Immigrant Justice: Engage Your Congregation
- Visit a Jail/Detention Center
Check Detention Watch Network's interactive map to find out if immigrants are being detained near you, or call your local jail and ask if any immigrants are being detained there. Find out if it's possible to arrange a tour of the jail for interested members of your congregation. Share what you learn with your congregation and/or community.
- Form a Partnership
Partner with an immigrant church by asking their pastor or lay leaders speak to your congregation. Hold a joint potluck (PDF) or Immigration Quiz Night (PDF)!
- Stand in Solidarity with Postville on May 12
On May 12, 2008, three hundred and eighty-nine people were detained in Postville, IA, during one of the largest immigration raids to occur in the United States. The one year anniversary has been declared a nationwide day of remembrance to promote awareness of the devastating effects of raids. See the website of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, of which the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is a member, for suggestions on how to observe the one year anniversary.
- Share the Plate
Dedicate a Sunday's congregational offerings to an organization that supports the rights of immigrants in your hometown, or to the Unitarian Universalist (UU) immigrant justice ministries UURISE or No More Deaths.
- Hold an Immigration/Migration Potluck
Foster awareness of migration and immigration through sharing food and culture. Get inspired with our Immigration/Migration Potluck Ideas (PDF).
- The Corridos Project
Starting with the links below, research corridos & immigration with your youth group, social action committee, or family. Think about the relationship between music and justice. Present your findings to your RE class, choir, or to your congregation during coffee hour. Play a recording—or sing a corrido, if you're feeling brave...- What is a Corrido? (PDF)
- The Ballad of Joe Arpaio
- Corridos... by the Border Patrol? (See a shorter account of this story.) If working with children, please be aware that these articles mention instances of immigrant exploitation which are violent and upsetting.
- Listen to Corridos
- Synopsis of PBS documentary Al Otro Lado and interview with film maker
Last updated on Tuesday, May 5, 2009.
