Community Resources
The best way to stay informed and active is to be on the mailing lists of the organizations who are at the forefront. These local groups include work on both direct service and policy change:
Casa Latina is an immigrant workers rights organization in Seattle that empowers low-wage Latino immigrants to move from economic insecurity to economic prosperity and to lift their voices to take action around public policy issues that affect them.
The Church Council of Greater Seattle is an ecumenical nonprofit focusing on organizing faith communities around various social justice issues. One of their focus areas is immigrant and refugee accompaniment. Visit their website for details on their work, resources, and contact information.
The Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network is a Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights organizations and individuals that strive to protect, serve and strengthen support capacity and resources to build power and a united voice in Washington.
OneAmerica is the largest immigrant and refugee advocacy organization in Washington State, organizing with and advocating for diverse communities including Latinx, African, and Asian. Initially named Hate Free Zone, OneAmerica was founded immediately after September 11, 2001 to address the backlash, hate crimes, and discrimination against immigrant communities of color, primarily Muslims, Arab Americans, East Africans, and South Asians.
The City of Seattle's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs has a wonderful list of resources and programs on their website. One of their programs includes the Immigrant Legal Defense Network.
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education.
El Centro de la Raza strives to use social, cultural, educational, economic and civic activities as vehicles to bring together peoples of all races and refuses to separate our nation’s economic model form the historic tragedy of racism, poverty, and war.
Faith Action Network (FAN) is an interfaith statewide partnership striving for a just, compassionate, and sustainable world through community building, education, and courageous public action. Their legislative agenda and action includes protecting immigrant families in our state.
Want to know more? Read:
Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas
Separated: Inside an American Tragedy by Jacob Soboroff
In such a time as this, when chaos and confusion are threatening migrant communities, we as people of faith are called to reaffirm our values and uphold the dignity of every human being.
