In the last few months, governors Greg Abbott (Texas), Doug Ducey (Arizona), and Ron DeSantis (Florida) have bussed and flown asylum seekers to cities beyond the southern border region in an attempt to push an anti-immigrant agenda and infuse fear and hate in receiving cities. These cities include Washington DC, New York, Chicago and Martha’s Vineyard.
We are saddened and outraged to see political leaders play with the health, safety and dignity of migrants. PEOPLE ARE NOT PAWNS.
This political stunt, however, is failing. We have seen communities, organizations, advocates, health workers, lawyers, churches and more RISE UP TO WELCOME and lend a hand to these migrants and asylum seekers. The welcoming spirit of communities will prevail. Welcoming NH and the NH Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees, alongside organizations and advocates across the state and nation, will continue to fight for inclusivity and for the rights and wellbeing of immigrants.
How do these recent events concern New Hampshire? NOW is the time for our state and local officials to show what it means to be a welcoming community. This is a moment when our leaders should step up as examples of how to grant fair, dignified and humane treatment to people in need of support and protection. We need to push for more inclusive policies and actions in our state, now!
En septiembre, son las elecciones primarias, un tipo de elecciones donde cada partido elige a los candidatos para las elecciones de medio mandato, que serán en noviembre. Esta es una guía para que estés más informado al votar. www.collaborativenh.org/vota2022
¿Quieres más noticias en español? ¿Qué Hay de Nuevo, New Hampshire?, un noticiero radial que comparte las noticias más importantes del día, y te acerca a las historias que nos conectan como comunidad.
Puedes recibir noticias, entrevistas y reportajes por WhatsApp.
The ELF Program year runs September through June, with monthly learning sessions, augmented by a 6 month board shadowing experience and a match with an experienced leader of color mentor.
Should you apply?
Do you want to strengthen your equity, leadership, and advocacy skills?
Do you have community or civic leadership experience?
Would you like to learn to participate on a board?
Cohort 9: For Cohort 9, which will run September 2022 through May or June 2023, we are currently planning a mix of some in-person learning sessions, with most occurring via zoom.
This program requires a substantial commitment of time, and could be as much as 10-12 hours per month. There is NO cost for participating in the program and all program materials will be provided to participants. However, Fellows will be expected to be able to travel to workshops and may need to secure early release from work on Friday workshop days. There will be times when you may want to bring your own packed snacks or brown bag dinner to learning sessions.
Learn More and Apply to be a Fellow in the Program:
Equity Leaders Fellowship is growing the network of engaged leaders of color in New Hampshire for collective action and positive community change. ELF is a program created by New Hampshire Leaders of Color for New Hampshire Leaders of Color.
USCIS Announces Significant Expansion of Citizenship and Integration Grant Program and the Opening of the Grant Application Period.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is announcing expanded funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program in keeping with its commitments under Executive Order 14012. Thanks to the support of Congress, USCIS will provide up to $20 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country, which represents a doubling of the grant program.
“This year, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is more robust than ever,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. Congress provided an additional $10 million in grant money – totaling $20 million – for organizations helping immigrants become citizens and integrate into the United States. By adding additional funding opportunities, qualified organizations have the opportunity to fully engage with communities by ensuring they have access to the necessary tools and resources for citizenship education. “I’m pleased that this year’s program will support innovative initiatives and deepen regional and local collaboration to reach more geographic areas around the country.”
USCIS is now accepting applications for four funding opportunities under the expanded program. In line with Executive Order 14012 and the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization, USCIS is calling for new and innovative approaches and targeted outreach to remote, underserved, or isolated communities.
Unlike in years past, applicants may apply under more than one funding opportunity, and applicants are encouraged to apply jointly to expand geographic reach and coverage.
The four funding opportunities include:
Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services. USCIS will fund public or nonprofit organizations that offer both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to immigrants. USCIS expects to award 42 organizations up to $300,000 each, for a period of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022.
Community and Regional Integration Network Grant. USCIS will fund public or nonprofit organizations that provide individualized services to certain immigrants, including those who entered the United States under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, were granted asylum, or were admitted or entered the United States as a Cuban or Haitian entrant. This year, the program, which was formerly called the Refugee and Asylee Integration Services Grant, has expanded eligibility to include organizations that serve individuals admitted on a Special Immigrant visa; victims of human trafficking and criminal activity; and abused spouses, children, and parents under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). USCIS expects to award 3 to 6 organizations up to $300,000 each for a period of 2 years. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022.
Regional Hub Program (NEW!): This new grant opportunity is designed to fund regional or statewide citizenship support networks that build capacity among their affiliates/members to provide direct citizenship education services to immigrants. Applicants are expected to serve as a hub for communication and information sharing on citizenship preparation among their affiliates/members and within the broader community. USCIS expects to award 5 to 10 grants of up to $1 million each, for a period of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022.
Innovations in Citizenship Education Program (NEW!): USCIS will fund public, nonprofit, or for-profit organizations that amplify innovation in citizenship education. USCIS will award innovations grants to organizations that foster creative approaches to preparing immigrants for naturalization, and encourage the civic, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants into their communities. USCIS expects to award up to 25 organizations up to $250,000 each for a period of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022.
In addition to the traditional programs which fund citizenship and English acquisition classes, the 2022 grants have been expanded to include opportunities for groups to apply together to reach more geographic areas as well as a funding opportunity for innovative ideas.
USCIS encourages organizations across diverse communities and geographic locations to review the Notices of Funding Opportunity to learn about the fiscal year 2022 funding opportunities.
For more information on the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program:
– Review the eligibility requirements to find out if your organization is eligible to apply for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program;
– Subscribe to the Public Engagement Division updates to receive information on our upcoming webinar to discuss the fiscal year 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program.
For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov
Join the Endowment for Health and Marnita’s Table for Inspire NH: Catalyzing Relationships Across Difference at one of three NH locations this June.
This is a FREE feast and conversation to explore building authentic connection and trust across communities in New Hampshire.
Manchester, June 14, 6pm-9pm Southern New Hampshire University Campus 2500 N River Rd, Manchester, NH RSVP
Coos County, June 15, 5pm-8pm The Cookhouse, Service Credit Union Heritage Park 961 Main St, Berlin, NH RSVP
Nashua, June 16, 5:30pm-8:30pm Nashua Community College 505 Amherst St, Nashua, NH RSVP
Yes! This event is free. Yes! Dinner is provided. Yes! Children and youth are welcome. Childcare provided. Yes! Translation and other access accommodations provided if you give at least one week’s notice. Yes! Help with transportation can be provided with at least a day’s notice.
Registration is encouraged but not required. Come for a minute, or stay for the whole time.
What to Expect Expect to be enlivened and engaged as we come together in community to share our experiences, catalyze connections across difference, and support one another. Dinner is served in abundance with a menu from vegan to carnivore using the Marnita’s Table model of Intentional Social Interaction.
If you know someone who would add and receive value through their participation, feel free to invite them to join you. Together, we’ll build excitement throughout the community and foster connections, belonging, and relationships e to begin a sustainable community trust-making process.
Many community allies and partners are inviting community members to this conversation. As a result, you may receive more than one invitation. We will try to accommodate as many participants as possible, so please let us know if you plan to be with us by sending an RSVP via e-mail to sammie@marnitastable.org or call us at 612.928.7744 and leave a message with how many adults and children will be attending and your phone number if you would like a reminder text.
About Endowment for Health The Endowment for Health is a statewide, private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to improving the health of New Hampshire’s people, especially those who are vulnerable and underserved. We envision a culture that supports the physical, mental, and social well-being of all people – through every stage of life. http://www.endowmentforhealth.org/
About Marnita’s Table At Marnita’s Table, we seek to close gaps across difference by making Intentional Social Interaction the new pattern for society where Indigenous, people of color, the disenfranchised, the poor, the unheard, the LGBTQ+ and anyone who is normally left out of community decision making is automatically included and valued at the policymaking and resource-sharing table. Experts at social capital building, we’ve welcomed almost 100,000 people from around the world and the around the way to find common ground while breaking bread – in person or online, we bring people together to create meaningful change and more equitable systems. www.marnitastable.org.
MANCHESTER — Municipal, state, and federal policies impacting workers, including immigrant workers, will be highlighted at an International Workers Day Rally at City Hall in Manchester on Monday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m.
“All workers deserve to be treated with dignity,” said Eva Castillo of the NH Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees, who will serve as emcee. “That means safety in the workplace, a living wage, and the right to organize unions.”
Castillo, who has led May Day rallies every year since 2006, alongside Arnie Alpert from the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), said she expects speakers to highlight multiple issues affecting workers in New Hampshire – including low wages, lack of affordable housing, exposure to COVID and other health hazards, and discrimination. Speakers will rally support for a municipal resolution in favor of $15/hour for Manchester city employees; union organizing by student workers at Dartmouth College; dignity, respect and fair contracts for public employees; an end to the attacks on NH public school teachers and students; labor laws that protect workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively; and a pathway to citizenship for immigrant workers.
In addition to the NH Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees, other rally sponsors are Raise Up NH, AFSC, the Economic Justice Mission Group of the NH Conference United Church of Christ, Rights and Democracy, the Granite State Organizing Project, NH Council of Churches, Granite State Interfaith Action Fund, the Immigrant Solidarity Network, NH Voices of Faith and the NH Faith & Labor Coalition.
The rally will be live streamed.
Observed throughout the world as a day to highlight the rights of workers, the first of May has been re-popularized in the United States since 2005, when immigrant workers rallied in several major cities. Locally, Castillo said immigrant solidarity and labor activists have gathered for International Workers Day annually since 2006, with rallies held in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, Dover, Durham, and Concord.
