TRP Community Navigator Program
Developing Leaders and Building Power through Community-Based Protection
TRP has developed a nationally recognized community-based protection program, through which immigrant leaders are trained as Community Navigators to provide trustworthy information, resources, and referrals to their communities.
Through their work, Community Navigators develop as leaders and empower fellow immigrants in their neighborhoods. They engage in campaigns and advocacy to change the policies that affect their lives. The Community Navigator program promotes leadership development, community-based protection, and power-building.
As of 2024, TRP has 70 active community navigators who provide culturally relevant, in-language education and outreach to thousands of immigrants in the Chicago area every year.
TRP’s Community Navigator Program functions as a community-based legal defense strategy that effectively takes legal support directly into Chicago communities that have high concentrations of foreign-born households. These Navigators provide invaluable outreach, education, accompaniment, and referrals to services to immigrant communities.
TRP Parent Mentor Program
Developing Leaders and Building Power through Parent Engagement in Community Schools
As part of the state-wide Parent Mentor Program, TRP develops parent leaders and builds power in 14 Pilsen and Back of the Yards elementary schools. Every year, more than 115 Parent Mentors develop their leadership skills and build power to create stronger, healthier schools and communities. Parent Mentors volunteer in classrooms in their children’s schools for at least 100 hours. They also receive weekly training and consistent support from Coordinators and Organizers, all of whom are former Parent Mentors.
Through the program, participants develop as leaders and work together to reach personal goals and unite the school community for long-term change.