Reply To: Refugee and Immigrant Rights

Example: New Mexico Asian Family Center (only Asian-based center in NM) / Global 505 (diverse refugee leaders in the community)

Provide direct services but building our advocacy work (community engagement and systems work).
No one considered Asians about part of the conversation.

Some things to key an eye out –

National Security Entry Registry System
(Parallels to Japanese Internment Camps – happened in New Mexico)

Bullying in schools
Based on campaign platforms in schools (sexual assault)
Accountability

Hate Crimes (have to document it – show it is happening)

What are we doing locally?
Big push to local politicians – make sure they are aware and accountable (city councilors, school board elections coming up)
Finding young leaders – from communities of colors (run for office and let’s support that)

Need ICE to stay out of communities
If anything changes in standard operations – will be notified

Protecting Voting Rights – Fill out census (trust building)

Global 505 – Build network in Abq (have representation of different groups)
Local in ABQ – need to make sure we are good here. Historically, we haven’t worked with a lot of these communities. Need to build relationships and trust first.

Ways we can help.
If you want to help, you really need to help. Call representatives. Could be door knocking.
We do need partners – cross sector movement building (some can’t do lobbying).

Mental health services (push for funding for communities of color) – need more counseling

How do you get to root cause label?

There is an increase in volunteers – but will they stay in the movement?