Immigration Organizing Faith Convening Recap!
Last week, the Church Council hosted a powerful Immigration Organizing Faith Convening at First Church Seattle. Over 100 people from across the city joined us as we shared how we will be showing up in deep solidarity and mutual accountability with our migrant neighbors in the months and years to come, including through the relaunch of the Sanctuary Network.
The theme of the evening was clear: We cannot do this work alone. We must do this work together. The Church Council and our partner organizations offered ways the community can participate in the coming weeks and years:
Marina Ortiz shared about our Grupo de Solidaridad which is primarily made up of folks navigating the immigration system who shape the Church Council's immigration organizing priorities. Many of our leaders are pictured in the group photo above!
Pastor Joanne Engquist from Gethsemane Lutheran Church shared about the Sanctuary Network during the last Trump administration, calling us to "be one another's haven in the upcoming storm."
Vanessa Reyes, who sits on our board and is the Policy Manager for Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) offered opportunities to join Deportation Defense efforts, including upcoming trainings and resources. Vanessa emphasized that it is "time for solidarity and to take action!"
Alex Fayer from Seattle Indivisible shared how to get involved in Rapid Response efforts. He said it was heartening to see so many people interested in helping, so "whatever your avenue, do something."
Andrea Soroko Naar, Executive Director of the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice (JCIJ) shared about the Accompaniment network and some key principles for showing up as allies.
We encourage you to explore an opportunity that calls to you in the coming days and weeks. It will take all of us to build the power needed to protect our communities. Below are some upcoming events highlighted by our partners:
Upcoming Trainings
Attend WAISN's Immigrant and Refugee Justice March & Rally on January 30th during Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Day (IRAD)
Become an accompaniment volunteer with the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice