*This program is hosted by our partner, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR), who has extended an invitation to PNY members.*
Regional Funder Briefing Series
Despite the barrage of troubling headlines out of D.C., the reality of how Americans experience their daily lives plays out at the state and local levels in the communities where they live. As has long been observed, states are laboratories of democracy, where innovative and promising policies can be tested before being replicated in other states and/or at the federal level.
In the context of heightened threats to immigrant and refugee communities – and indeed residents of any immigration status standing up against oppressive federal militarization – states and localities can and have advanced a range of policies designed to keep all of their residents safe, healthy, and thriving. From banning 287(g) agreements, limiting data sharing, and pushing back against masked and unidentified federal agents, to expanding access to health programs and higher education, many of these ideas originated and were shepherded into law by community-based organizations and advocates at the state and local level. At the same time, mutual aid, legal services, and power-building strategies are being deployed to mitigate harm and lay the foundation for a better tomorrow.
In this regional funder briefing series, GCIR, Four Freedoms Fund, and philanthropic intermediaries across the country are partnering to spotlight the work of creative and powerful organizations that will provide a current state of play in their home states, as well as uplift contemporary needs, strategies, and opportunities for funder support.
New York State Briefing
Home to over 4.5 million immigrant residents, New York has long been a gateway and destination for immigrants and refugees. The immigration experience across the state is shaped by varying political and cultural factors. In Buffalo and other upstate communities, refugees have been recognized as drivers of revitalization and in New York City, pro-immigrant legislation has been adopted regularly. In Long Island, farmworker communities work under the shadow of 287(g) agreements, and last fall a high-profile raid in Cato resulted in dozens of individuals being detained, with several wrongfully deported. More recently, DHS has announced plans to open a large immigration facility in Chester, despite bipartisan opposition.
During our March 4th NYS Funder Briefing, we will hear from a variety of movement leaders from across the state on how they are defending their communities and building power, and how funders can support the road ahead. Home to the fourth-largest population of immigrants in the country and third highest by percentage, this briefing is open to funders based in, funding in, or interested in understanding immigration realities in the Empire State.
To register to attend GCIR programs, please make sure you are logged into your GCIR account. This page discusses how to gain access to your account for both new and existing users.
Speakers
- Natalia Aristizabal, Deputy Director, Make the Road NY
- Jennifer Connor, Executive Director, Justice for Migrant Families WNY
- Juana Cortes de Torres, Director, Immigrant Legal Rights Project, Rural & Migrant Ministry
- Jessica Maxwell, Executive Director, Workers Center of CNY
- Sol Marie Alfonso-Jones (Moderator), Senior Program Director, Long Island, New York Community Trust - Long Island
How do you sign up?
Registration is required by March 3rd.
Members and Non-Member Funders: Please click on the "Register Now" link above. Dial-in and webinar information will be emailed to you before the webinar.
Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with any questions.
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