Support OCO DMV: Build the Oromo Community Center

Support the OCO of DMV to Acquire a Multipurpose Center

The objective of this resource mobilization campaign is to accomplish the vision of building a multipurpose all-Oromo Community Center in Washington, D.C. This envisioned expanded center will serve the needs of both current and future generations while also acting as an "embassy" and/or “a place to go to” for the global Oromo community. The new center aims to integrate services for all ages, such as professional development, cultural activities, forum for deliberation of Oromo issues, challenges, interests, Oromo advocacy, guest house, indoors and outdoor activities. It will also engage in donors resource mobilization from the affluent American economy for the development of diaspora community. The Oromo Community Organization in Washington D.C. metropolitan area (OCO DMV), currently housed in a town house in a residential neighborhood, which is not adequate to meet our needs.

Achieving this objective requires a huge undertaking involving two steps: first, paying off the current mortgage, which is less than 25% of the current market value of the property; and second, purchasing or building a larger multipurpose facility using equity derived from the current house as a foundation. We need larger multipurpose facility in the DC area, mainly for two reasons. Firstly, the increasing second generation of Oromo diaspora population roughly three times larger in size than the first, necessitates a larger multipurpose facility to accommodate expanded needs. Finally, being in the US capital city, where diplomats, multilateral and bilateral organizations from all over the world are located, the center’s effective advocacy role and Oromo culture, identity and Oromia promotional value cannot be overstated.

To pass down the legacy of Oromo values and wisdom to the next generation and the world, we need your generous support and ask you to be part of this historic venture. The new expanded center will provide our new generations the opportunity to connect with their heritage, foster a sense of community, and inherit and pass on a stronger sense of identity. The existing property purchase and maintenance was enabled by the Oromo Community at large contributions. Again, we count on your generous support to acquire the envisioned bigger center. OCO is a non-profit organization, and all your donations are tax deductible.

Together we can build our future!

Sincerely,

Oromo Community Organization of Washington, D.C.