weyer1986Leave a Comment on BorderLinks Preparation

BorderLinks Preparation

Tomorrow, I leave for Tucson, Arizona to participate in BorderLinks. I will be a member of a 13 person delegation from the First Congregational Church in Sioux Falls. BorderLinks is a secular, nonpartisan organization that offers experiential learning opportunities that explore the causes and difficulties of migration, as well as the impact of U.S. immigration policies. BorderLinks brings to the forefront the voices of migrants and people who are committed to social change.

GOALS OF A BORDERLINKS EXPERIENCE:

  • Explore historical and current immigration policies and their impacts on communities across the borderlands and throughout the Americas
  • Speak with people directly affected by migration, including migrants and others who live in the borderlands, and with advocates for migrant justice
  • Build connections with people and organizations fighting for migrant justice on both sides of the border
  • Think critically and intersectionally about solutions to the root causes of migration
  • Develop tools to take action for positive social change in your home communities

In advance of my trip, our delegation was fortunate to have local immigration scholar Cari Lee Skogberg Eastman share her experiences and knowledge. Cari’s book, Immigration Examining the Facts has been an informative precursor to our trip, examining this historical love/hate relationship our country has with immigrants. The book also addresses well circulated myths about immigration.

I was inspired to go on this trip to broaden my understanding of the situation at the border beyond the soundbites that we hear on the evening news. I will have the opportunity to see and experience first hand the challenges our nation faces to serve the humanitarian need of asylum seekers and migrants with the desire for a secure border. I hope to share my experiences with you throughout the trip. If I fall behind, I will be updating this blog once I return with my journal entries.

Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.
Zechariah 7:9-10

Unknown's avatar

Published by weyer1986

Anne Weyer is an arts professional living and learning in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As Director of Development for the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra based in Sioux Falls, she enthusiastically articulates the symphony’s story of service to the community. Anne has served in this role for 5 years. Prior to the South Dakota Symphony, Anne was the Events Coordinator at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. Anne holds degrees from Buena Vista University of Storm Lake, Iowa and Cottey College of Nevada, Missouri. She has received additional training from the University of South Dakota and Philanthropy University, at Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. Anne is an active volunteer in the Sioux Falls community and serves as Treasurer for P.E.O. Chapter BY, a philanthropic educational organization for women which supports low interest loans and scholarships for education. She mentors women to the workforce at Sioux Falls Dress for Success, and volunteers for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) and the ACLU. Anne also volunteers for local political candidates and ballot measures and is an active member of LEAD South Dakota. Her hobbies include performing in community choirs, playing piano, archery, and reading nonfiction. Anne lives in Sioux Falls with her husband Chris and pet rabbit Napoleon.

Categories Uncategorized

Leave a comment

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started
search previous next tag category expand menu location phone mail time cart zoom edit close