Over the past month, the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust has heard from many grantees and partners about the climate of fear and uncertainty that is impacting the health and wellbeing of immigrant families in our state. There are stories of parents afraid to send their kids to school or take them to the doctor when they don’t feel well. Several partners have also reached out about the devastating impacts of funding cuts and stop work orders.
At the Trust, our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of North Carolinians experiencing poverty, and we know the biggest disparities in health, education and economic outcomes exist by race and place. Every person deserves just and fair treatment and access to opportunity. However, this is not the reality for many immigrant communities, especially in today’s landscape.
We believe that policies and rhetoric that devalue and discriminate against anyone based on race, ethnicity, or national origin are unacceptable and undermine the critical work to ensure all communities can thrive. Every person deserves to feel safe and be treated with common decency.
In a time of deep division and polarization, we must focus on our common humanity and on the core values that make us all North Carolinians. That starts with both listening to people impacted by harmful policies and sharing information with our grantees and partners. Below are some of the best resources we have seen for navigating these unprecedented times.
For organizations
- A Guide to Creating “Safe Space” Policies (CLASP) – Information on how to design and implement “safe space” policies that protect families’ safety and privacy. The guide also includes sample policy language that organizations can adapt for their programs. Although this was designed for early childhood providers, it can be adapted for any community-based group that works with individuals and families.
- Health Care Providers and Immigration Enforcement (NILC) – Guide designed for health care providers, hospitals, and clinics.
- Advocates’ Checklist for Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) – Concrete actions organizations and advocates can take to support immigrant families and prepare for the challenges ahead. Also available in Spanish.
For impacted communities
- Know Your Rights Red Cards (ILRC) – Printable cards with information on what to do if an individual encounters an immigration officer. Available in 16 languages.
- Immigration Law Help – Search for low-cost legal aid by state, ZIP code, or detention facility.
- Familias Seguras – A Spanish-language guide from El Pueblo to help families prepare for unexpected separations.
The Trust remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting organizations built by and for systemically marginalized groups. We want to ensure that our partners have what they need for the work ahead.
The Trust will continue taking action for those experiencing poverty, for communities of color working to shift policies that impact their lives, and for immigrant communities who feel threatened or overlooked. And we remain committed to working with all of you for a just North Carolina where everyone can thrive.