THE WEATHER IS MAKING IT CHALLENGING FOR GETTING AROUND. THE EVENT WE WERE GOING TO ATTEND TONIGHT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL TOMORROW (TUESDAY, FEB. 7). WE WILL CANCEL OUR GATHERING TONIGHT AS WELL, FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY. PEACE AND LOVE TO YOU. - Charis
Usually Echoes is enjoying a potluck and exercising listening skills on the first Monday of the month. This Monday, though, we're detouring in order to join with other members of our community. Aligned with our values of listening to, and being connected with, our fellow neighbors, we are choosing to attend this important gathering in order to hear from those who are most affected by recent executive orders and direction. Standing together is imperative, and Echoes is super grateful for the leadership that is already working hard in our area to protect those who are feeling personal threat.
From 7 - 8:30pm there will be a discussion titled, "The Future of Bellingham Immigrant Families", located at theorthwood Hall Center, 3240 Northwest Ave, Bellingham.
This event is hosted by Community to Community and The Racial Justice Coalition, and co-sponsored by the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, Latino Advocacy and Familias Unidas por la Justicia, moderated by Rosalinda Guillen and Michelle Vendiola
The community is invited to two comprehensive presentations on the current state of the U.S. immigration system and its impact on our local economy and community’s wellbeing.
- Law Professor Angelica Chazaro will give an overview of the Trump Administration’s newest Executive Orders and their impact on the current immigration laws and system. She will outline what it means for local immigrant workers, their families and our community.
- Professor Tomas Madrigal will present a statistical overview of immigrant workers impacts on the WA State Economy.
- Latino Advocacy CEO and Community Immigrant Rights Leader Maru Mora Villalpando will present on recent efforts by advocates from national, statewide and local levels. She will outline actions being taken by immigrant leaders and what you as community allies can do to support creating a safe and sustainable Bellingham, Whatcom County and Washington State.
- The "Keep Washington Working Act" (SB-5689) and the "Keep Bellingham Families Working Ordinance" have been introduced. Junga Subedar from Whatcom Civil Rights Project will give an overview of both and answer questions regarding both these pieces of legislation.
There will be time for questions and discussion. For more information e-mail: rosalindag@foodjustice.org or call 360-738-0893