Frameworks
AFIRE operates within a number of frameworks, or basic concepts and ideas, that support how we do our work. These frameworks inform all aspects of our practices, activities, and planning.
Commitment to Liberation
We understand justice depends on our liberation from oppressive systems that are generally exclusive and divisive. We ground ourselves in understanding that oppression operates in multiple ways: individually, culturally, institutionally, and systemically. We recognize these are not isolated or theoretical, but are deeply connected and impact all of us in very tangible, harmful ways. We commit to liberation through our values and our practices of organizing and cultural work.
Mission
AFIRE is a community organization that creates a political home with and for Filipinx/a/os* to confidently organize toward the liberation of immigrants, workers, domestic workers, queer and trans people, and oppressed peoples everywhere.
Values
Values are the beliefs or principles that anchor us in our work. These values emerged through thorough reflection and discussion. They are structured to express the values that inform our work and the principles of action that bridge our values and practices.
Liberation from Oppression
We commit to liberation from oppression, understanding that liberation requires action and is a journey that begins with us.Community Understanding
We move together from a shared place of understanding.Honoring Time
We honor one another’s time, as it is the most valuable thing we can offer one another.Community Connection
We do the work with and within the community.Embracing Our Humanity
We uplift and recognize that our differences make us human.Community Wisdom
We center the powerful and diverse wisdom of our community.
Goals
AFIRE goals will be used to inform the strategic planning of our programs and organizational activities, including operations, development and fundraising, and communications. Our overall goals include:
End policies that discriminate against the communities and issues we prioritize: immigrant, domestic worker, worker, queer, and trans rights
Pass policies that center the liberation of oppressed communities (as lead and as supporter)
Establish clear pathways for the sustainability of AFIRE’s work
Create organizational practices that are rooted in a liberation framework
Serve as an organizing model for the Filipinx/a/o community
Communities of Focus
Immigrants
The Filipinx/a/o community exists today because of the way immigration policy has shaped the conditions of our daily lives, both here in the U.S. and in the Philippines. Immigrant rights are vulnerable and violated every day. AFIRE believes U.S. constitutional rights should be afforded to every resident regardless of immigration status.
Domestic Workers
A substantial number of Filipinx/a/o who immigrate to the U.S. engage in domestic work, including caregiving for youth and elders, housekeeping, and driving, among other tasks. Domestic workers are exploited every day. AFIRE advocates for full implementation of the National Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, which provides rights and protections for domestic workers, such as paid time off and health and safety protections.
Queer and Trans People
Queer and trans communities face similar struggles, often coupled with histories of abuse, assault, bullying, trauma, and higher rates of mental health issues and addiction than the general population. Asian/Pacific Islander same-sex couples also face issues surrounding citizenship, which impacts income and health insurance coverage. Our queer and trans family (kin and chosen) deserve more.
Central Strategy: Organizing
AFIRE Organizing is a strategy to intentionally create the conditions to learn, grow, build, and move towards a shared vision of liberation for immigrants, workers, domestic workers, queer and trans people, and oppressed peoples everywhere.
Our organizing efforts are characterized by base-building and community engagement, mobilizing and solidarity, and community development efforts. Each approach entails a number of activities that comprise AFIRE programming.