Everyday justice and injustice

News from Colorado's capitol shows that Latinos are organizing for positive social change. Yet, they face daunting opposition.

It can be a long wait for papers legalizing one's status in the U.S.A. Part of the process of is taking citizenship classes in preparation. The Latina Initiative organizes not just citizenship classes, but also efforts at full participation for those who own citizens' rights and responsibilities -- for example, voting. The next workshop is Saturday, July 12, from 9-3:30 at Mi Casa Resource Center, 360 Acoma, in Denver, CO.

Janitors in the Denver Metro area, including Aurora and the Denver Tech Center, recently won a historic negotiation with their employer. Through the Justice for Janitors campaign, SEIU members won a salary increase, more full-time jobs, and family health insurance. The new contract will take effect over the next four years, and will affect virtually every janitorial worker in a major office building.

Day laborers face harassment in Aurora, and opposition to their attempts to secure a safe gathering place. El Centro Humanitario is seeking community members' support and testimony outside the City Council meeting on Monday night, July 14, at 6:30 p.m -- at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. El Centro seeks a site to ensure fair wages and practices for workers, and reliable labor for employers.