The current humanitarian crisis at the border has inspired our office of communications professionals to research how best to make a difference and to do what we can to help those most in need.
If this or any other issue has caught your attention and you would like to do something about it, here are our five tips for making a difference and inspiring change.
CALL
First and foremost, your elected representatives are exactly that – representing YOU. Make sure they know where you stand on issues like the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the border. Call, email, tweet – hold them accountable. Find contact information for your elected officials from the federal to municipal levels using this tool from the League of Women Voters.
DONATE
Research the organizations that will reach those who are affected, such as RAICES, the largest immigration legal services provider in Texas, has been working for years with some of the most vulnerable members of our society to ensure they receive advocacy and fair legal representation. During the current crisis, they are focused on providing bond funds to get parents out of detention and reunited with their children while awaiting court proceedings. They are also ramping up a newly created Family Reunification Program, in partnership with the Texas Civil Rights Project.
You can donate directly on their website. Other worthy organizations include the ACLU and KIND (Kids In Need of Defense).
MOVE
If you also want to take your concern to the streets, it won’t be hard to find a protest march or event near you in the coming weeks. In the Twin Cities, a helpful resource is the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee. They have protests and other events listed on their Facebook page, including a garage sale fundraiser on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Minneapolis. Families Belong Together is helping people organize events on June 30.
If you don’t see an upcoming event or rally, create one yourself!
SHARE
Social media is a powerful platform for spreading awareness and encouraging action. If you are moved by a media story, share it. When you donate, share it. And when you attend a rally, encourage others to join you.
Add your voice to the conversation with relevant hashtags, such as #KeepFamiliesTogether.
VOTE
Register to vote and then go do it! One of the most important things we can do as citizens is vote our values. Check your registration or register to vote today at HeadCount, where you can also view state-specific election information and get a link to your Secretary of State’s website.
The League of Women Voters has answers to your election questions to help you plan and make sure your voting experience runs smoothly using their Vote411.org site. You can look up your state for the information and links you need, to register to vote, or to find out what will be on your ballot.
