“Each time a [hu]man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, [they send] forth a tiny ripple of hope…”
~ Robert F. Kennedy, Day of Affirmation Address,
University of Capetown, Capetown, South Africa, June 6, 1966
This year to date, IWC volunteers and friends called or emailed their legislators over 860 times to advocate for immigrants and asylum seekers. (And that’s just the number who emailed to let us know they spoke out; the actual count is probably higher.) That’s over 860 ripples of hope.
“…and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
~ Robert F. Kennedy, ibid
In a sea of anti-immigrant rhetoric, we must keep sending forth those ripples, especially to those who use immigrants and asylum seekers as political pawns. Because if we don’t, who will?
But most importantly, we must VOTE to elect legislators who will pass humane, just, and comprehensive immigration reform. So beginning in the new year the IWC Advocacy Committee, in conjunction with partnering organizations, will be sharing voting information along with Take Five actions. Your vote is your most powerful voice; make it heard! If you’re registered, take the step to help someone else get registered.
In the meantime, Take Five minutes right now and join Church World Service to send out another tiny ripple. Click here and fill out the required info. We offer below a shorter message. To use it, select all the text in the message window, delete it, and copy and paste this (or use your own words):
As one of your voting constituents, I urge you to:
- Reject H.R 2, the extreme and anti-immigrant Secure the Border Act.
- Oppose permanent and harmful asylum restrictions.
- Support humane, just, and comprehensive immigration reform to welcome with dignity and address our country’s need for workers.
Then please email us here with “I Urged My Elected Officials to Oppose Anti-Immigrant Measures” in the subject line so we can count your action. Thanks!
