Maybe you'd like to visit your member of congress with some other people or organize a prayer vigil with another group. Let me know and I will try to connect you.
I have had conversations with people in the following congressional districts:
Ohio
OH 13 Betty Sutton
California
CA 32 Hilda Solis
CA 34 Lucille Roybal-Allard (D)
CA 38 Napolitano, Grace F.; California, 38th
CA 39 Linda Sanchez
CA 43 Joe Baca
CA 46 Dana Rohrbacher
If you know how we can connect to others in these districts, let me know.
Feel free to contact me.
Peace!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
More about Prayer Vigils
February 13-16 National Faith Prayer Vigils
Getting Organized: A quick how-to on planning your prayer event
Before planning any event, it’s helpful to first define your goals:
1. Purpose: What is the purpose of this event? How does a particular event move you towards your larger community, grassroots, or legislative goals?
2. Audience: Who do you hope to reach out to? Your community? Your local, state, or federal officials? What age group? What demographic?
3. Desired Outcome: What do you want to happen because of this event? BE SPECIFIC. While an event may fall into a larger goal of passing comprehensive immigration reform, for instance, the more specific you can be, i.e. “We want the town mayor to issue a positive statement on immigration” or “We want 30 people to sign a postcard to their Congressperson,” the more prepared and effective you can be in your organizing.
Keeping in mind these three goals, consider the following elements when planning your event:
1. Type of event, length and location
a. Keep both the length of the vigil and the expected attendance realistic, an hour can be a large time commitment for people especially Congress members. Shoot for something shorter – 20 to 30 minutes. Consider what time of day will best serve your purpose.
b. Location—Does it fit the tone and purpose of your event?
1. Is it easily accessible?
2. Does it have the proper sound equipment and electrical outlet access?
3. Be realistic about your attendance, and choose a location that is appropriate to the size of your event—you don’t want to be in a room for 80 if your attendance is 10.
d. Make sure you have all the appropriate permissions to be in the area where your event is planned.
e. If you have equipment like microphones, is there access to electrical outlets? Is there an echo?
2. Materials/equipment
a. What type of equipment do you need? Cameras, banners, candles, microphone, projectors?
b. Will you be outside long enough that people might need water? For a February event when it might be cold, should you have hot tea/cider/coffee if you are outside?
c. Do you need chairs if elder people will participate?
3. Leadership
a. Are there prominent faith leaders in your community who could attend and offer a prayer? Which leaders best represent the faith communities you are aiming to engage?
b. Will there be a leader/emcee to get the vigil/event started? Who?
c. Depending on the size crowd you expect, do you need a megaphone? Microphone?
d. Will you have a sign-in or an information booth? Who will work it?
4. Recruitment—a successful event needs people!
a. Who do you want to attend this event and how can you make sure they do?
1. What could prevent them from coming (think weather, time of day etc.) and can any of those obstacles be avoided?
2. What natural networks in your community or place of worship can you tap into? Who leads those networks? Invite them join you in planning your event to more easily recruit members of their networks to your event.
b. Do you want people in policy-making positions to come?
1. To invite your member of Congress to attend the prayer vigil, send an invitation letter ASAP to their local office and call the scheduler to follow up!
2. If your member cannot/does not come, make sure they receive any press releases and/or press coverage from the event as a follow-up.
6. Publicity
a. Distribute event information to other organizations and have their leaders contact their members
b. Flyers/Newspapers/Radio announcements—What best reaches your audience? Consider placing an op-ed or writing a letter to the editor of your local paper to promote your vigil.
d. We’ll help you contact your local press— Stay tuned for sample press materials, including: a press advisory to go out before the event (who you are, what the event is and who it is for), a press release for afterward (what happened, your demands, turn out, etc.) and a sample op-ed.
7. Follow-up
a. Send pictures/video/audio recordings of your event to local/national offices
b. Get blog posts, pictures, articles about the event everywhere you can.
For more information see: Interfaith Immigration Coalition www.interfaithimmigration.org
Getting Organized: A quick how-to on planning your prayer event
Before planning any event, it’s helpful to first define your goals:
1. Purpose: What is the purpose of this event? How does a particular event move you towards your larger community, grassroots, or legislative goals?
2. Audience: Who do you hope to reach out to? Your community? Your local, state, or federal officials? What age group? What demographic?
3. Desired Outcome: What do you want to happen because of this event? BE SPECIFIC. While an event may fall into a larger goal of passing comprehensive immigration reform, for instance, the more specific you can be, i.e. “We want the town mayor to issue a positive statement on immigration” or “We want 30 people to sign a postcard to their Congressperson,” the more prepared and effective you can be in your organizing.
Keeping in mind these three goals, consider the following elements when planning your event:
1. Type of event, length and location
a. Keep both the length of the vigil and the expected attendance realistic, an hour can be a large time commitment for people especially Congress members. Shoot for something shorter – 20 to 30 minutes. Consider what time of day will best serve your purpose.
b. Location—Does it fit the tone and purpose of your event?
1. Is it easily accessible?
2. Does it have the proper sound equipment and electrical outlet access?
3. Be realistic about your attendance, and choose a location that is appropriate to the size of your event—you don’t want to be in a room for 80 if your attendance is 10.
d. Make sure you have all the appropriate permissions to be in the area where your event is planned.
e. If you have equipment like microphones, is there access to electrical outlets? Is there an echo?
2. Materials/equipment
a. What type of equipment do you need? Cameras, banners, candles, microphone, projectors?
b. Will you be outside long enough that people might need water? For a February event when it might be cold, should you have hot tea/cider/coffee if you are outside?
c. Do you need chairs if elder people will participate?
3. Leadership
a. Are there prominent faith leaders in your community who could attend and offer a prayer? Which leaders best represent the faith communities you are aiming to engage?
b. Will there be a leader/emcee to get the vigil/event started? Who?
c. Depending on the size crowd you expect, do you need a megaphone? Microphone?
d. Will you have a sign-in or an information booth? Who will work it?
4. Recruitment—a successful event needs people!
a. Who do you want to attend this event and how can you make sure they do?
1. What could prevent them from coming (think weather, time of day etc.) and can any of those obstacles be avoided?
2. What natural networks in your community or place of worship can you tap into? Who leads those networks? Invite them join you in planning your event to more easily recruit members of their networks to your event.
b. Do you want people in policy-making positions to come?
1. To invite your member of Congress to attend the prayer vigil, send an invitation letter ASAP to their local office and call the scheduler to follow up!
2. If your member cannot/does not come, make sure they receive any press releases and/or press coverage from the event as a follow-up.
6. Publicity
a. Distribute event information to other organizations and have their leaders contact their members
b. Flyers/Newspapers/Radio announcements—What best reaches your audience? Consider placing an op-ed or writing a letter to the editor of your local paper to promote your vigil.
d. We’ll help you contact your local press— Stay tuned for sample press materials, including: a press advisory to go out before the event (who you are, what the event is and who it is for), a press release for afterward (what happened, your demands, turn out, etc.) and a sample op-ed.
7. Follow-up
a. Send pictures/video/audio recordings of your event to local/national offices
b. Get blog posts, pictures, articles about the event everywhere you can.
For more information see: Interfaith Immigration Coalition www.interfaithimmigration.org
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Immigration Reform’s Post-Election Potential
A new article about immigration that I co-wrote with Ian Danley has been posted here.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Where is the queue?
"There is no line and the “regular channels” do not include them. If given a choice, opinion surveys of undocumented immigrants indicate that 98 percent would prefer to live and work legally in the U.S. and would do so if they could."
Read more at Immigration Daily at ILW.com
Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
- Civil rights veteran Rev. Joseph Lowery
in his benediction to close the inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Son of African Immigrant installed as 44th President of the United States
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
Full text of his speech is here.
Monday, January 19, 2009
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
A time comes when we must speak.
I wrote about the words of Dr. King and immigration here.
Have a thoughtful and heartfelt day!
I wrote about the words of Dr. King and immigration here.
Have a thoughtful and heartfelt day!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
February 13-16 National Faith Prayer Vigils
Advocates for immigrants and immigration reform for the 21st Century will call for prayer vigils and in-district visits to members of congress in a call to prioritize immigration reform in the 111th congress in 2009.
Just a few months ago Christian advocates of immigration reform believed that the political environment in the country would make it very difficult to make the legislative changes necessary to provide relief to out-of-status immigrants to the US. These changes to the law would be required to give even the most hard working and conscientiously law-abiding immigrants an opportunity to seek legal status. Some have said that significant progress can and will be made by Thanksgiving 2009.
Congress needs to know that there are people of faith who's faith calls for treatment of immigrants that is consistent with justice, truth and the fact that we are all made in the image of our creator and have value.
Watch this space for more ideas about how to host a prayer vigil in your church, bible study, college/university campus, community and how approach your member of congress with an effective statement for immigration that is informed by your faith.
Please feel free to comment here with your own ideas and tell others what you plan to do.
Just a few months ago Christian advocates of immigration reform believed that the political environment in the country would make it very difficult to make the legislative changes necessary to provide relief to out-of-status immigrants to the US. These changes to the law would be required to give even the most hard working and conscientiously law-abiding immigrants an opportunity to seek legal status. Some have said that significant progress can and will be made by Thanksgiving 2009.
Congress needs to know that there are people of faith who's faith calls for treatment of immigrants that is consistent with justice, truth and the fact that we are all made in the image of our creator and have value.
Watch this space for more ideas about how to host a prayer vigil in your church, bible study, college/university campus, community and how approach your member of congress with an effective statement for immigration that is informed by your faith.
Please feel free to comment here with your own ideas and tell others what you plan to do.
What is necessary for change?
". . . Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality of those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change."~Robert F. Kennedy at University of Capetown, Capetown, South Africa, June 6, 1966
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Finding a new way to live . . .
. . . nonviolence is not sterile passivity, but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation. Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace, and thereby transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. If this is to be achieved, man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love….
~December 10, 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr. acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize (Inward/Outward, Church of the Savior)
Friday, January 16, 2009
John Perkins on Leadership
I consider John Perkins a friend. His words have affect my life deeply. He is a man of deep conviction and a leader.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
what is most needed is moral imagination . . .
. . . Roberto Lovato calls for the debate on immigration to regain its moral compass.
Los Angeles Archbishop Roger Mahoney rightly says, “Immigrants must be brought out of the shadows so they can fully contribute to our nation’s future economic and social well-being.”
We have exchanged moral outrage for the practical, political consensus building of working for advocacy toward legislation. You can read more of Mr. Lovato's words here.
Los Angeles Archbishop Roger Mahoney rightly says, “Immigrants must be brought out of the shadows so they can fully contribute to our nation’s future economic and social well-being.”
We have exchanged moral outrage for the practical, political consensus building of working for advocacy toward legislation. You can read more of Mr. Lovato's words here.
DREAM Act on change.org
The Chase Foundation has set up a website to empower people to identify issues for the incoming administration and congress. There will be a presentation of awards after the voting is completed. This is not to be confused with change.gov which is the official site of the incoming administration.
You can vote for the DREAM Act as a cause by clicking here.
More on Citizen Orange from Kyle.
You can vote for the DREAM Act as a cause by clicking here.
More on Citizen Orange from Kyle.
Meaningful immigration reform
"Let's talk about an immigration 'update' or 'overhaul' for the 21st century that recognizes human rights and the sanctity of families!" ~Will
Secretary of Labor nominee Hilda Solis
When Obama nominated Solis to his Cabinet, it was a deep bow of respect in the direction of Los Angeles and its working people. Obama was acknowledging, albeit indirectly, the power of the Southern California labor movement, a strength that's been built with the sweat and struggle of immigrant workers . . .," from Hector Tobar, Los Angeles Times.
". . . a record of unstinting loyalty to those who work and want to work, and who wish to receive in exchange a decent wage and a measure of dignity," from Marie Cocco at Indystar.com.
It is rumored that California State Senator Gil Cedillo (Senate District 22) will run against Fourth District Board of Equalization Supervisor Judy Chu to replace Congresswoman Solis (California's 32 Congressional District). Mr. Cedillo has been an advocate in the state legislature for driver's licences for immigrants, the California Dream Act and has other important progressive immigration positions.
". . . a record of unstinting loyalty to those who work and want to work, and who wish to receive in exchange a decent wage and a measure of dignity," from Marie Cocco at Indystar.com.
It is rumored that California State Senator Gil Cedillo (Senate District 22) will run against Fourth District Board of Equalization Supervisor Judy Chu to replace Congresswoman Solis (California's 32 Congressional District). Mr. Cedillo has been an advocate in the state legislature for driver's licences for immigrants, the California Dream Act and has other important progressive immigration positions.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
National Pastor's Group calls for Attorney's General decision to be overturned
The National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders (CONLAMIC) issued a statement this week condemning Attorney General Michael Mukasey's decision to deny undocumented immigrants their basic right to legal counsel and due process prior to deportation.
"Our church members are people of great faith. As a minister and leader of ministers, I believe that most undocumented individuals are good and have contributed greatly to our nation; it is wise for our nation to support them in their quest to become permanent residents. At the very minimum, our immigration system must treat those held for deportation humanely and with the respect that they deserve. I am outraged at the immoral decision of Mr. Mukasey. The undocumented immigrants must have access to our basic right to legal representation," said Rev. Dr. Kittim Silva, Bishop of the Council of Pentecostal churches and Vice President of CONLAMIC.Read the whole statement here.
CONLAMIC has joined Congressman Luis Gutierrez in a nationwide effort to collect signatures from American citizens who will sponsor undocumented families, an initiative started by Rep. Gutierrez.
"We are confident that Attorney General Mukasey's decision will be overturned quickly and that President Elect Barack Obama's Administration will ensure the protection against such disregard for fundamental principals of due process of law," said Rev. Rivera.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Immigration Reform is Doable, A Key Symbol of Change
This release comes from the National Immigration Forum. The National Immigration Forum is the nation’s premier immigrant rights organization. The Forum is dedicated to embracing and upholding America’s tradition as a nation of immigrants. The Forum advocates and builds public support for public policies that welcome immigrants and refugees and are fair to and supportive of newcomers to our country. For more information visit www.immigrationforum.org.
For Immediate Release
January 8, 2009
Contact:
Douglas Rivlin
(202) 383-5989 or
(202) 441-0680 (mobile)
Immigration Reform is Doable, A Key Symbol of Change, Say Religious, Labor, Latino, and Immigrant Advocacy Leaders
Washington, DC – Key leaders who will be pushing the new Administration and Congress to enact immigration reform expressed optimism that broad reforms thwarted in recent years in Congress can and will be passed this year. Speaking on a conference call for reporters organized by the National Immigration Forum, a non-partisan pro-immigrant advocacy organization in Washington, the speakers, representing a diverse spectrum of constituencies engaged in immigration reform efforts, said comprehensive immigration reform remains an important priority for the country and that they were encouraged by early indications coming from the President-elect and Congressional leadership that reform was achievable.
The speakers included Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, who has been an outspoken advocate for immigration reform that includes legal status for undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria and a critic of immigration raids which split up families. He was joined by John Wilhelm, President/Hospitality Industry, UNITE HERE!, a union that has lead others in labor in supporting immigration reform and which represents garment workers, hotel and restaurant employees, and other workers in heavily immigrant industries. Latino civil rights leader Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, a leading Latino civil rights organization, also spoke; as did long-time pro-immigrant leader Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice, an advocacy organization supporting comprehensive immigration reform. The call was moderated by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
“Our current immigration policies—intermittent worksite raids, local law enforcement involvement, and a wall along our southern border, among other enforcement actions---have lead to the separation of immigrant families, an increase in fear and mistrust of law enforcement in immigrant communities, and discord and violence along our southern border,” said Cardinal Mahony.
“As a nation, we cannot have it both ways,” he continued. “We cannot accept the toil and taxes of immigrants while relegating them to a permanent underclass subject to abuse and exploitation. The issue of immigration is an economic and social issue, for sure, but ultimately is a humanitarian one and should be viewed through that lens.”
“The American people have embraced the proposition that has always been true about our country: that we will succeed as a nation if we put our divisions aside and work together,” said John Wilhelm, President Hospitality Industry, UNITE HERE! “As we work to rebuild this country, it is important that all workers and all employers are on an even playing field. We will not fix this country if we are not all in this together.”
“The face of America has always had immigrant features and the way we treat immigrants and approach their integration into U.S. society holds important implications for the future progress of the country,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (www.nclr.org), a Latino civil rights organization. “Reform it not only possible, we as a nation are ready to do it.”
“The nation’s dysfunctional immigration system is a symbol of how our leaders have failed to tackle and solve tough problems,” said Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice. “We are hopeful and confident that this year immigration reform will become a symbol of a new commitment to delivering on the promise of change.”
“Senator John McCain (R-AZ) is reportedly already talking to his caucus about immigration reform. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) included an immigration bill as one of his first ten bills; a traditional sign from Senate leadership that it sees the issue as a top priority,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “Immigration is shaping up as an issue on which the new President and the new Congress can come to agreement in a bipartisan manner and actually accomplish something.”
HT: Oregon Causa
For Immediate Release
January 8, 2009
Contact:
Douglas Rivlin
(202) 383-5989 or
(202) 441-0680 (mobile)
Immigration Reform is Doable, A Key Symbol of Change, Say Religious, Labor, Latino, and Immigrant Advocacy Leaders
Washington, DC – Key leaders who will be pushing the new Administration and Congress to enact immigration reform expressed optimism that broad reforms thwarted in recent years in Congress can and will be passed this year. Speaking on a conference call for reporters organized by the National Immigration Forum, a non-partisan pro-immigrant advocacy organization in Washington, the speakers, representing a diverse spectrum of constituencies engaged in immigration reform efforts, said comprehensive immigration reform remains an important priority for the country and that they were encouraged by early indications coming from the President-elect and Congressional leadership that reform was achievable.
The speakers included Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, who has been an outspoken advocate for immigration reform that includes legal status for undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria and a critic of immigration raids which split up families. He was joined by John Wilhelm, President/Hospitality Industry, UNITE HERE!, a union that has lead others in labor in supporting immigration reform and which represents garment workers, hotel and restaurant employees, and other workers in heavily immigrant industries. Latino civil rights leader Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, a leading Latino civil rights organization, also spoke; as did long-time pro-immigrant leader Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice, an advocacy organization supporting comprehensive immigration reform. The call was moderated by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
“Our current immigration policies—intermittent worksite raids, local law enforcement involvement, and a wall along our southern border, among other enforcement actions---have lead to the separation of immigrant families, an increase in fear and mistrust of law enforcement in immigrant communities, and discord and violence along our southern border,” said Cardinal Mahony.
“As a nation, we cannot have it both ways,” he continued. “We cannot accept the toil and taxes of immigrants while relegating them to a permanent underclass subject to abuse and exploitation. The issue of immigration is an economic and social issue, for sure, but ultimately is a humanitarian one and should be viewed through that lens.”
“The American people have embraced the proposition that has always been true about our country: that we will succeed as a nation if we put our divisions aside and work together,” said John Wilhelm, President Hospitality Industry, UNITE HERE! “As we work to rebuild this country, it is important that all workers and all employers are on an even playing field. We will not fix this country if we are not all in this together.”
“The face of America has always had immigrant features and the way we treat immigrants and approach their integration into U.S. society holds important implications for the future progress of the country,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (www.nclr.org), a Latino civil rights organization. “Reform it not only possible, we as a nation are ready to do it.”
“The nation’s dysfunctional immigration system is a symbol of how our leaders have failed to tackle and solve tough problems,” said Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice. “We are hopeful and confident that this year immigration reform will become a symbol of a new commitment to delivering on the promise of change.”
“Senator John McCain (R-AZ) is reportedly already talking to his caucus about immigration reform. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) included an immigration bill as one of his first ten bills; a traditional sign from Senate leadership that it sees the issue as a top priority,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “Immigration is shaping up as an issue on which the new President and the new Congress can come to agreement in a bipartisan manner and actually accomplish something.”
HT: Oregon Causa
Monday, January 5, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Message from a DreamActivist
I got this information from Maria M. who commented on my post below. I think it is important enough to re-publish it here:
I hope that you are able to help Maria and many others with this important cause.
My name is Maria and I am a DREAM Act beneficiary. I arrived in this country at the young age of 12, with my parents, from Peru. I am now 21 years old and undocumented. I have grown up in the United States and consider this country my only home. If sent back to Peru, I would be banned from the U.S. for 10 years and the chances of coming back are slim to none. I graduated from high school in 2004 and since then, it has been difficult for me to continue my education as a result of my status. The DREAM Act would help me, and students in my situation, realize our dreams of becoming active members of society by allowing us to attend school or join the military.
Currently, there is an active project on CHANGE.ORG, a website that will present the top 10 ideas that it generates to the Obama administration upon its inauguration. DreamACTivist.org has presented the idea “Pass the DREAM Act Now” and it has gathered enough support to make it to the second round.
. . .
Starting January 5th, the voting polls will re-open for the second round. We will ONLY have 10 days to gather as many votes and support as possible in order to become one of the top 10 ideas that will be presented to the Obama administration. There will be a widget that you can post on your website to allow readers to vote for our cause, as well as tell their friends to do so as well. Also consider voting for the other immigration ideas that made it to the second round, as they also need your support. This project is of extreme importance and your prompt participation is greatly appreciated.
Also, DreamACTivist and the United We DREAM Coalition will be launching a website on January 21 that will become a 65,000 petition drive for the DREAM Act, signifying the 65,000 undocumented students that would benefit from this act each year. Please visit http://dreamactivist.org/petition for more information and consider joining our efforts to make the DREAM Act a reality in 2009.
In solidarity,
Maria M.
Co-Founder of DreamACTivist.org
I hope that you are able to help Maria and many others with this important cause.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)