Over the past few months, the Immigration Ministries team has been focused on scaling support across our districts and local churches. District response teams have been equipped with strategies to provide rapid response when needed, and in-person training has been offered at churches that may be most vulnerable to potential ICE actions. We remain committed to walking alongside our communities with care and preparedness. As we continue to mobilize around our strategy of resistance, accompaniment, advocacy, and relationship, we have participated in local and national calls for immigration reform, including a presence at February’s Faithful Resistance gathering in Washington D.C. In April, three Know Your Rights trainings are scheduled, including one for Young People. Details are below:

Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 pm PDT
San Dieguito United Methodist Church,170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas, CA 92024, Founders Hall

What are the rights of our immigrant neighbors? What are the rights of protestors and bystanders? Learn the latest information regarding immigration and deportation issues in our community.

United Women in Faith invite all church and community members to a presentation by immigration attorney Monalisa Tu’itahi who serves as the California-Pacific Conference Immigration Coordinator for the United Methodist Church. More information is available on the church’s website at this link.

Youth Training – Saturday, April 11, 10 am PDT
Santa Ana UMC, 2121 N. Grande Ave, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Led by Monalisa Tu’itahi, Cal-Pac Immigration Coordinator
Open to ages 14-18
What you’ll learn:

• What to do if ICE comes to school, home, or public places.
• How to stay safe and protect yourself.
• How to help your friends and family.
• Who to call for help.

Learn more and register on the CalPac website at this link.

Saturday, April 25, 10 am PDT
Santa Maria First UMC, 311 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Monalisa Tu’itahi will cover the latest updates on immigration enforcement, strategies for engagement, protection of worship spaces, and what to do for those who are detained. Please see flyer and contact the church with questions at fumcsmc@gmail.com or 805-925-9753.   

To find out more about the conference, district, and local immigration strategies and resources, please contact our Immigration Coordinator Monalisa Tu’itahi, mtu’itahi@calpacumc.org.