Samantha Searls spoke at the May 2021 CARV Gathering about the Immigrant Dignity Coalition, an initiative of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center that seeks to mobilize partner groups and empower immigrants to “defend and protect the dignity of the immigrant and refugee community.” They use the strategies of education, leadership training, advocacy and coalition building. There are ten voting member groups, including such organizations as LULAC, St John Unitarian Universalist Church and the Cincinnati Senegalese Union. A large variety of supporter organizations currently numbers eighteen and includes the Cincinnati AFL-CIO, the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati and the Northern Kentucky Justice and Peace Committee.
Recent initiatives have addressed problems of unjust deportations and conditions in detention facilities as well as education around “Knowing Your Rights.” The group has been active in COVID relief and related housing issues.
Click here for a link to a video of Samantha Searls’ presentation.
Click here for a link to the Immigrant Dignity Coalition webpage