SALEM — After 27 years, Oregon immigrant civil rights group Causa will be no more.
Causa’s board of directors decided to disband the organization last week, according to a message from the group’s board.
“The decision to dissolve Causa was not an easy one, but we firmly believe it is the right one,” the board wrote. “After more than two years of fundraising difficulties and unprecedented turnover among staff and leadership, the organization has reached a point where it will begin spending down its financial reserves to cover expenses. This is not sustainable.”
In addition to its annual May Day march, which often drew hundreds of people in support of immigrant rights, the organization recently worked to pass legislation that provided driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants in the state and helped distribute about $60 million to immigrants through the Oregon Worker Relief Fund.
The board cited two years of fundraising difficulties, unprecedented turnover in staff and leadership, and the inability to finalize a contract with the employee union as reasons for the decision.
The organization will dissolve by July 31. The board is working on a “generous severance” before reserves are gone and will re-grant remaining funds to partner organizations that will continue Causa’s work.
“While Causa is closing its doors, we are confident our mission to give Latinx immigrants a powerful voice in Oregon will continue through the work of our incredible community partners,” officials said.
— The Associated Press
