OUR HISTORY

The Multicultural Association of Southern Oregon (MCASO) has a history of anti-hate, pro-diversity activities in the Rogue Valley, since 1995. Some of our past accomplishments include co-sponsoring many activities with other like-minded groups. Examples include the annual Medford Multicultural Fair, the Medford MLK Celebration, the Community Response Team (to respond to hate crimes and support victims), showings of “Not in My Town” video; trainings such as “Interrupting Hate in Public Spaces.” and forums such as “Palestine and Israel Dialogue: Moving towards Understanding.” MCASO has provided fiscal sponsorship for groups aligned with our mission, to support them as they formalize and eventually apply for their 501 (C) (3)—or not. To name a few:

• ONTASC, (Organizing New Teaching Approaches for Schools and Communities)
• D.U.D.E (Disabled United in Direct Empowerment), an advocacy support group or people who experience disabilities, they got their own nonprofit status and are now opperating independently.
• Rogue Rainbow Elders, a support group for elder LBGT individuals.
• Homeaje al Talento Latino group to support Latinx artists both decided to disband.
• Ballet Folklórico Ritmo Alegre, a Latinx culture and dance group, became a program of MCASO for several years, then got its own 501(c )(3) and remains a very strong program on its own..
• Currently MCASO serves as fiscal sponsor for Upriver to Morning, a curriculum based on Native American teachings, and Rogue Womxn, Lesbian social and support group.

 MCASO currently has two programs of its own: a community radio station, KSKQ, broadcasting on 89.5 FM in Ashland and 94.1 in Medford. The second is MCASO’s annual Multicultural Kids Camp, developed with participation and collaboration from local Indigenous tribes and teachers. MCASO also serves as fiscal sponsor for groups aligned with its mission. MCASO is proud to sponsor Upriver to Morning, a cultural educational program for youth, and Rogue Womxn, a lesbian support group.