Take Action TodaY
Immigration Justice Book Club
Wednesday, August 6, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join members of the Immigration Justice Working Group in reading Mae Ngai’s, Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America. This history of the concept of “illegal migration” in the United States traces the effects of the 20th century’s legal regime of immigration restriction on how we conceive of citizenship, race, and state power today. In this meeting, we’ll focus on Parts 2 and 3 (pages 91–224); feel free to pick and choose which chapters you want to read from these sections.
You can still join even if you missed the first meeting!
Additional Meetings:
Indigenous Solidarity Book Club
Monday, August 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join the Indigenous Solidarity Working Group as we discuss chapters from Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Together we'll learn about de-colonial practices from Indigenous people and weave those into our organizing. Show up as you are each month and let's spend some time and grow together. In our next meeting we will be discussing Chapter 2: “The Council of Pecans.”
Order the book from an Indigenous-owned bookstore here, or let us know if you need help getting a copy.
Additional Meetings:
Monday, September 8, 7:00pm - 8:00pm — Chapter 3: “The Gift of Strawberries”
Monday, October 13, 7:00pm - 8:00pm — Chapter 4: “An Offering”
Monday, November 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm — Chapter 5: “Asters and Goldenrod”
Monday, December 8, 7:00pm - 8:00pm — Chapter 6: “Learning the Grammar of Animacy”
SURJ for Zohran Canvass Team Kickoff
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 6
More info to come!
Call for a Special Session to Pass Dignity Not Detention
The recent federal budget bill increases funding for ICE by billions of dollars and here in NYC we are also seeing the federal government expand its detention capacity by allowing ICE to detain our community members at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Immigrants should be able to lead open lives, participate in their communities, provide for their families, and access health care without fear or intimidation. Yet, our state lawmakers have failed to pass a single bill protecting immigrants who are at risk of cruel and inhumane ICE detention. Contact New York leadership and urge them to reconvene for a special session to pass Dignity Not Detention Act (S.316/A.4181) now.
Raise Funds for Detained Community Members
The Dignity Not Detention campaign is raising funds for detained community members. Funds will be used to support the material needs of detained folks and their loved ones, while we collectively work for the complete end to ICE detention in New York State.
Help Los Angeles Stand Up For Immigrant Families
Los Angeles has been courageously standing up for immigrant families, and has been met with a reign of terror from Trump and the National Guard. We have an opportunity to support groups on the ground doing critical work, as well as move money to jail support. White People for Black Lives, SURJ’s chapter in LA, has shared these trusted accounts for folks to follow and support as events unfold his week:
Chicanco Self-Determination - have been on the ground leading on immigration for years and are leading some of the protests
Stop ICE - a national group playing an important role in LA right now
Ask Officials To Reject Funding mass Detention and Deportation
There are billions of dollars that could go towards immigration enforcement that separates families, disrupts communities’ entire social and economic infrastructure, and commits countless human rights abuses. This funding could be used for vital programs like food stamps, medicaid, and student loans. Urge your senators to say NO to more funding for Trump’s mass detention and deportations using this tool:
Urge Officials to Support Parole Justice
Contact Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and urge them to pass Elder Parole, Fair & Timely Parole, and the other bills in the Robert Brooks Blueprint for Justice and Reform.
The Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus put together this blueprint in the wake of the death of Robert Brooks, who was beaten to death by NY State Correctional Officers at the end of last year. The legislation is meant to prevent this kind of violence going forward, to return incarcerated people to their families, and divert funds from the prison system to victim support.
Help Protect Immigrant New Yorkers from Mass Deportation!
Urge your elected officials to pass the New York For All Act! NY4All (S.2235 Gounardes / A.3506 Reyes) helps immigrant New Yorkers lead freer lives and take care of family, preserves state and local resources for community safety, ensures that local resources cannot be diverted to carry out ICE’s cruelty, and protects immigrant families. With the end of the legislative session fast approaching, now is a crucial time to put pressure on our representatives!
Move Money For Palestine
Donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians
To support ongoing organizing in the US for Palestinian liberation and against Israeli occupation and apartheid, donate and consider making a monthly financial commitment to Palestine Legal, the Adalah Justice Project, Jewish Voice for Peace, and IfNotNow.
Financially Support SURJ NYC!
Power = organized people + organized money.
SURJ NYC needs your help to fight racism in New York. We raise money for growing our work with trainings and technology, providing things like food and childcare at meetings, and funding partner organizations fighting structural white supremacy in our communities. Please join us in this movement by donating today.