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NYCLU Hosts Immigrants Rights Groups Summit
The Genesee Valley Chapter hosted a summit of leaders and representatives of immigrant rights group in Rochester on Nov. 10. The participants represented organizations from central and western New York.
The idea for the summit was hatched when Frances Liu from the New York Immigrant Coalition visited Rochester in July and asked the chapter to set-up a meeting with local immigrant rights representatives and advocates.
There are common problems facing immigrants throughout this area of the state that may be unique to it, and yet there is little to no coordination or cooperation between organizations.
The chapter with support from the Western Regional Office and Central New York Chapter organized the summit. A steering committee of local advocates lead by the chapter created a program and invited leaders and representatives from the area. The steering committee believed the current priority is to educate advocates about immigrant’s constitutional rights and discuss effective advocacy strategies and tactics.
More than 30 people, not including NYCLU staff, attended the summit. The program included a presentation by Sophie Feal, an experienced immigration attorney from Buffalo, on the constitutional rights of immigrants. Her presentation was followed by a discussion by Liu and NYCLU Ari Rosmarin on specific strategies and tactics.
The afternoon session consisted of small work groups as well discussions involving the entire group. Priorities were established, committees formed and actions decided upon. There was a strong desire to have another region-wide meeting in the future.
NYCLU staff who contributed to the summit included John Curr, Western Regional Office director; Barrie Gewanter, Central New York Chapter director; Adrianna Pinon, staff attorney; and Mohammed Gangat, NYCLU legal fellow. Chapter Administrative Assistant Marisol Martinez and Organizer Mario Hernandez compiled participant information, managed the registration, and provided each attendee with a folder of NYCLU immigrant rights information.
More photos from the daylong summit are available here.
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