Engagement Menu
Welcome to our Engagement Menu, the page where we share direct ways you can make a difference in the lives of immigrants – by donating, participating in advocacy initiatives and virtual events, and (virtual) volunteering. Find out what’s going on — petitions, marches, protests, gatherings, but also social and cultural events, performances, and letter writing campaigns.
At Immigrant Food, we celebrate and advocate for the contributions and perseverance of immigrants in America – and what a momentous time it is to do so. With unjust regulations developing around asylum, international students, and foreign workers, it’s an immensely important moment to remember how immigrants are a pillar of the cultural and economic vitality of our country.
We are taking the time to reflect upon this decision in a time of critical engagement, and we’re standing with communities committed to fighting for equity and against injustice.
To receive these ways to help directly in your inbox, sign up to our newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of this page!
Sign Petitions, Call Your Representatives, Self-Reflect and Self-Educate.
If you, like us, are seeking to become better and more active allies, engage with some of the materials on this webpage. Use them to learn, to ask better questions, and to listen effectively, just as we are.
Donate to Campaign Zero
Campaign Zero is a data-informed platform presenting comprehensive policy solutions to police violence in America. It integrates both community demands and policy recommendations from research organizations and President Obama Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Donate today to help the creation and dissemination of comprehensive strategies – informed by “data, research, and human rights principles” – that will change the ways police serve our communities.
Support Black-Owned Food Businesses in the DMV
Here is a list of Black-owned restaurants and food businesses currently open in the DMV area. Especially now during this time, consider financially supporting these establishments.
Support Black-led and Black Aligned Organizations
ABISA: The African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs is a non-profit organization with the mission of promoting social and economic justice, civic participation, and the empowerment of African immigrants and refugees.
Black Immigrants Bail Fund: A national project of the Haitian bridge Alliance (HBA) and African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs (ABISA) with support of other Black-led organizations that provides free assistance and relief to Black immigrants in pursuit of liberation and justice. They are committed to eradicating the mass incarceration of Black immigrants and increase equity in due process.
AfroResistance: An organization for the education and organizing for human rights, democracy, and racial justice throughout the Americas.
COVID-19 and Racism in the Black and Latino Communities: A Conversation
Hosted by The Sanctuary Ministry and Racial Justice Task Force.
On Wednesday, July 29th at 7pm, tune into a special online discussion on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black and Latino communities. The Zoom will feature Rev. Canon Paula Clark and Mr. Abel Nuñez, Executive Director of CARECEN, moderated by Cathedral Canon Missioner, the Rev. Dr. Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr.
Cook With An Impact!
Join AYUDA and the Hispanic Bar Association of DC!
Join the Hispanic Bar Association of DC for a virtual test kitchen featuring Violeta Edelman of Dolcezza Gelato. Violeta will be teaching attendees how to make an affogato, and all proceeds will go to AYUDA! Don’t miss a delicious opportunity to learn something new and support your immigrant neighbhors. This event will be on Wednesday, July 29th, at 6:30pm.
Mosaics For Meals
Raise 1k and receive custom Syrian mosaics!
The Untied Nations has described the humanitarian crisis in Syria as the worst “man-made disaster since World War II.” The Multifaith Alliance for Syrian Refugees and the Syria Institute are launching a meal campaign for those displaced in Syria. As a gift for raising $1000 among family and friends to support this campaign, they will send you an authentic mosaic made by Syrian refugee artists in Turkey – it will contain your name or logo of choice. Simply share the link below and get started!
Donate today to support the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center!
The APALRC is a nonprofit offering a variety of legal services, including assistance on immigration and naturalization services, to the Asian Pacific American population in the DC Metro Area. Due to complex U.S. immigration laws, language barriers, cultural preferences and traditions, the APALRC provides a vital role in facilitating access to and navigation of the U.S. justice system. Donate at the link below!
United We Dream National UndocuFund
United We Dream is asking for donations for the National UndocuFund, a part of the organization’s comprehensive COVID-19 response program. The National UndocuFund will provide need-based financial help to immigrant families hard hit by the COVID-19 emergency.
This boost will provide families with money for groceries and other basic needs as they struggle through these challenging times.
Support the Legal Aid Justice Center
This organization partners with communities and clients to achieve racial, social, and economic justice. They offer direct services and impact litigation on behalf of local immigration families. Consider donating to them today!
Join CAIR Coalition’s #20for20 Campaign
CAIR Coalition’s #20for20 Campaign is calling on 1,000 people to become monthly donors at $20/month for the rest of 2020. This campaign will allow them to continue providing essential legal and support services through this crisis and beyond.
Volunteer at AYUDA!
Help AYUDA with a range of valuable volunteer opportunities, whether that be outreach out clients, translating written documents, or special skills such as photography, graphic design, videography and more. Visit their page for more detail on possible ways to help during this crisis!
Volunteer with CARECEN!
Help the CARECEN team during the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of areas. Whether you’d prefer helping with document translation, conducting mock citizenship interviews, teaching a citizenship course, administrative work, or others, CARECEN has an opportunity for you!
Translate and Interpret for CAIR Coalition Staff and Clients
CAIR Coalition is looking for volunteers to help translate court documents and prove live interpretation for staff and clients alike – all translation can be completed remotely, either over the phone or by email. No training or certification required!
Staff CAIR Coalition’s Detention Hotline
Volunteers help detained immigrants contact CAIR Coalition staff Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, ensuring that clients can access legal services and communicate with staff on their own cases. Hotline training will take place on a limited basis remotely, with remote hotline opportunities explained to attendees at that time.
Sign Up for a Shift at Martha’s Table
Support your neighbors by signing up for a shift in one (or more!) of the eight food and clothing programs at Martha’s table. All volunteer opportunities follow CDC and DC COVID-19 guidelines.