Dear Friend,
As 2021 closes, few of the changes in immigration policy we had hoped for have come to pass. In the face of this disappointment, BorderLinks remains steadfast in our mission of transformation through educational experiences that connect wider communities, raise awareness about the impact of border and immigration policies, and inspire action for social transformation. Will you support the life-changing actions of our delegates and partners by making a gift to BorderLinks, today?
Even as we navigated the pandemic, BorderLinks had an extraordinary year:
Over 550 individuals participated in virtual and in-person educational programming through 13 delegations, 18 workshops, and 9 speaker events including a conference presentation.
We ran vibrant new virtual programming that we developed in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, revamped our in-person curriculum, developed covid protocols, and started in-person programming again.
We expanded our Board, welcomed new staff, and expanded our interpretation and language access.
We created staff, Board, and organization-wide acuerdos (agreements) that enable us to grow in loving ways through accountability and transparency (click HERE to read them).
Our work would not be possible without our amazing community partners. Together, we endorsed the Pima County Justice for All Initiative; sponsored the Annual Migrant Trail (virtual this year); served on the #SaveAsylum Coalition and the Southern Border Communities Coalition; signed community organization letters; established a limited fiscal sponsorship with our partner organization Paisanos Unidos; participated in a Climate Justice project; and mobilized resources for community members in need.
Action rooted in community is the embodiment of our mission. Mattie Gottbrath, a participant with the Washington University in St. Louis delegation in 2020 wrote:
“BorderLinks turned my passion for migration justice into something that I could confidently act upon to make a difference... After viewing the border with my own eyes, and hearing directly from people affected by border policy and security, my beliefs about migration found broader and longer-lasting roots.”
Mattie will be bringing another delegation to BorderLinks in March 2022, and we are looking forward to growing together more.
As we discovered when developing the acuerdos, the work of transformation requires us to keep dreaming fierce dreams. Our plans for 2022 involve not only maintaining our critical programs but also continuing to grow. We plan to expand our capacity to meet demand as well as increase accessibility for BIPOC, low-income, and directly affected communities whose voices will deepen and expand BorderLinks’ work. We will also develop new community partnerships, further expand our curriculum, and make our space more accessible, welcoming, and as beautiful as the vibrant mural at our entrance and the Tucson plants in the garden.
Will you join us in making these dreams a reality? Your gift of $10, $100, $1,000 or more will help us to do this work. We deeply value and appreciate your generous support in any form to help us to realize a loving and transformed community.
With Gratitude and Solidarity,
Cecelia Aguilar Ortiz
BorderLinks Board President