2017 Begins

It's the end of a hard year for immigrants but an even worse year is starting soon. Several people have asked me how they can help to make it better; the truth is, I am not sure if there is any one answer. I do know that the greatest growth is when we all stand together, one person with another, in solidarity.

This means that we each put in gifts and talents in a different way and volunteering in direct help is never to be underestimated. 

Still, the situation is such that we will require more translators, more lawyers, more organizing, more answering phones, more legislative actions. 

If you are able to make a monetary contribution, today is a good day to bolster the organizations that will lead those efforts in the Urbana-Rantoul-Champaign area:

+The CU Immigration Forum fills the niche for advocacy, coalescing, and stands with immigrants of all sorts.   Make the check to Attn: CU Immigration Forum, The University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright St. , Champaign, IL 61820

 

+The University Y is a meeting point, and they answer the lines for those in distress through the La Linea in various languages and they serve as the 211 in Spanish for the county

+The Refugee Center, ECIRMAC,  is the oldest direct assistance agency; great staff, small place, great asset. Send checks to 302 S. Birch, Urbana, IL 61801

+The Immigration Project is our go-to for non private immigration lawyers; the recent opening of an office in Champaign makes it easier for minors and those in physical danger.

   You can send a check to P.O. Box 1503, Bloomington, Illinois 61702-1503.

+Some graduate students have recently formed The Three Spinners to help settle refugees in the area.

Sincerely, Ricardo Diaz