SOMOS 2026 Aliados Recruiting

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 launching our Aliados (Allies) program. Aliados will learn and apply new skills through community-driven projects that challenge harmful narratives and strengthen local resilience. The Aliados group will work alongside the SOMOS Latine cohort as long-term partners in narrative change and community organizing, building sustained relationships rooted in solidarity and shared action. Together, participants will support efforts that uplift immigrant and Latine voices.

SOMOS Aliados participants will complete six workshops designed to strengthen solidarity with the immigrant community and equip them with skills to challenge harmful narratives through storytelling and de-centered allyship. We are looking for community members who are committed to showing up in meaningful, accountable, and action-oriented ways alongside immigrant communities in Idaho. The workshops will start on June 11, 2026, and conclude on August 7, 2026. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion. The workshops will be held in the evenings. Food and snacks will be provided.

Applications are now open.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FRIDAY, JUNE 5TH!

APPLY TODAY

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. At the end of the workshops, participants will receive a certificate of completion, and movement building will begin immediately afterward.

Ideal SOMOS Aliados participant:

• Located in the Treasure Valley area*
• White ally*
• Not in a leadership role with an organization or group
• Want to use your privilege for justice
• Has context and background on immigrant justice work or movements
• Ready to take concrete action, not just learn
• Committed to following immigrant-led direction
• Not looking for white saviorism or to build your resume
• 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.

*For BIPOC community members who want to participate in SOMOS, please get in touch with us to learn more. We will be launching another training series soon for BIPOC Aliados.

Location of workshops will be shared with accepted applicants. The workshops will be held in the evenings. Dinner and snacks will be provided.

• June 11, 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.
• June 18, 2026 — Immigration in Idaho
  • 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, and develop a better understanding of immigration history in Idaho.
• June 25, 2026 — Learning the Foundation of White Supremacy
  • Session purpose: Learn how power and systems of oppression affect marginalized communities, and why they exist. Connect your personal understanding with the systems of oppression.
  • Skill set outcomes: Learn about power and oppression, center our shared humanity, and lead with integrity.
• July 9, 2026 — Storytelling to Transform
  • Session purpose: This workshop will be a joint training with the SOMOS Latine cohort. Together, you will learn the power of storytelling as a form of activism to foster positive social change for the immigrant community.
  • Skill set outcomes: Understand the power of good storytelling, take control of your own narrative, and learn about your own biases and perspectives of immigrant communities.
• July 23, 2026 — Aliados to Transform
  • Session purpose: This workshop invites Aliados to process the stories shared by the SOMOS Latine cohort and reflect on how their perspectives, biases, and understanding of immigrant communities in Idaho may have shifted. Together, participants will explore how narratives shape community attitudes and work collaboratively to create values-based topline messages on immigration. The session will strengthen long-term partnerships and organizing between the Aliados group and the SOMOS Latine cohort.
  • Skill set outcomes: Reflective listening and relationship building. Identifying and unpacking personal bias. Understanding narrative change and storytelling strategy.
• August 6, 2026 — Take Action
  • Session purpose: This workshop focuses on putting learning into practice through community organizing and collective action. Aliados and the SOMOS Latine cohort will build foundational organizing skills while collaboratively preparing for a community action event. Participants will learn the behind-the-scenes work of organizing, including planning public-facing actions, supporting storytelling efforts, and movement-building strategies.
  • Skill set outcomes: Learn organizing fundamentals and campaign planning, event preparation, and community outreach. Storytelling for public engagement.
• August 7, 2026 — Aliados Graduation and Celebration