The National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project (NIWAP, pronounced new-app) opened at American University Washington College of Law on April 16, 2012.
NIWAP addresses the needs of immigrant women, immigrant children and immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes by advocating for reforms in law, policy and practice. NIWAP is directed by Leslye E. Orloff whose 29 year career includes working collaboratively with experts across the county to develop and implement immigration relief, public benefits access and family law protections for immigrant women, children and survivors. Rocio Molina, NIWAP's Associate Director, is an immigration expert, formerly with the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence forging collaborations between advocates, lawyers and law enforcement to benefit immigrant domestic violence and sexual assault victims. NIWAP's Resource Coordinator, Levi Wolberg, brings IT expertise crucial to the distribution of information about our trainings and technical assistance and to distribution of NIWAP materials, resources, policy analysis, research and monographs through our web library at niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu.
News:
Friday, February 1, 2013: Join the Immigrant Women Research and Policy Analysis Team!
Interested in public policy research? Want the opportunity to inform lawmakers and government agencies on immigrant women’s issues?
The National Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project (NIWAP) at American University Washington College of Law advocates for laws, policies and practices that enhance legal options for immigrant women and immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
NIWAP is seeking volunteer law students to assist in public policy research and analysis of proposals to reform laws, government regulations, and federal, state and local policies. Spring semester Research and Policy Analysis launch topics will include:
- Women and Immigration Reform
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protections for immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes including VAWA 2013
- Enhancing protections, legal rights, options and access to services for immigrant crime victims
- Work will involve cutting edge emerging issues in immigration, family, public benefits, and language access laws and the intersections between these laws in the lives of immigrant women and children
Team members will work with NIWAP staff on legal and social science research, analyzing proposed legislation, drafting potential legislative, regulatory and policy solutions. Team projects will be published and available to the public, policy makers, legislators, and federal government agencies.
Positions available immediately! Minimum commitment: 8 hours a week. Students seeking volunteers or students interested in an independent study credit. Positions on team open until filled. To apply, send a resume, writing sample, and cover letter discussing your connection to and/or interest in these issues, topics of greatest interest, and details about your reasearch and writing experience to niwap@wcl.american.edu
This is a great opportunity to learn more about issues affecting immigrant women, the legislation process and to get pro bono and volunteer hours!
Contact NIWAP Director Leslye Orloff for more information at (202) 210-8886 or (202) 274-4371; niwap@wcl.american.edu
Services Available:
- Web Library of NIWAP publications and training materials, government memoranda, and much more: niwaplibrary.wcl.american.edu
- For technical assistance, call NIWAP at 202-274-4457 or email niwap@wcl.american.edu.
- Training Schedule---look for upcoming trainings in your area: www.niwap.org/training
- Directory of Service Providers with Experience Helping Immigrant Victims: www.niwap.org/directory
More About NIWAP:
NIWAP is a national provider of training, legal and social science research, policy development, and technical assistance to advocates, attorneys, pro bono law firms, law schools, universities, law enforcement, prosecutors, social service and health care providers, justice system personnel, and other professionals who work with immigrant women, children and crime victims. Our work supports for those in the field and in government who work to improve laws, regulations, policies, and practices to enhance legal options and opportunities for immigrant women and children.
NIWAP provides training and technical assistance on a broad range of issues of importance to immigrant women and children, including VAWA immigration and confidentiality, family law, protection orders, public benefits, language access, cultural competency, and access to services, including shelter, transitional housing, health care, and education.
Through our work at the Washington College of Law, NIWAP will engage a new generation of lawyers and advocates in work that benefits immigrant women, children, and immigrant survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes.
Contact NIWAP:
National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project, Washington College of Law at American University
Street Address: 4910 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 16, Lower Level
Mailing Address: 4801 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
phone: 202.274.4457
fax: 202.274.4226
