Supporting our immigrant neighbors right now
Dear Beloved community,
At the PNC Center for Sacred Arts, we remember that love, connection, care, and creativity are living forces. When fear tries to isolate us, we respond by weaving ourselves closer together. Even a small act of reaching out, checking in, or standing beside someone matters, especially now. I was moved by a message shared from Minnesota, where communities are being tested in real time:
“There are unexpected, heartfelt new connections of not just solidarity but real love. At a massive, simply-incomprehensible scale. Good people coming together in all our fear and vulnerability and care and kindness and bravery, discovering the transformative power of our love for one another.”
That is our deepest resource. Love is strong, organized, and full of courage.
Below are some concrete ways people in our wider network are responding right now. If you feel called, you are welcome to participate in whatever way feels safe and aligned for you. If you are tempted to hide or go numb, this is an invitation to reach out just a little beyond your comfort zone, while staying grounded and safe.
Action Items from the Visibility Brigade
Looking for a way to help? Here are some options:
1) Sign up with No ICE for Maine to connect with orgs and actions that are organizing support for immigrants including donations, volunteer opportunities, and direct actions.
2) Donate to the Maine Solidarity Fund
3) Volunteer at Project Relief Maine to help families with transportation, groceries, or school drop offs OR at Food for All Services who is putting food deliveries together and is looking for help packaging and delivering. Many folks who use their services are sheltering in place now.
If you see ICE activity, call The Maine ICE Watch Hotline at 207-544-9989
Other Resources
- Weekly interfaith vigil outside the ICE detention center.
- Presente! Maine
- Prevention Action Change
- Maine Coalition for Peace & Human Rights
As we do this work, let us also hold discernment. ICE is a federal agency; our local police are not the same, and many officers here serve our communities with integrity and care. We resist injustice best when we stay clear, grounded, and precise.
Friends, this is a moment that asks for our presence. We are stronger together than any force that seeks to divide or terrify us.
What a time to be alive.
Eco Chaplain Circe Moss MacDonald
Spiritual Director
PNC Center for Sacred Arts