Dear AIO Supporter,
Most of us are aware of the stepped up actions ICE Agents and Customs and Border Patrol Officers are taking in Minnesota and Maine. We have probably seen the horrific video footage of apprehensions, shootings and deaths. Today demonstrations and a national strike are taking place across the Nation to protest these actions and ask the Federal Government to remove these forces from our communities. While we don't think it right to close AIO and deny food to those who count on us, we still stand with, appreciate and support all new Mainers and welcome them to the community and open our arms to help them as we can, adjust to the new place they've come to call home.
Today, in support of the work of many groups who are on the front lines of protecting those who are new to our community and those who are being targeted, we ask that you consider supporting them with your voices and financial help.
These three organizations do great work locally and across the state.
We support them:
1) Connecting Across Cultures - A network of volunteers that celebrates diversity and helps New Mainers as they navigate life here. To donate, send a check to: Connecting Across Cultures, PO Box 58, Thomaston, ME 04861
2) ILAP Maine - Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, advancing justice and equity for the immigrant population across the state of Maine. Donate here.
3) Mainers for Humane Immigration - Working with people detained by ICE and their families left behind. Donate here.
4) Maine Immigrant Rights - MIRC brings together more than 100 organizations to form a unique statewide network representing diverse ethnic communities. These organizations, a majority of which are led by people of color, work together to foster immigrant inclusion and integration through both support programs and policies. Donate here.