May 1st EVENTS

Dear Friends and Allies,

The snow in Minnesota is puttin’ up a fight and so is the immigrant rights movement! The big mobilization for immigrant and workers’ rights is just around the corner (May 1st ring a bell?) and there are plenty of events being organized by various groups that make up this dynamic social justice movement, check them out below.

 

La lucha sigue,

alondra MIFN Communications

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Saturday, April 12

Outreach Day in the Community (Dia de Volanteo en la Comunidad) Waite House, 2529 13th Avenue South, Minneapolis 55404 2:00PM The Waite House invites you to target Bloomington Avenue (from 24th to Lake Street) to register people to vote, instigate awareness in the community, educate about knowing their rights in case of raids, offer them resources close to where they live, and invite them to April 19th celebration. If you would like to volunteer to help on this effort, contact Marcos Dávila: maidaca85@gmail.com or 612-455-0380

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El blanco es la avenida Bloomington (desde la calle 24 hasta lake Street), el objetivo es registrar a gente para que voten, instigar conciencia en la comunidad, educar sobre saber nuestros derechos en caso de redadas, ofrecerles recursos cerca de donde viven, e invitarlos a la celebracion del 19 de Abril. Si quieres apoyarnos en este esfuerzo contacta a Marcos Dávila: maidaca85@gmail.com o 612-455-0380

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Thursday, April 17

Roots of Migration Workshop (Taller sobre las Causas Centrales de la Migracion) Bethany Lutheran Church, 2511 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis 55406 4:00PM to 7:30PM, dinner included (la cena esta incluida) The Workers Interfaith Network (WIN) want to invite everyone to a workshop to hear from our keynote, Father Uvi, about the focus of his work in Oaxaca (Mexico), the realities facing people there, and the major push factors for migration. Ultimately, he will provide context for the current crisis that we’re witnessing here in Minnesota and across the nation with increased workplace abuses, exploitation and criminalization of immigrants, raids and deportation and the separation of families. The second half of the workshop will focus on small group discussion and reflection about the frameworks currently used to analyze and address the current crisis and key policies that are the driving forces behind it. Lastly, we’ll look at ways to take action, including getting involved with the New Sanctuary Worker Movement and Community Raid Response, and how people can bring all this information back to their community, organization or congregation.

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Los invitamos a un taller para escuchar del Padre Uvi sobre su trabajo en Oaxaca Mexico. Platicara sobre los retos que se enfrentan las personas de alla, identificara las acciones que empujan a las personas a inmigrar. Con esto el le dara un contexto a la crisis que vemos en Minnesota y en la nacion con el abuso de los trabajadores por medio de las deportaciones y redadas, la separacion familiar y la criminalizacion de los inmigrantes. Durante la segunda parte del taller el publico formara pequenos grupos para discutir y refleccionar sobre el analisis que se usa para hablar de estos temas y veremos las politicas claves que causan este analisis. Al final veremos maneras de tomar accion tomando en cuenta como llevar esta informacion a nuestras organizaciones y congregaciones.

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Saturday, April 19 Immigrant Families Move Forward (Fiesta Familiar Inmigrante Pa’Lante) Waite House, 2529 13th Avenue South, Minneapolis 55404 4:00PM This is an event to prepare for May 1, come make art, get information and more! Come learn about your rights in case you are forced to deal with ICE agents, come learn what to do in case you receive a No Match letter, learn about media and communications, stay for Father Uvi’s visit who is coming here from Oaxaca Mexico.  There will be food, music and much more, don’t miss out! For more information call 612-721-1681.

{ { espanol } } Arte. Informate. Evento Previo al 1 de Mayo. Ven a conocer sobre tus derechos ante migracion y que hacer si recibes una carta de No Match. Ademas aprenderemos sobre los medios de comunicacion, nos visitara el padre Uvi desde Oaxaca Mexico, podras hacer tu propia Arte, habra comida, musica y muchisimo mas, no te lo pierdas. Para mas informacion llame al 612-721-1681. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tuesday, April 29

Liberia: America’s Stepchild (Liberia: La Hijastra de America) Minneapolis Urban League, 2100  Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis 5:00PM  social hour (hora social) 6:00PM  to  8:00PM film showing & discussion (pelicula y discusion) “Liberia: America’s Stepchild” is a continuation of the work to secure permanent residency status for the Liberian community. The Coalition for Permanent Residency is proud to present a showing of  ”Liberia : America’s Stepchild” a film by Nancee Oku Bright. This event is free &  open to the public! Come out and  show your support! The clock is ticking!

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“Liberia: La Hijastra de America” es una continuacion de la lucha para asegurar la residencia permanente para la comunidad Liberiana. La Coalicion para la Residencia Permanente esta orgullosa de presentarles la pelicula “Liberia: La Hijastra de America” hecho por Nancee Oku Bright. Este evento es gratis y abierto al publico, porfavor vengan a apoyar esta causa, el tiempo se nos va por las manos!

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Thursday, May 1

May 1 March for Immigrant & Workers Rights (Marcha del 1ero de Mayo por los Derechos de los Inmigrantes y las Trabajadoras/los Trabajadores) Meet at Kellogg & Robert Street in Saint Paul (Reunirse en la esquina de kla Kellogg y la calle Robert en San Pablo) March will head to the State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St Paul 55155 (La Marcha se ira hacia el Capitolio en San Pablo) 2:00PM to 6:00PM May 1 is international workers day. There will be a march in St. Paul for immigrant & workers rights, people will march to stop the raids and deportations, people will march for an immediate and unconditional legalization for all! PDF of flyers available here: English: http://www.mnimmigrantrights.net/files/volantes/1may2008.pdf For more information contact MIRAc / May 1 Coalition at 651-389-9174 { { espanol } } El Mayo 1 es el dia internacional de la trabajadora y el trabajador. Se hara una marcha en San Pablo por los derechos del inmigrante y de los y las trabajadoras. Marcharemos para demandar un alto a las redadas y a las deportaciones, marcharemos por una legalizacion inmediata e incondicional para todas y todos! Si quieres ver una copia de los volantes para esta marcha visita este link: Espanol: http://www.mnimmigrantrights.net/files/volantes/1mayo2008.pdf Para mas informacion llama a 651-389-9174

Art for Social Change

Wanna use your CREATIVE power to build the student movement so that all students can go to college?

The amazing, community based, and well-known artist Ricardo Levins Morales (Northland Poster Collective, http://northlandposter.com/) will lead a workshop on how we can use art to make social change. We will use the art created on this day for the big action—the Student Day at the Capitol on March 4th!

Join us!
Students from across the state are getting together to make art for student and immigrant rights!

What?
Art Making Workshop by Ricardo Levins Morales and the MN Immigrant Freedom Network to help prepare our signs and art for Student Day at the Capitol on March 4th!

When?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Ricardo Levins Morales will give us a workshop from 12pm-1pm
We will make Art from 1pm-5pm using the skills Ricardo showed us!

Where? El Colegio Charter School, 4137 Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis 55407

English flyer

¿Te gustaría usar tu creatividad para ayudar a crecer el movimiento estudiantil por el Dream Act y la educacion?

El artista Ricardo Levins Morales (del Northland Poster Collective, http://northlandposter.com/) nos dará un taller sobre como podemos usar el arte y nuestras experiencias para crear mensajes y arte que mueva a la gente. Usaremos el arte que hagamos para el Día del Estudiante en el Capitolio el 4 de Marzo.

¡Únete a este día de arte y justicia social para seguir luchando por los derechos de los estudiantes!

¿Que?
Un Taller de Arte para preparar nuestros cartelones y mensajes para el Día del Estudiante en el Capitolio en San Pablo el 4 de Marzo

¿Cuando?
Sábado, 23 de Febrero 2008
De 12pm-1pm Ricardo Levins Morales nos dará una presentación
¡De 1pm-5pm todos crearemos arte con lo que aprendimos!

¿Donde?
El Colegio Charter School, 4137 Bloomington Avenue South, Minneapolis 55407

¿Tienes preguntas o te gustaría involucrarte?
Llámanos al 651-287-0660 o mándanos un email a freedomnetwork@gmail.com

flyer en espanol

Dreams Into Action

Wanna join the Movement for Access to Education for ALL Students?!  Join us on March 4, 2008 for our 4th Annual Student Day at the Capitol.  This year we expect to see over 1,000 youth engaging with each other for social change and educating others on the issue of access to higher education for all, regardless of immigration status. 

If you are interested in learning more about this day, or about how you can become involved in this student-led movement, please contact the MN Immigrant Freedom Network @ 651-287-0660  freedomnetwork@gmail.com

opportunties to get involved

click here for a list of areas to voulunteer and intern with us at MIFN!

End of the Year Updates

Dear Friends and Allies,

On behalf of all of us that work here at the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network, we want to wish each and every one of you and your families a happy winter break and end of year. As this year comes to a close, we reflect on the triumphs and challenges of the immigrant rights movement in Minnesota. But first let us say that our hearts and minds are with all of the immigrant families from our communities who have been unfairly and inhumanely separated from their loved ones due to the raids, deportations and detention center deaths.

We want to thank all of the people who have unconditionally worked with us. All of the student volunteers who, motivated by their spirit and energy, have helped us every step of the way. Thanks to our allies who have come together in the struggle to craft a world where everyone is equal no matter what their skin color, gender or religion may be. Thank you once again for all that you have brought to the immigrant rights movement.

A special thanks to all of the foundations and individuals that have supported us through financial resources and technical support so we can become a stronger and more stable organization in the years to come.

Now we reflect on some of the positive, negative and challenging things involved in the realm of the immigrant rights movement.

POSITIVE: IN-STATE TUITION BILL PASSES
The battle for the Minnesota Dream Act and gaining access to education for more immigrant youth has been a very long and public one. Many of you reading this newsletter today have been a deep part of this movement. Although that struggle is not over and the Minnesota Dream Act did not pass, one huge step forward has been taken by this movement. Regardless of the loud anti-immigrant voices of some people in power, this past spring a total of 25 public colleges and some universities changed their policy in order to better adapt to the changing face of Minnesota. Because of the great effort students and allies put in, we were all able to move these schools and many legislators to allow all students, regardless of citizenship status, to attend these 25 schools at in-state tuition rates!!
In spite of the loud but lonely anti-immigrant environment, together we did it!!
Let’s savor this triumph as all of our voices together carved out the space for change!
For a list of the schools please visit this site http://immigrantfreedomnetwork.wordpress.com/youth-leadership
Spread the word!

POSITIVE: YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TRAININGS IN THE SCHOOLS
This fall we kept strengthening our relationships with students and teachers. A group of trained MIFN volunteers and youth organizers worked with 11 high schools, implementing three workshops about the victory of the in-state tuition bill, know your rights trainings and talking about ways to identify issues the students want to see change on. This helped to keep students in the know about ways to go to college, it also re-energized the struggle for immigrant rights as hundreds of students and parents became aware of their constitutional rights in case they ever face abuse by agents. Thank you to all the students, volunteers and teachers who made this important link happen so that crucial information was delivered to all, let’s keep working together next spring with the Dream Curriculum!

POSIVITE: CHILDREN’S MARCH
In July, over a hundred people and children came together to say Let Our Parents Stay. After many families were brutally torn apart by ICE agents, the innocent US American children of immigrant parents came together to voice their concerns. These children marched, they chanted and spoke in front of reporters and journalists. The message was loud and clear, innocent children are being harmed and abused by these discriminatory raids and deportations; stop the raids. We honor the voice of these young people as they bravely stood up in front of the whole state to fight for their rights to grow up with their parents; you are the present and the future. Thank you for the light of hope you share with us always.

POSITIVE: UFCW and CENTRO LEGAL STAND UP FOR IMMIGRANT RIGHTS
We are inspired and encouraged by the strong legal minds and hearts of the UFCW and Centro Legal for fighting for the rights of workers, immigrant people and US citizens and residents abused by ICE agents and the raids. The UFCW International has formed the National Commission on ICE Misconduct and Violations of 4th Amendment Rights in order to bring attention to the abuse of power by ICE. Equally as important is the legal struggle against the abuses of Willmar and other Worthington residents by Centro Legal, one of the premier legal groups in Minnesota standing up for immigrant justice. Hats of to thee for your courage, legal audacity and willingness to move the immigration debate to the side of justice and fairness.

POSITIVE: MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
In October we kicked off our very first membership drive! We see this as a very important step in moving towards self-sufficiency and stability, our goal is 500 members by next year and only you can help us get there, become a member today! To become a member please contact Sarah at sarah@immigrantfreedomnetwork.org or call her at 651-287-0660. Our goal is to connect with people and groups who believe in our work, who want to be more centrally involved and who want to become members in order to support the struggle for immigrant rights. We are currently working to finalize our membership forms and wish to thank all those of you who became members during the October drive, your commitment and contribution gave us strength to move forward.

NEGATIVE: RAIDS, DEPORTATIONS and DETENTION DEATHS
This past year and since the massive raid on workers and against unions at Swift, we have seen, felt and experienced deep sadness and hurt by the hundreds of mothers, children, fathers and families separated from their families by the raids and deportations. We have come to understand this system as a way for corporations to make money off of people who are being detained (ICE who must get money to pay local jails, phone companies who make money off of the calls people make from inside the jails, the food vendors who feed the detainees, etc). In the meantime, no change has been made to our economic or political system in order to address the root causes of immigration. In the meantime, thousands of children are terrorized and go to school scared wondering if their parents will be snatched away today or tomorrow. And we wonder, how will we stop this monster?

CHALLENGES: MORE UNITY, RESPECT, GENDER and RACIAL JUSTICE
For us, the Senate immigration bill brought to surface unaddressed questions of inequality having to do with race, gender, respect and unity within the immigrant rights arena. We hope that like us, many groups and individuals fighting for immigrant rights have been able to reflect and learn from the happenings of this year. No one is perfect and everyone should allow themselves the freedom to be humble (ie. making mistakes is ok). Many groups in Minnesota are working to defend those affected, so in the next year let’s do more and let’s do more together, while keeping respect at the core of our work, regardless of our age, gender or skin color.

As we examine, debunk and organize against the economic resources and institutional power of the mainstream media (CNN’s Lou Dobbs, local KQRS) as well as hate and white supremacist groups like the Minutemen and FAIR (see Southern Poverty Law Center), lets muster up our courage and sharpen our analytical skills to be able to talk about the how the current immigration debate is related to racial injustice.

As a new year’s resolution the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network would like to work towards building a more unified immigrant rights movement that is connected to other social justice struggles through education, action and dialogue. We want to connect to and learn from international and local struggles for economic and social justice (hey, if the corporations are thinking globally why shouldn’t we?). We hope you will humbly join us on our journey.

To end this newsletter we share with you some very important happenings in the coming months.

Hasta la proxima,
alondra
MIFN Communications

EVENTS
-National Conference for Immigrant & Refugee Rights
Jan 18-20, 2008, Houston, Texas
Come to Houston in January 2008! Help build a shared immigrant rights platform for this critical election year and lift our voices to reframe the national debate towards justice, dignity and human rights. Fore more information visit: http://www.nnirr.org

-1,000 Mile March for Immigrant Rights
Week of March 1st 2008, St. Paul to Washington D.C.
Efforts to change the current anti-immigrant political climate by doing a 1,000 mile walk from St. Paul to Washington D.C. in March 2008 are in the works.
If you are interested in participating in this march or want to join one of the working committees please come to a planning meeting on Tuesday January 8th from 9:00am-12noon, location TBA. Please email alondra@immigrantfreedomnetwork.org to let us know you are coming to the meeting or call Irineo at 612-232-6329 to get more information.

-National Conference for Media Reform
June 6-8, 2008, Minneapolis
The issue of immigration has been and will continue to be a hot topic in the media. But most of the time this topic gets misused and abused by mainstream talk show hosts like CNN’s Lou Dobbs and even local radio stations like KQRS. Attend this conference to learn more about the movement for media reform and to call for needed changes to our nation’s media structure so you can help humanize the issue of immigration in the media. To learn more visit http://freepress.net/conference

Know Your Rights Training

DON’T MISS OUT!

I.C.E (la migra) has been terrorizing communities and tearing families apart, leaving children without Mothers and Fathers as well as entering homes without warrants. We are hosting another day of training and action here at MIFN.

When: Saturday, November 10^th
Where: MIFN offices 2500 University Ave office C7
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Time: 10am-2pm

(We are 10mins away from the U of M campus. The 16 and 50 bus routes stop in front of our offices. We are on the corner of 280 and University Avenue. See you there!)

10-10:30am- Intro to topic DHS’s ENDGAME plan

10:30-12:00 noon- What can you tell others about their rights?

12:00-2:00- Action on Lake Street, flyering and door knocking

Ability to Speak Spanish is helpful but not necessary to participate
so contact us at the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network now to register:

651-287-0660 or by email freedomnetwork@gmail.com

Leave us:

full name*

phone number*

email*

and if you can speak Spanish*

 

Wanna Learn More About the Movement for Access to Higher Education for ALL Students in MN?

Why are nearly 1,000 High School Student organizing for the MN Dream Act at the state legislature?

Join us for an info session at La Raza Student Cultural Center to learn about the MN Dream Act, as well as how to become a Dream Coach for the 2008 school year! As a Dream Coach you will facilitate discussions with students on issues regarding MN immigration history, the power of media and messaging, issues of racial equity, and civic participation. We work in ELL/ESL high school classes in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Greater MN.

For more information, come to one of our information sessions:

Tuesday Nov 6th
12-1pm & 2:30-3:30pm
Wednesday Nov 7th
10-11am & 3-4pm

La Raza Student Cultural Center, Room 211, Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota (Map: http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/maps/CMU/

Please contact Sylvia Gonzalez-Castro (651-287-0660 ext 3) or Martha Ockenfels-Martinez (651-287-0660 ext 5), Youth Organizers at the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network for more information or questions