Dear friends and colleagues,
We are writing to share exciting news: the board of Long Island Wins (LIW) and the board of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) have agreed to a merger of our two organizations for more powerful, coordinated advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities across the region.
For ten years, LIW has been at the forefront of advocacy and communications for immigrant communities on Long Island, and has played a much-admired role in building community between newcomers and long-time residents to help find common purpose and shared leadership across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
At the same time, the NYIC has strengthened its ability to support the more than 200 agencies in its network who provide direct services to immigrants.
Now, in accordance with the NYIC’s recent strategic plan, which prioritizes supporting grassroots organizations that serve nearly one million immigrants who reside outside the metropolitan area, and to advocate for more equitable policies state-wide; and LIWs’ desire to strengthen advocacy for the 526,000 immigrants on Long Island and to build inclusive communities, the merger will serve both of these strategic aims by enabling us to pool resources and function with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Within the coming weeks, the NYIC will absorb and integrate Long Island Wins operations and staff as we move to legally formalize the merger. The New York Immigration Coalition will hire an additional staff member for Long Island. NYIC will retain the Long Island Wins brand, and will continue to produce the Long Island Wins website, e-newsletter, and social media channels, which have educated and informed Long Islanders on every issue affecting immigrant communities, and how those issues impact the community at large.
We are gratified that current conditions, and the support of the Hagedorn Foundation, enabled NYIC and LIW, with our complementary assets and expertise, to join forces at this time. We will continue to keep you apprised as our process unfolds, and will be happy to answer any questions.
Sincerely,
Maryann Sinclair Slutsky – Executive Director
