We are clear eyed about the scale of threats before us that not only implicate migrants, but all of us, especially women, BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals, and other racial, ethnic, and religious minorities. Yet – even in the face of an impending policy regime that is explicitly grounded in the criminalization, persecution, and deportation of millions of our community members – we are not helpless.
Frontline service providers, community organizers, lawyers, and nonprofit leaders have not only risen up to fight family separation and other inhumane anti-immigrant policies in the past, but they have also spent much of the last year preparing for a new wave of hostility from our nation’s highest office. What have we learned from them and their courageous efforts on behalf of our communities?
First, while leaders in the immigrant justice movement are incredibly powerful, committed, and resilient, they are not impervious to the trauma and burnout that comes from years of work defending their communities while facing ongoing threats of political violence. Grantmakers can show up in this moment by making investments that center the safety, security, and well-being of their grantees.
Second, while we will need to play defense and leverage the courts to the fullest capacity, we must never cease the work of imagining and fighting for the world we want to bring into being. This means that funders should pay careful attention to opportunities to advance not only community health and well-being, but also narratives and practices that foster a sense of belonging and facilitate the full participation of immigrants and refugees in American society.
Finally, we must recognize that, while elections are easily identifiable moments of consequence, the work of building a sustainable and inclusive multiracial democracy is an ongoing, long-term project. Forging cross-movement solidarity and power that can be leveraged at the local and state levels will be a central part of this effort.
It is our responsibility as grantmakers to be in active solidarity with movement leaders and organizations at this critical moment, and we can do this by signaling to our partners on the ground that we are here for the long haul, showing the patience and flexibility needed to respond to a rapidly changing world. This authentic partnership will allow movements for social justice the space and support they need to truly innovate, to rest, and to thrive, no matter the challenges of the road ahead.
Photo by photovs on iStock, is licensed under standard license.