One of the most common phrases in all of scripture is the angelic and divine admonition “Do not be afraid.” To resist fear, to find our courage, we must act and we must act in community.
Here are some ways you can take action:
Statewide Precinct Caucuses: Things to Know Before You Go
One way you can take action in this moment is to participate in the caucuses coming up on February 3. On Sunday, February 1 at 11:30am in the Fireside Room, St. John’s Justice Team will have information on how to find your caucus, briefly cover the ISAIAH People’s Agenda and what they hope to accomplish, and answer your questions. The team would love to tell you more about how you can build power, regardless of party, for the issues we care about as followers of Jesus.
Attend an Immigrants Rights or Constitutional Observer training. These fill up quickly so you’ll want to sign up for notifications and news. These will include notices about upcoming trainings as well as vigils and protests. These types of actions are risky and not for everyone, so you’ll need to choose what feels doable for you.
Conversations with Friends MN visits those who are in detention centers, writes letters to them, and drops off “dignity” backpacks at the Whipple Federal Building.
Neighborhood House has supported immigrants and refugees on St. Paul’s West Side for over 128 years. They are currently delivering food to families who are unable to safely leave their homes to purchase groceries and other essentials.
Pray: As people of faith, we ground ourselves in the promises of God. We invite you to pray for our immigrant neighbors, families, and communities experiencing fear, disruption, and instability using prayers from the joint vigil held with ECMN and the Episcopal Church. You can find them by clicking here.
Care for Your Own Mental Health: The Living Room is available to anyone in Minnesota ages 18 and older. In contrast to an ER visit, the Living Room is free and calm, and is staffed by Peer Support Specialists who have gone through their own mental health journeys. You do not have to be in crisis to access Living Room services—staff are able to help with all levels of mental health challenges. Telehealth visits are available by appointment, and in-person visits are available on walk-in. To visit, call 651-251-2629 or come to 2265 Hillcrest Ave, St. Paul, MN 55116.
Join the ECMN Migration Caucus: meeting on the second Monday of each month at 7pm via Zoom. Opportunities for prayer, resource sharing, organizing, and calls to action around migrant support, accompaniment, and advocacy. To receive the meeting Zoom link, please contact Deacon Rex McKee at [email protected].
Resources from ECMN Migration Caucus leaders:
- Minnesota Immigrant Aid Tool Kit
- Know Your Rights Information
- Guide for Visiting Immigrants in Minnesota Detention Centers
Mutual Aid is important right now, and we know there are myriad places doing good work. Our Justice Team are encouraging you to start very locally, looking to where St. John’s already has partnerships and where we’re already involved.
St. John’s Migrant Support Ministry: Continue to help us support a migrant family who is feeling the direct effect of this moment. Give online here (choose “Non-Pledged Donation” from the funds drop-down and put “Migrant Support” in the memo.)
Rector’s Discretionary Fund: Support urgent housing and food assistance requests in our community. The need for this fund is increasingly urgent as federal aid once again gets cut. Give online here (choose “Rector’s Discretionary” from the funds drop-down.)
ECMN’s Migrant Support Fund: Good work with migration ministries is happening through the Episcopal Church all over our state. Give online here.
St. John’s Faith In Action Ministry Partners: Support Hallie Q. Brown, First Nations Kitchen, and Project Home at Interfaith Action. All of these are being stretched and doing amazing work in direct relief to folks who are most impacted right now. Keeping these funds supported helps us provide extra support where it is needed most.
Make a Difference with Your Dollars: We know economic choices can create change. Where possible we encourage you to spend your money locally at businesses that are participating in and supporting anti-ICE actions, such as those listed here, and to support immigrant-owned businesses in your community.
