Explore the resources on page to learn more about how United Methodist Women can extend a welcoming hand to immigrant communities.
What you can do
• Read news critically. Ask what interests are represented by a particular angle in a news-story? Where can you get other points of view? Write a letter to the editor with your perspectives and concerns.
• Use “Say Welcome: Offering Hospitality to the Sojourner” from the 2008 United Methodist Women Program Book in to read and discuss titles on immigration, such as Enrique’s Journey.
• Participate in the 2008 “I believe in Jesus” Spiritual Growth Study.
• Join the UMWonline community to discuss immigration issues and share ideas for education and action (www.umwonline.org/immigration).
• Talk to your family, friends and co-workers about what you are learning, and your perspectives on immigrant and civil rights.
• Visit a day laborer site in your community. Ask the workers about their concerns. What kind of support would be helpful if they are being harassed?
• Join the Campaign for a United America to challenge anti-immigrant hate groups in your community at www.campaignforaunitedamerica.org.
• Check out immigrant rights organizations on the web. If you do not have Internet access, ask your local librarian to help you search.
• Reach out to immigrant and refugee rights groups in your area. How can your unit lend support to their organizing efforts?
• Research the presence of anti-immigrant groups and hate groups in your region. Organize a faith public witness against use of racist code language in the national immigration debate.
• Discuss how immigration is being linked to “national security” and the “war on terror.” What are people’s genuine fears? Are responses like the PATRIOT Act and border walls making us more secure? How do we understand security? For whom?
• Is Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting raids in your area? How can your unit support families with childcare and economic support? How can women of faith join with others in challenging raids that divide families?
• Distribute the “Know Your Rights” brochure to immigrant communities.
• Support the civil liberties of all people in the United States.
• Visit immigrant detention centers in your area. See http://www.detentionwatchnetwork.org .
• Is there a church in your area that is offering sanctuary to an undocumented immigrant? How can your unit lend spiritual and logistical support?
• Develop a unit response to racial profiling in your community.
• Work with other community organization.
• How are women immigrants are being impacted by current policies? How can United Methodist Women support immigrant women?
