Part of the work that we do as POC has to do with responding to federal immigration enforcement. We educate people ahead of time on their rights — if you want to learn more, visit the Illinois hub for information on immigrant rights.
We educate people in any of our centers, out at community events, at special seminars and just walking the neighborhoods of our communities to visit community gathering places like laundromats and bakeries to share this information.
When we hear of a detention, we attempt to respond as quickly as possible to lawfully record and to connect those affected to legal resources either of our own or through our partners. In the days and weeks and months after, we provide legal assistance and all kinds of social service supports to the families and friends who may have been left behind.
But this still leaves us all feeling a hole - feeling like there has GOT to be more we can do.
Whenever I speak about these issues in public forums, people ask me what the biggest challenges are and what they can do to help. I’ve kind of honed in on some answers. One of the biggest (and not readily recognizable) challenges is fear and hopelessness among our immigrant neighbors. One woman who has lived in the United States her whole life recently told me “I’ve never felt so hated for the color of my skin.”
So what can we do? Let’s show the community that we care. No - we can’t stop each and every person from being taken by immigration authorities. That’s a sad and horrible fact we have to face. But we can promote love and welcome. We can post signs in our homes and businesses that say “Immigrants are welcome here.” We can shop local and shop immigrant - there is truly some amazing food in our area: my taco budget can attest.
Out of some recent conversation of this sort with caring community members, some “Joy Gatherings” are starting in our area. We’re workshopping names but for now that name captures the spirit. This is not a protest (although protests are fun and a fundamental part of American democracy).
It’s a gathering of love and joy - a gathering to tell our immigrant neighbors that they are not alone, that not EVERYONE (I would hazard not even a majority) of their neighbors want them to live with this kind of fear. Let’s spread joy and hope.
For the moment (times and details may change, so watch our social media for updates) two groups will meet on Friday. Palatine at Baldwin and Dundee at 5 pm and Rolling Meadows at 2210 Algonquin Road Friday at 5:30 pm.
Join us - spread the joy and create community.
