[IMC] [Press Release] Immigrant Justice from Faith Perspectives

[University YMCA]

University YMCA-UIUC
1001 S. Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820
www.universityymca.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001P7G1D1GBCGmzDbnUDvb4i1wmRFrvwvlZioyk0hqy2GDWojvb7mqCWpeaZ8paANOZzXBvJozP-vUFKLhVIBXTmU1WFPs5SAqPE0XUGWjP7cVmy6QRxEqHn4E4NbLoInex]
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[P] 217.337.1500 [F] 217.337.1533|
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PRESS RELEASE:

For immediate release:

October 3, 2013

Contact: Ann Rasmus, Programs Director

ann at universityymca.org, 217-337-1514

October is Immigrant Justice Month

Working for Immigrant Rights from a Faith & Justice Perspective

What: In an effort to foster greater dialogue about immigration within our congregations,
the Allies of Faith, a working group of the, CU Immigration Forum have launched 
the second annual Immigrant Justice Month for this October.
Who: Once a program of the University YMCA, the Champaign-Urbana Immigration Forum
has become it's own non-profit.  The University YMCA continues to share a meaningful
partnership with the CU Immigration Forum. The CU Immigration Forum is a group of
immigrants, students, clergy, service providers, labor union representatives, residents
and community organizations concerned about the progress and plight of immigrants
in the Champaign County community (Central Illinois).
Why: "Immigration Justice is one of the things that all of the major faith traditions
agree on," says Ann Rasmus, University Y Programs Director and Allies of Faith member.
"Welcoming the stranger, care for the disenfranchised, and just policies are called
for by people and institutions from across the spectrum of faith."
How: Events are planned throughout the community, in congregations and public forums,
to raise awareness of issues surrounding immigration and the immigrant experience.
The calendar below offers the community opportunity to join in conversations approaching
the immigration debate from a perspective of faith and justice.
When (Calendar of Events):
5:00 pm Sunday, October 6 at UniPlace Christian Church, 403 S. Wright St., Champaign.
Beginning of 8-week seminar on Understanding Strife in the Congo. This class will
meet weekly on Sundays and will increase understanding of Congolese immigration 
to our community. Open to the public. Go to uniplace.org for more information.
6:30 pm Monday, October 7 Harvest of Empire:  film screening/discussion at Channing
Murray Foundation, 1209 W. Oregon, U.  This new feature-length documentary, "Harvest
of Empire," examines the direct connection between the long history of U.S. intervention
in Latin America and the immigration crisis we face today.
Monday, October 14 Fast Day Called: The Allies of Faith of the Champaign-Urbana 
Immigration Forum have called for religious leaders and others in the community 
to join in a day of fasting as we pray for successful Comprehensive Immigration 
Reform for the sake of justice in our community.
7:00 pm Monday, October 14   abUSed: The Postville Raid:  film screening/discussion
at Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign, 309 W. Birch, Urbana. This
 film weaves together the personal stories of those directly affected by the largest,
most brutal and expensive Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in the history
of the United States. This event took place in Postville, Iowa, in 2008. The documentary
presents the human face of immigration, the socioeconomic forces that fuel it, and
serves as a cautionary tale against government abuses.
Saturday, October 19 at First Mennonite Church, 902 W. Springfield, Urbana 61801.
Food Security Forum:  Food for Today, Food for Tomorrow, Food for All. Program is
free and includes an evening meal.  Interactive shopping and cooking on a Food Stamp
Budget begins at 10 am.  Information and discussion sessions run from 1:00 - 7:30
pm.   Details and meal registration at www.fmc-cu.org.
7:00 pm Monday, October 21 at Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W. Oregon, U.
Justice in Motion:  Responding to Changing Needs with Nicaragua's Poor Presentation
and Craft Display.  Craft items will be available for sale.
12:30 pm Sunday, October 27 Food will be served from 12:30-2:00 pm at our Immigration
Justice Fair held at University Place Christian Church, 403 S. Wright, Champaign.
Faith groups and civic organizations will highlight ways they welcome the stranger
and show hospitality to immigrants in Champaign-Urbana. A great networking event.
2:00 pm Sunday, October 27 Interfaith Worship Service at University Place Christian
Church, 403 S. Wright, Champaign led by faith leaders from many distinct congregations.
It will be a moving conclusion to a month-long effort to lift up the needs of our
immigrant neighbors today even as we celebrate the immigrant history of our past.
6:00 pm Wednesday, October 30  University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright, Champaign. Dia de
los Muertos celebration with live music and light refreshments. A festive celebratory
event lifting up immigrant contributions to our community.
7:00 pm Thursday, October 31 "Our View From the Border," an interactive presentation
at Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign, 309 W. Birch, Urbana. Desert
aid workers Kate Morgan-Olsen and Ricky Cheney from No More Deaths will offer firsthand
accounts of trends in migration; human rights abuse documentation in Nogales, Sonora;
migrant support in the Sonoran desert; and allied movement building in communities
throughout Arizona with emphasis on a model for organizing that can be replicated
in Champaign-Urbana.  No More Deaths is a ministry of the Unitarian Universalist
 Church of Tucson.

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