SOMOS 2026 Recruiting Latine Leaders

SOMOS is a leadership and narrative-change program under the ACLU of Idaho designed to support Idaho’s Latine and immigrant communities in confronting anti-immigrant rhetoric. Participants build a foundation in systems of power, storytelling strategy, and community leadership.

As we advance with SOMOS, we are looking to expand our leadership group to apply these skills through community-driven projects that challenge harmful narratives and strengthen local resilience.

Latine participants will complete workshops to build on their inherent power to break down the systems of oppression being used to target immigrant communities. This series of seven workshops begin on May 21, 2026, and conclude on July 10, 2026. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion. The workshops will be held in the evenings. Food and snacks will be provided.

Allies of this movement will also attend workshops shortly after the Latine participants, to collaborate on story amplification and public education to help us shift Idaho’s broader conversation on immigration. Allies program will be from June through August 2026.

Application information for allies coming soon.

The workshops will be held in the evenings. Dinner and snacks will be provided.

• May 21, 2026 — Introduction to SOMOS
  • Session purpose: Meet ACLU of Idaho staff, participate in a community-building activity, and get a clear overview of the SOMOS program — its purpose, research foundation, expectations, core skills, and post-workshop pathways.
  • Skill set outcomes: Set tone and expectations for SOMOS, build trust and familiarity, establish commitment to the movement and this high-demand program.
• May 28, 2026 — State of the State of Idaho on Immigration
  • Session purpose: Cement the reality of immigration in Idaho and acknowledge its history while identifying forms of resistance and countering the narrative.
  • Skill set outcomes: Recognize avenues of strategy for organizing, develop better understanding of immigration history in Idaho.
• June 4, 2026 — Rooted in Culture, Rising with Community
  • Session purpose: Explore cultural resistance, learn strategies to connect with Latinoamericanos, and learn to ground our heritage in the movement.
  • Skill set outcomes: Learn about our roots, center our shared humanity, and lead with integrity.
• June 11, 2026 — Storytelling
  • Session purpose: Learn how to use the power of storytelling as a form of activism to fostering positive social change for the immigrant community.
  • Skill set outcomes: Understand the power of good storytelling, take control of your own narrative, learn to draft a story project.
• June 25, 2026 — Crafting the Message to Organize Online
  • Session purpose: Learn creative ways to engage an audience using free resources to mobilize communities to fight for themselves.
  • Skill set outcomes: Learn how to use social media and online platforms to organize people and activate them. Diversify your online presence, create content, and build trust with your audience.
• July 9, 2026 — Take Action
  • Session purpose: Develop an understanding of ways to change the narrative through storytelling in various mediums.
  • Skill set outcomes: Learn how to craft your story and share in various mediums, create stories for social media and organize a community event.
• July 10, 2026 — SOMOS Graduation and Celebration

We are recruiting for the new cohort of SOMOS Latine leaders!

Interested folks can fill out an application ahead of the beginning of the workshops, which begin May 21, 2026. Location of workshops will be shared with accepted applicants.

Although the workshops only last for a few months, this is a long-term volunteer commitment to the cause. Accepted applicants will work with veteran SOMOS participants and ACLU of Idaho staff to tell stories, conduct outreach and education, and mobilize communities to defend immigrant rights. At the end of the workshops, participants will receive a certificate of completion, and movement building begins immediately after.
You are an ideal participant for SOMOS if you:

• Are an immigrant or Latine-identifying family member of an immigrant
• Are energetic and enthusiastic about this work
• Live in the Treasure Valley or within driving distance*
• Willing to commit 2-3 hours a week to SOMOS
• Are looking for community rooted in culture and learning
• Are passionate about combatting false and harmful narratives about immigration in Idaho
• Want to challenge yourself to embrace your natural leadership in interacting with your community
• Invested in joining SOMOS long-term

*SOMOS has long-term plans to expand to the Magic Valley and east Idaho after establishing in the Treasure Valley.