About ERTOBA

Mission

Ertoba exists to organize and empower Georgian immigrants and their families in New York City to claim dignity, fairness, and opportunity. We build leadership from within our community - especially among those who are most excluded, such as LGBTQ people, women, and working-class immigrants. Through education, advocacy, and collective action, we strengthen the voice of Georgians in New York and connect our struggles to the broader movements for immigrant rights, labor justice, and equality.

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Vision

We envision a Georgian community in New York that is strong, united, and respected - where every member has the power to shape their future and the dignity to live openly and safely. By organizing together, we seek not only to preserve our heritage but also to stand in solidarity with other communities in the fight for justice, equity, and human rights.

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Core Values

Community Power

We believe Georgians in New York can only thrive when we stand together and raise our voices. We are committed to organizing our people so that no one faces injustice alone.

 

Leadership from Within

We lift up the voices of those most often excluded - immigrants, women, LGBTQ people, and working families  and ensure they are at the center of our decision-making and leadership.

 

Justice and Dignity

We affirm the dignity of every Georgian immigrant and fight for fairness in workplaces, schools, housing, and public life. Our work is rooted in the belief that justice is a right, not a privilege.

 

Solidarity Across Communities

We know our struggles are tied to those of other immigrant and marginalized groups in New York. We join coalitions and partnerships to build shared power and broader change.

 

Cultural Pride with Purpose

We celebrate our Georgian heritage not only to preserve tradition but also to build confidence, unity, and visibility as we advocate for equity and human rights.
 

Organizational Structure and Governance

 

Ertoba NGO (Georgian International Foundation for Transformation, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of New York. We are built on the principles of democratic governance, accountability, and transparency. Our governing documents - including bylaws, code of conduct, and membership handbook are publicly available.

 

Our bylaws define how we are structured, how leaders are elected, how members participate in decision-making, and how the organization remains accountable to its mission. Adopted by our founding incorporators, these bylaws can be amended by our members through established democratic procedures.