This is a beginning list of resources developed in partnership with participants in VAN’s Vital Voices civic discussions. We will add to the list as we become aware of new resources.
The bucket list for involved citizens: 76 things you can do to boost civic engagement
Brookings
Supporting Community During ICE Operations
Minnesota Council on Nonprofits
List of where to donate, trusted media, what you should know about your rights, where to get legal help and other resources.
Stand with Minnesota
Well organized and comprehensive directory of ways to help related to immigration actions in Minnesota.
5 Calls
Visit the website or download the app on your phone for an easy and effective way to reach your federal elected officials.
How to Help: Twin Cities Residents
List of how to help from Naomi Kritzer, Twin Cities Author
NO2ICE.com
Download, print, and share posters and flyers. No login, no tracking.
Supporting Immigrant-Owned Restaurants: A Guide
This list from Minnesota Monthly will get you started if you are interested in supporting immigrant-owned restaurants in our community.
How to find a Signal Group?
Signal is a free app available on your phone. It is different from other messaging apps in that it is owned by a nonprofit and funded by donations rather than a large corporation. It uses end-to-end encryption, so the parent company cannot read the messages. Signal does not store the messages as other apps do. Signal has been used to organize neighbors related to immigration and other actions.
From Naomi Kritzer:
If you don’t have Signal, download it and sign up. If you’re on Signal but use your legal name, change it. (“But you just said it’s legal to be a constitutional observer!” Yes! But ICE is harassing people who are doing this; make it harder for them to harass you. Also, it’s the norm in these communities and people will helpfully remind you not to use your legal name, over and over. Just use your made-up name.)
Find your local Signal group (there should be one for planning, one for Rapid Response.) If you’re in Minneapolis, intake is through Defend the 612. … [T]he fastest option is to find someone in your immediate neighborhood who can just give you the link to your local group.
How to get trained to be an observer or in other roles?
From Naomi Kritzer:
The training you want is called legal observer training, constitutional observer training, Upstander training, or ICEWatch training. It is offered by Monarca . . . and by many other groups. You will learn important information like what to report if you see ICE (“SALUTE: Size [of the group], Action [what they’re doing], Location [where they are and where they’re headed], Uniforms [what they’re wearing], Time [when you saw them], and Equipment/weapons [what they’re carrying].”) Also, how to tell a real warrant (signed by a judge!) from the “warrants” ICE usually has. Also, what to do if you get arrested, even though observing ICE is legal. (Say, “I am invoking my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. I will not answer any questions without a lawyer present.” and then STOP TALKING.) You can find out some of what’s covered in the training by reading this manual.
How do you contribute to schools?
As we mentioned at the Vital Voices session, the best way to help school children is to contact your local school directly and ask how you can help.
In St. Paul: A nonprofit, the Highland Park Middle School Parent Solidarity Network, is managing a fundraising campaign to support families who have lost their income. All donations go directly to supporting St. Paul Public School students and families across the district facing the greatest need. You can donate here.