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.
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Support Immigrant Survivors of Violence
Donate today to ASISTA, a national non-profit dedicated to helping attorneys and advocates assist immigrant survivors of crime with their immigrant matters, ultimately enhancing their safety and security. Their main mission is to advance the dignity, rights, and liberty of immigrant survivors of violence. Their vision is that immigrants live in a just world free from violence. Through policy and advocacy, impact litigation, and legal assistance and training, ASISTA strives to serve strong immigrant survivors of abuse and violence as well as challenge the oppressive systems that endanger them.
Tech Training with Per Scholas
Hosted by Per Scholas | Sessions: Jan. 19, 21, 26 and 28
Take part in an information session about free tech training classes with Per Scholas, a national nonprofit organization that drives positive and proven social change in communities across the country. At the session, participants will learn more about Per Scholas, their tuition-free model, and their admission process. Registration for the event is required.
Honouring MLK Jr. Day
Hosted by United Way of King County | Jan. 21 at 9pm
Attend a virtual panel discussion on philanthropy and advancing racial equality organized by United Way of King County, a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that focuses on fighting homelessness, helping graduate students, and breaking the cycle of poverty. Panelists include Edgar Villanueva, author of “Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance” and Gordon McHenry, Jr., President and CEO of United Way of King County.
New Year Japanese Film Festival
Hosted by Japan Information & Culture Center | Jan. 22-25
The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan and the Japan Commerce Association of Washington, D.C., Inc. are thrilled to jumpstart 2021 with a very first online New Year J-Film Fest! For three 72-hour weekend screenings, there will be selected award-winning films from some of the latest and greatest talents in Japanese cinema.
This event is free and open to the public but requires registration in order to receive information on how to access the virtual screening. They will be presenting the film “True Mothers” .
Recommendations for the Biden-Harris Administration
Hosted by CLINIC | Jan. 21 at 2pm
Join CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.) Advocacy team for a policy discussion on the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration and beyond! Topics will include CLINIC’s priorities and recommendations, the latest on the Biden-Harris administration’s stated plans and strategies for ensuring that immigration is prioritized from the start. The team will also be analyzing how policy will translate to the practice of immigrant law and counseling clients in 2021.
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.
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.
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.