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www.CrossroadsFund.

org Spring 2001

¡Derechos Humanos Ahora! About Crossroads


Immigrants Getting Organized in Chicago The Crossroads Fund is a public foundation
that raises money to support organizations
working on issues of social and economic
justice. The Fund distributes money to grass-
—By Becky Belcore that the cost of education and upbringing were
roots groups throughout the Chicago
o es justo,” says Carmen Guzmán1, sit- borne by the native countr y, not the U.S. The wind-

N
metropolitan area. Crossroads funds broadly,
ting in the cramped offices of the Latino fall to the U.S. of obtaining this human capital at
but has identified some priority interests: low-
Union in the Back of the Yards neigh- relatively little expense to American taxpayers is
income communities, civil and human rights
borhood of Chicago. The small but roughly $1.43 trillion. And of course, the cultural
(e.g., women, lesbian and gay), workers’
determined woman came to Chicago contributions of immigrant communities cannot be
rights, the environment, multi-racial efforts,
from Michoacán, México about three measured in dollars and cents.
and international solidarity work. Grants up to
years ago. “They always ask for us, the ‘illegals.’ They Yet, despite this tacit recognition of the impor-
$7,000 are made during biannual grant cycles
need us, but we have no rights” 2 she says, speaking tance of immigrants to the U.S. economy, the official
to organizations with previous fiscal year
about her experience as policies of the U.S. gov-
expenses under $150,000. Crossroads’ grants
a day laborer in Chica- e rnment have been
provide both early start-up money and sus-
go. Her words reveal a p a rticularly punitive in
taining support.
common sentiment in recent years. The welfare
Since awarding its first grants in 1981,
immigrant communi- reform laws of 1996 took
C ro s s roads has been an important link
ties. Even Federal away access to social ben-
between donors and activists with a shared
Reserve Chairman Alan efits even for legal
commitment to a more just society. To insure
Greenspan has recog- immigrants. The Illegal
that our grants have the greatest impact, the
nized the importance of Immigration Reform and
Crossroads board consists primarily of com-
immigrants to the U.S. Immigrant Responsibility
munity members who are active on a broad
economy. According to Act closed opportunities
range of social issues.
Greenspan, “imbalance for undocumented immi-
in the labor markets grants to adjust their
perhaps may have even status, expanded the
more serious implica- Marching to demand human rights. g rounds for depor t i n g
tions for inflation even long-term resident New Guidelines
pressure. There is an effective limit to new hiring, immigrants, and stripped immigrants of many due
Crossroads is currently expanding its grants
unless immigration is uncapped.” process rights and access to the courts.
programs and revising grant guidelines. Be
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) docu- The devastating effects of these federal policies
on the lookout for new information in July!
mented immigrant workers’ contributions to the are in our own back yards, seen in the rampant
U.S. economy in a 1997 study. According to the exploitation of immigrant workers in factories in For more information, visit our website at
study, immigrants and their children add about $10 and around Chicago. Immigrant workers, and par- www.CrossroadsFund.org

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billion to the economy each year. Immigrant house- ticularly undocumented immigrants, often find or contact the office at
holds pay an estimated $133 billion in direct taxes to themselves in sweatshop conditions, working with (773) 227-7676.
federal, state and local governments. Most immi- dangerous machines or chemicals without proper
grants who arrive in the U.S. are over 18, meaning continued on page 6
Board & Staff News
oard member LAWRENCE BENITO and his We’re very lucky to have him stay on for another also thank BARBARA BEJNA and SHIRLEE JENSEN for volun-

B
wife Betsy had a gorgeous baby girl, board term as co-chair of the Development Com- teering many hours of creative work.
Celia Amijan Benito, on January 31. mittee with RHODA RAE GUTIERREZ. The Grantmaking We are delighted to have Urban Studies student,
Celia is pictured attending her first Committee is being led by returning co-chair NEENA KAREN KINSLOW working with us this term. Karen is
Crossroads Fund event–a house party at HEMMADY and new co-chair PRUDENCE BROWNE. from Grinnell College in Iowa and will be with us
board member BARBARA RANSBY’S featur- Thanks to our community volunteers who partic- through June. More good news—CLARE GOLDEN, our
ing author CHUCK COLLINS (Robin Hood Was Right and ipated in the last grant cycle: DANIEL ASH, MARY SCOTT half-time intern from SSA at the University of Chica-
Economic Apartheid in America). BORIA, DOROTHY BURGE, BEA BURGOS, LESLIE CORBETT, TAMMY go, has joined the staff for the other half of her week
Barbara and her husband, Peter Sporn, hosted a KO ROBINSON, RAHUL SHARMA, and AARON SOJOURNER . We as Development Associate.
delicious brunch and great
discussion with CHUCK COLLINS
and about 40 guests. It was a
good opportunity for people
From the Executive Director
to talk about the national
work of Chuck’s organiza- hange, Not Charity...we display that phrase
tion UNITED FOR A FAIR ECONOMY,
and to link work at the
national level with local
C prominently on the front of every Crossroads
newsletter and on every piece of letterhead we
send out. Those three words simply express what
efforts that the Crossroads the Crossroads Fund and the other members of the
Lawrence, Betsy and Fund supports. national Funding Exchange support.
Celia Amijan Benito. But what does “Change, Not Charity” mean?
Crossroads Fund Board
elections just took place in January. Our new officers Charity focuses on individual needs. Change
Peter Sporn, Barbara Ransby and Chuck Collins.
are STEVEN FEUERSTEIN (President), LAWRENCE BENITO funding is focused on institutions, systems and poli-
(Vice-President), HARRY CHANDLER (Treasurer), and cies. Progressive social change insists on addressing to the idea of “Change, Not Charity”. We also identi-
TOM WILSON (Secretary). We thank GERARDO MONTEMAY- the root causes of problems as opposed to the alle- fied three main objectives for the Crossroads Fund:
OR for his important leadership as Board President. viation of the symptoms. • Give away more money to more groups.
In 1999 in the U.S., $175 billion was given to char- • Broaden grantmaking to ensure that multiple
ity. Only 13% went directly to public benefit and paths to change are pursued and developed.
C R O SSR O A DS F UN D N E W S L ETT E R human service programs and only 2 to 4% went to • Help build infrastructure that will sustain coordi-
support social change efforts. The lion’s share went nated, cross-boundary organizing.
Spring 2001
to churches, mainstream arts, elite private colleges Progressive social change ideas are often initially
Managing Editor and universities, and hospitals. greeted by the larger society as dangerously radical
Clare Golden
Over the last twenty years, the Crossroads Fund or outrageously impractical. The forty hour work
Writing has given away over $3 million to hundreds of week–abolition of slavery and child labor –women’s
Jeanne Kracher,
groups from all over Chicago that are working to suffrage–minimum wage and unemployment insur -
Becky Belcore, Clare Golden
create change. Crossroads has created a reliable ance–civil rights–all of these and more were the
Design
pool of resources for people in communities who are results of many years of struggle in progressive
Nicole Ferentz
striving to make our society just, fair, and true to social change movements.
Printing democratic values. That kind of change does not The groups the Crossroads Fund supports are in
Salsedo Press happen overnight. It takes years of commitment and their own processes of working for change. It’s up to
Mailing many levels of activity. And it takes a lot of money. us as a progressive funder to ensure that money is
Spread the News The Crossroads Fund board and staff have spent available to sustain the long days of work ahead.
the last year reflecting on our two decades of work Crossroads grants are long-term investments for
CROSSROADS FUND and looking ahead to where we’d like to be when we social change. By making a contribution to the
3411 W. Diversey, Suite 20
celebrate our thirtieth anniversary. Our strategic C ro s s roads Fund you are truly investing in
Chicago, Illinois 60647-1245
Tel: (773)227-7676 Fax(773)227-7790 planning process left us more committed than ever “Change, Not Charity”.
email: info@crossroadsfund.org
www.CrossroadsFund.org

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Funding Exchange Member
and Affiliate Funds
Estate Tax Repeal? FUNDING EXCHANGE
666 Broadway, Suite 500
New York, NY 10012
he Crossroads Fund was honored to (212)529-5300
WHO PAYS THE ESTATE TAX?

T
have CHUCK COLLINS (co-author of Robin The wealthiest 2% of Americans are the only ones
APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY FUND
Hood Was Right and Economic Apartheid who pay estate taxes. Half of all estate taxes are paid
(West Virginia & the Appalachian counties
in America, and co-director of Boston by the top one-tenth of one percent of all Americans. of Virginia, Kentucky, & Tennessee)
based UNITED FOR A FAIR ECONOMY) visit us (423)523-5783
here in Chicago for a few days. UFE’s HOW MUCH DOES THE ESTATE TAX RAISE EVERY YEAR? BREAD & ROSES COMMUNITY FUND
most recent campaign organized 650 millionaires to In 1999, the estate tax raised $28 billion. Estimates (5-county region of greater Philadelphia
sign onto a petition against the repeal of the estate put the figure at $30 billion for 2000. Nine cabinet & Camden, New Jersey)
(215)731-1107
tax proposed by President George W. Bush. This departments—including Veterans’ Affairs, Labor,
groundswell of millionaires has temporarily turned Commerce, Agriculture, and Interior—have bud- CHINOOK FUND
(Colorado)
back the repeal. The following UFE fact sheet gives gets smaller than $30 billion.
(303)455-6905
a great overview of the issues around the estate tax.
IS THE ESTATE TAX A “DEATH TAX?” CROSSROADS FUND
Be sure to call your local US Senator to let them (Metropolitan Chicago)
know that the estate tax should not be repealed. No. 98% of Americans who die pass on their estate (773)227-7676
completely tax-free. Zero estate tax is charged on
FUND FOR SANTA BARBARA
WHEN WAS THE ESTATE TAX ENACTED? money left to a spouse or to charity. (Santa Barbara County, California)
The estate tax was enacted in 1916 with broad pub- (805)962-9164
lic approval. Early supporters of estate taxes I’VE HEARD THE ESTATE TAX TARGETS FAMILY FARMS
FUND FOR SOUTHERN COMMUNITIES
included Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft AND BUSINESSES. (Georgia, North & South Carolina)
and Andrew Carnegie. Not true. Only 3% of all estates taxed have farm or (404)292-7600
business assets totaling more than half of the estate. HAYMARKET PEOPLE’S FUND
WHY DO WE NEED THE ESTATE TAX? Is the estate tax killing family businesses? No. The (New England)
small business sector has never been healthier. (617)522-7676
The estate tax raises a significant amount of money
from only the wealthiest taxpayers. It encourages Family businesses can already take advantage of HEADWATERS FUND
special estate tax breaks that are designed to allow (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
charitable giving and promotes America’s core eco-
(612)879-0602
nomic and democratic values. businesses to continue operating.
LIBERTY HILL FOUNDATION
(Los Angeles County)
WHAT’S WRONG WITH REPEALING THE ESTATE TAX? BUT DOESN’T THE ESTATE TAX FORCE SOME
(310)453-3611
The burden of paying for public services will shift to BUSINESSES TO CLOSE?
MCKENZIE RIVER GATHERING FOUNDATION
low and middle income taxpayers. States will lose Rarely. Family businesses are sold or closed for a
(Oregon)
billions in revenue, since many of them get a credit variety of reasons, and the estate tax would rank near (541)485-2790
from the estate tax. Giant new loopholes will appear, the bottom of the list. Often, other family members
NORTH STAR FUND
permitting the very wealthy to avoid capital gains are not interested in running the business any (New York City)
and other taxes they now pay. Overall, repealing the longer. In any case, the estate tax can be modified to (212)620-9110
estate tax will further concentrate economic and protect small businesses without repealing it entirely. THE PEOPLE’S FUND
political power in the hands of the richest 0.1% of (Hawaii)
IS THE ESTATE TAX BREAKING UP FAMILY FARMS? (808)526-2441
American families.
Again, rarely. Attorney and farm tax expert Neil THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY FUND
HOW LARGE MUST AN ESTATE BE TO BE TAXED? Harl of Iowa State University has conducted over (Southwestern Pennsylvania 10-county region)
(412)243-9250
The net value of the estate must exceed $675,000 in 1,500 estate tax seminars for farmers over the past
2001 for an individual (the exemption will rise to $1 35 years. He says that he has never seen a farm sold VANGUARD PUBLIC FOUNDATION
(San Francisco Bay area &
million by 2006). Couples can exempt $1.35 million because of estate taxes. There are special estate tax
Northern California)
from the estate tax in 2001 (rising to $2 million by breaks for farms, including the ability to value farm (415)487-2111
2006). With planning, businesses can pass on $5 land at less than market value. Many “farms” that
WISCONSIN COMMUNITY FUND
million tax-free. For farms, the figure is $8 million. continued on page 7 (Wisconsin)
(414)225-9965

Visit the Funding Exchange and sister funds at


w w w. f ex .o rg

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Fall 2000 General Fund Grants
n January 2001, Crossroads Fund awarded and mobilizing local churches and nonpro f i t ILLINOIS DEATH PENALTY MORATORIUM PROJECT began in

I $85,000 to 19 Chicago area organizations work-


ing toward social, economic, and political justice.
groups, they are documenting human rights viola-
tions and collecting sur veys about the social
conditions affecting immigrants. Training commu-
1998 as a coalition of activist, legal, religious and
social groups to expose problems in the administra-
tion of the death penalty in Illinois and to demand a
BEYONDMEDIA EDUCATION facilitates media access for nity residents as Community Health and Human moratorium on executions while those problems
women and girls’ social change initiatives through Rights Promoters, they plan to expand organizing are fully examined. The group celebrated an impor-
the collaborative development of videos, supporting to Dundee, Carpentersville and Hanover Park. tant victor y in the moratorium announced in
outreach materials and $3,000 (847) 488-1421 January 2000. Continuing disclosures of wrongful
media workshops. Their convictions, police er rors and misconduct are fuel-
Girls! Action! Media! COMITE EXIJIMOS JUSTICIA is an advocacy and investiga- ing their ambitious grassroots educational and
project, an international tive organization of families of prisoners that works organizing campaign to achieve abolition by 2002.
collaboration of girls’ to expose police misconduct and secure the release $7,000 (312) 849-2279
social change initiatives, educates youth about the of their wrongfully convicted family and community
social conditions of girls and girls’ activist solutions. members. They were instrumental in achieving the INSIGHT ARTS is a community based expansion arts
The project includes production of a video, an inter- re-investigation and release of Angel Rodriguez, organization in Rogers Park. Founded in 1991, their
active web site and a study guide. wrongfully convicted for murder—he had served purpose is to encourage the creation of art work by
$5,000 (773) 973-2280 www.beyondmedia.org over three years of a sixty year sentence when those traditionally shut out
released. They are currently working on re-opening of the Chicago art world.
Formed in 1998, the Chicago other cases of wrongful conviction and police mis- Their programs include
chapter of the CAMPAIGN TO END conduct. $7,000 (773) 772-9117 after school art education,
THE DEATH PENALTY is a group of contemporary art presenta-
activists and family members COURAJ (COMMUNITY OF UPTOWN RESIDENTS FOR AFFORDABIL- tion, and resident ensembles. Insight Art s
of death row inmates whose coordination of public ITY AND JUSTICE) mobilizes residents in the Uptown encourages its artists to create art that is anti-racist,
forums, petitioning campaigns, and informational neighborhood across issues such as gentrification anti-sexist, anti-homophobic and that expresses the
pickets helped win a moratorium on executions in and low cost housing, the police, education and the experiences of their lives in the communities in
Illinois. The experiences and stories of death row schools. In an ongoing battle over the use of five which they live, go to school, and work.
inmates and their families inform CEDP’s outreach, acres of vacant CTA property known as Wilson $5,000 (773) 973-1521
education and activism to create social change. Yards, COURAJ is working to educate and organize
$7,000 (773) 489-5867 www.nodeathpenalty.org large numbers of community residents—the out- JANE ADDAMS SENIOR CAUCUS is a multi-issue, community
come of this struggle will be critical in determining based organization of older adults that identifies
CENTRO SIN FRONTERAS was founded 13 years ago by Uptown’s future as a place where low and moderate a reas of concern and develops strategies for
Mexican women in the West Town neighborhood, to income people can sustain and build community. improving quality of seniors’ lives. Campaigns
promote justice, self-determination and community $5,000 (773) 769-2085 include affordable housing for low-income seniors,
democracy. They incorporate bilingual education, multi-generational residential opportunities, and
defense of immigrants, Chiapas and freedom for HOMELESS ON THE MOVE FOR EQUALITY (H.O.M.E.) is an advo- increasing access to home health care. JASC’s plan-
Puerto Rican political prisoners, into the ongoing cacy organization of people who are or have been ning, financing, and construction in Uptown of the
work of empowering a community base in West homeless, taking action to end homelessness. Ruth Schriman House, an 83-unit building for low-
Town. They emphasize building Mexican/Puerto H.O.M.E. seeks to have income seniors, reflects this group’s dedication and
Rican unity in the fight for amnesty and justice for homelessness eliminat- effectiveness. $7,000 (773) 404-6429
Vieques, and for the creation of a strong base for ed as an actuality of poor
progressive Latino empowerment both in Chicago people’s lives, and eliminated as an impetus for VIDEO MACHETE is a collective of youth, community
and nationally. $3,000 (773) 772-8383 maintaining an ongoing welfare industry. H.O.M.E. activists, and community based artists that uses
educates its membership to embellish and use the video as a tool for involving youth in an examination
CENTRO DE DERECHOS HUMANOS “SIMON BOLIVAR” is a new power they have; works to shatter myths about peo- of their own lives and the world around them. The
group of Latino immigrants organizing in Elgin and ple who are homeless and educate the public that group provides video activism workshops and classes
neighboring suburbs to assert their civil and human they can make a difference; and works to effect pub- to youth in schools and youth-focused organizations
rights. As well as organizing community forums lic policy. $7,000 (312) 435-0225 as a means for consciousness-raising, popular edu-

4
cation, and action for social change. They also cre- TRANSGENESIS was founded in 1995 to respond to the of incarcerated individuals, purchase of a van, and
ate, distribute and exhibit radical art and media needs of Chicago’s transgendered community, par- other efforts to develop an infrastructure to lower
such as websites, publications, public art projects, ticularly African Americans who comprise a highly the cost and increase communication with incarcer-
exhibitions, and video screenings. under-served and marginalized sector of that com- ated family members. $3,000 (312) 226-5141
$4,000 (773) 506-9970 www.videomachete.org munity. Activities include education, peer support
and referral, and advocacy. The group also address- TEAMSTERS FOR A DEMOCRATIC UNION: CHICAGO is the local
LATINO UNION OF CHICAGO formed in March 2000 in the es the issues of violence, harassment and chapter of a national organization working for
Back of the Yards area of southwest Chicago to edu- discrimination against the transgendered commu- reforms and more equitable representation for local
cate and organize low-income and immigrant day/ nity, including issues faced by sex trade workers workers. They focus on outreach and one-to-one
temporary laborers to demand decent pay, benefits who are transgendered. organizing of “forgotten” Teamsters, members
and fair treatment. They advocate for public policy $3,000 (800) 805-4052 transgenesis@mailcity.com receiving low-wages and who are mostly people of
changes to stop exploitation of immigrants by color and women. Upcoming plans include bi-lin-
day/temporary agencies, for an Amnesty program PATHFINDERS PREVENTION AND EDUCATION FUND provides gual workshops on workers’ rights issues, increasing
allowing undocumented workers to apply for legal prevention and leadership training on Chicago’s availability of bi-lingual educational materials, and
residency, and for new regulations and enforcement Westside to Black LGBT and questioning youth and aggressive outreach, to put control into the hands of
of current laws to improve work conditions. young adults, ages 13 to 35. workers. $3,000 (773) 582-1049
$5,000 (773) 523-7350 PPEF works to equip con-
stituencies to resist and
WOMEN OF FAITH FOR PRISON JUSTICE is a network of fight back against racism
women that collect data, disseminate information and homophobia, while
Additional Grants
and address state legislation concerning the largely learning about human sex- (May 2000 to March 2001)
unmet needs of women uality and safe sex. They are also developing a guild
Donor Advised Grants
incarcerated in Illinois committed to advocacy, self-determination, and
Barine Wiwa-Lawani . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,700
prisons and of their education of religious/community leaders, educa-
children. Members col- tors, family, and heterosexual counterparts. Nicaragua Solidarity Committee . . . . . . . . $3,000
lect data based on first-hand experiences either as $2,000 (773) 533-5753 National Committee to Free Puerto Rican
former prisoners or in their ministries within the Political Prisoners & POWs . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,124
prison system. Information is compiled and distrib - QUEER TO THE LEFT is a new group of progressive New World Resource Center . . . . . . . . . . $10,150
uted statewide—policy makers then re c e i v e queers who present a critique of the growing dis-
Derechos Humanos-Arizona
recommendations from masses of informed people, tance between most LGBT organizations, versus
Border Rights Coalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,000
forcing them to address issues. the realities and needs of the vast majority of
Chicago Committee to Free
$4,000 (773) 468-2667 LGBTQ individuals. Working in coalition with com-
Mumia Abu-Jamal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000
munity groups across such issues as affordable
ORGANIZACION DE DERECHOS HUMANOS “LIBERTAD Y SOLIDARI- Anonymous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,000
housing and police brutality, this group examines
DAD” is a new group of Latino immigrants in Melrose the role of the LGBT community in a range of social TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $54,974
Park organizing around first-hand experiences with issues, particularly gentrification in Chicago. Fund-
Technical Assistance Grants
human and civil rights ing will support the publication and distribution of a
Women in the Director’s Chair . . . . . . . . . $1,000
violations, particularly broadside.
involving local police $2,000 (773) 506-1947 queertotheleft@onelist.com Emergency Grants
and the workplace.
Campaign to End the Death Penalty . . . . . . $500
C u rrent activities SANKOFA COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND RE STORATION CENTER is
Arab American Action Network. . . . . . . . . . $500
include distributing a group of mothers of incarcerated individuals,
surveys and educational materials, organizing train- organizing to advocate for changes in the prison National Committee to Free Puerto Rican
ings and focus groups, and documenting local and legal system and to provide assistance to fami- Political Prisoners & POWs . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500
human and civil rights violations, to raise awareness lies experiencing incarceration. Upcoming goals WWW.47WARD.ORG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400
and promote social and economic justice. include development of an 800 number providing TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,900
$3,000 (708) 410-1707 updated information about issues affecting families

5
she says. She complains that she had not been paid
Derechos Humanos for all the hours she had worked until the Latino
continued from page 1 Union stepped in. “That’s why they ask for ‘the ille-
gals,” she says. “They think we won’t complain. But
safety equipment. Many earn minimum wage, if that’s why the Latino Union is so important.”
that, and are denied time for lunch or bathroom Indeed, the Latino Union is often the only
breaks. Women are forced to tolerate sexual harass- recourse for day laborers in this neighborhood. The
ment. Complaints are met with threats to call “la organization has worked hard to provide support
migra,” or to blacklist the worker. for The Day Labor Fairness Act, sponsored by State
The problems caused by this harsh and inconsis- Congressman Luis Gutierrez at amnesty rally. Senator Miguel Del Valle in the Illinois Legislature,
tent reaction to immigration often seem which provides for minimal regulation of the day
overwhelming. However, several grassroots organi- refuses to perform a necessary kidney transplant for labor industry. But volunteers in the office are busy
zations supported by Crossroads are confronting a child because his father is undocumented. Mem- with more immediate work of finding decent pay-
these issues in their communities, in churches, in bers of Centro Sin Fronteras are even pushing for ing, permanent jobs. The Latino Union also serves
schools and, if necessary, in the streets. Each orga- legislation on state and federal levels that would to refer workers to jobs. The overhead that would
nization serves a unique population and must change the standard for minor or old criminal offens- typically go to the day labor agency (often as much
confront local issues, but they are united by the es leading to deportation and breakup of families. as 30-40%) goes directly to the workers. Currently,
recognition of the need for a general amnesty, giv- At the Back of the Yards office of the LATINO UNION, three Chicago-based factories work with the Latino
ing undocumented immigrants access to the same Carmen Guzmán pulls a crumpled paycheck stub
rights and protections as other contributing mem- from her pocket. The stub reveals abuses common
bers of our society. On October 14, Crossroads in the day labor industr y. She is paid the minimum
grantees CENTRO SIN FRONTERAS, THE LATINO UNION, CENTRO wage, but deductions of $6.00 a day for transporta-
DE DERECHOS HUMANOS ‘SIMON BOLIVAR ’ and ORGANIZACION tion take her below the legal
DE DERECHOS HUMANOS ‘LIBERTAD Y SOLIDARIDAD’ joined minimum. She is often sent to
forces with a coalition of other com- factories where workers are
m u n i t y, church and labor denied lunches or bath-
o rganizations to bring over room breaks and work
10,000 people into the Federal with dangerous machin-
Plaza in downtown Chicago in sup- ery. She has seen her
port of amnesty legislation. The bill, share of crushed or
i n t roduced by Congressman Luis chopped off fingers, Organizing for “Libertad y Solidaridad” in the suburbs.
G u t i e rrez, would grant a general
amnesty to undocumented immigrants.
As the legislation makes its way
through the U.S. Congress, CENTRO SIN
FRONTERAS continues to mobilize the commu-
nity on several fronts. Organizers are
bringing information about amnesty to
churches and schools across Chicago and have
even secured a resolution of support from the
National Association for Bilingual Education. And
on May 1st, organizers at Centro Sin Fronteras plan
to form a human chain down Ashland Avenue to
draw attention to the struggle for amnesty.
While the larger struggle for a general amnesty
moves for ward, community organizers are also
forced to struggle with the day to day impact of U.S.
immigration policy. In the West Town offices of Cen-
tro Sin Fronteras, community residents seek help
adjusting their immigration status through 245(i)
before the deadline this April. Community members
are mobilizing to put pressure on a hospital that Over 10,000 people gathered at Federal Plaza to support amnesty for all immigrants.

6
Union rather than day labor agencies. And when Another Crossroads grantee, ORGANIZACION DE
workers need additional skills to perform jobs, the DERECHOS HUMANOS “LIBERTAD Y SOLIDARIDAD,” started up
Latino Union tries to find ways to provide them. last year with leaders from the growing Latino
Latino Union volunteers even find time to collect immigrant community in Melrose Park, to educate
food and money for the victims of the earthquake in community members about their human rights
El Salvador. The project is a reflection of the myriad regarding healthcare, the workplace, immigration
of struggles faced by immigrants in Chicago, many and education. According to the group’s president
whose immediate families are affected by disasters Benigno Gomez, “People come from all different
in their native countries. countries, but they don’t know where to go or what
The problems facing immigrant workers are not to do if they have problems.” The group distributes
restricted to the city. A recent study by the FUND FOR educational materials, holds forums on civil and
IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES (FIR) has shown that many Latino Union volunteer collecting donations for labor rights, and documents abuses against mem-
immigrants are moving directly to the suburbs El Salvador earthquake victims. bers of their community. Current campaigns
around Chicago because job opportunities exist include documenting cases of excessive police
there. Immigrants are also pushed outward beyond C E NTRO DE DE R ECHOS HUMANOS “SIMON BOLIVA R” w a s force and exploitative working conditions in area
the city limits as increasing gentrification depletes recently formed by Latino immigrants in Elgin to factories. Gomez states, “Latinos in the suburbs are
affordable housing formerly available in their inner- empower immigrants living in surrounding sub- constantly told, ‘if you don’t have papers, you don’t
city neighborhoods. The result has been an urbs to assert their human and civil rights. The have rights. If you don’t speak English, you don’t
increase in violations of human, civil and labor primary focus of the “Simon Bolivar” Center is to have rights.’ We say, you have rights, and we’ll teach
rights against these newly established immigrant provide training and leadership development to them to you in Spanish.”
communities, with no local resources to which indi- community residents. These leaders then become 1
Fictional name used for publication.
viduals can turn for support and redress. Human Rights Promoters or Community Health 2
Italics represent translation from Spanish.
In response, Latino immigrants with firsthand Promoters who help to mobilize the community and
experiences with these types of violations in the community-based institutions in the struggle for

CROSSROADS FUND
suburbs are getting organized. Crossroads grantee social and economic justice.

I’M NOT IN THE TOP 2%, SO WHY SHOULD I CARE WHETHER OR B O ARD OF DIR ECTO R S
Estate Tax NOT THE ESTATE TAX IS REPEALED? Ali Abunimah
continued from page 3 Dálida María Benfield
Repealing the estate tax would transfer $294 billion
owe estate taxes are actually vacation ranches to the wealthiest 2% between 2002 and 2011. From Lawrence Benito
owned by wealthy city dwellers. The estate tax can 2012 to 2021, the figure is three-quarters of a trillion Cynthia Bianchi
be modified to protect farms. Repeal is unnecessar y. dollars. That means less funding available to help Prudence Browne
meet the growing costs of Social Security, Medicare Harry Chandler
DOES THE ESTATE TAX ENCOURAGE CHARITABLE GIVING? and Medicaid, as well as other priorities such as Steven Feuerstein
Yes. A study by the Treasury Department found improving educational opportunities, expanding Roberto Gonzales
that eliminating the estate tax would reduce chari- health insurance coverage, and reducing child
Rhoda Rae Gutierrez
table bequests by 12% per year. poverty. Just as important, the estate tax prevents
Neena Hemmady
giant fortunes from building up over generations.
DO ESTATE TAXES TAKE AWAY HALF THE VALUE OF ALL ESTATES? Gerardo Montemayor
Huge family fortunes have been shown to distort
Not even close. Remember, 98% of all estates owe Lisa Marie Pickens*
our economy and damage our democratic process
zero estate taxes. For the other 2%, a combination of Barbara Ransby
—this is the main reason the estate tax was enacted
permitted exemptions, deductions, and credits, James Thindwa
in the first place.
together with estate planning strategies reduced Tom Wilson
the average effective tax rate to 17% in 1997. I WORKED HARD FOR MY MONEY. THE ESTATE TAX JUST ISN’T FAIR. *on leave
The vast majority of Americans work hard, save
IS THE ESTATE TAX “DOUBLE TAXATION?” what they can, and wouldn’t mind a tax cut. With STA F F
Not on the portion of estates that have risen in value Karin Candelaria Program &
families struggling, why prioritize a tax cut that will
over the years, such as the appreciated value of a Finance Coordinator
benefit only 2% of the population at the expense of
stock portfolio. These capital gains, which make up Inhe Choi Program Director
all the rest?
the vast bulk of the value of the largest estates, have
Clare Golden Development Associate
never been taxed.
Karen Kinslow Intern
Jeanne Kracher Executive Director
7
What Can You Do To Help CrossroadsToday?
There are many ways to support the work of the DOES YOUR EMPLOYER MATCH YOUR CHARITABLE GIVING? DONATE LIFE INSURANCE Donating your policy to Cross-
Crossroads Fund. The most fundamental involve If so, your contribution to Crossroads becomes roads affords some tax advantage while allowing
making financial contributions to the Fund. Even even bigger. you to give a larger gift.
here you can be creative! For example:
BUILD THE CROSSROADS RESERVE FUND Consider making a ESTABLISH A MEMORIAL Honor someone you love or
WRITE A CHECK This is the simplest way to donate. donation to our new grantmaking reserve fund. As admire with a gift to the Fund.
with other gifts it can be a one-time donation or a
MAKE A PLEDGE Make a monthly pledge to maximize pledge over several months or years. GIVE US SOME OF YOUR TIME There are many ways you
your contribution or make an annual pledge over can help us as a volunteer. Call us!
several years to help ensure Crossroads’ longevity. MAKE A BEQUEST Make a lasting gift to Crossroads by
leaving the Fund part of your estate. Encourage For further information, please contact Crossroads
TRANSFER STOCK Help Crossroads and still receive a your family members to do the same. at 773-227-7676.
tax deduction by giving stock that has appreciated.
You also avoid capital gains tax! ESTABLISH A TRUST Certain trust options may reduce
your taxes and benefit Crossroads.

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Chicago, Illinois 60647-1245 PAID


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Address Correction Requested CHICAGO, IL

J U NE 8, 2 001
Media and Communications
Training with Robert Bray
(SPIN Project)

Call Crossroads for more


information: (773)227-7676.
www.CrossroadsFund.org

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