ages, religions, sources of income, marital statuses, identities, veteran statuses, and national origins.