Reconnecting Families and Reversing Deportation Orders

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"This prize is a recognition of our translocal work, for showing up and insisting on the power of organizing in the community. ODA has made a difference not only in the lives of those that come across us, but also to our larger community across borders. The prize will allow us to continue to organize, to be creative, to insist on family reunification, mobility for all and for a dignified return to our countries of origin. We will continue to insist on being heard and contribute to transforming narratives."
Maggie Loredo
Director
What the Judges said

The judges praised Otros Dreams en Acción’s project ‘A Dignified Return for the Deported and Forcibly Returned Community in Mexico’,  for its focus on deportees forcibly displaced by the state. They also noted the project, based in Ciudad, is run by deported people and forced returnees and the practical support provided: effective help with documentation, reconnection of dislocated families and legal support for appeals to reverse deportations. “This unique project is restoring identity and dignity, building collective self-reliance amongst those rebuilding their lives out of the wreckage of deportation’, they added.

Feedback from the Field

“ODA means to me a community of healing.” – Sheila Cosmes

“ODA is a sanctuary that fosters expression through art, learning and healing by embracing vulnerability, breaking down walls, and advocating for family reunification.” – César Maldondado 

“ODA works to make structural change and secure mobility for all, and on the way creates intentional spaces of care where you can be yourself and feel accepted.” – Luisa Martinez
 
“ODA is about creating community and fighting for mobility across borders.“ –  Guadalupe Chavez

Ockenden International’s four cash prizes recognise and reward innovative projects that deliver evidential self-reliance to refugees and/or displaced people, the hallmark of Ockenden International since its inception in 1951. The four annual prizes are open to projects or programmes focused on Internally Displaced People (IDP)/refugee self-reliance anywhere in the world. The other eleven 2023 finalists (with the other three winners italicised) are: