I joined OneAmerica as a Youth Organizer at the end of September 2018. Since then, I have learned a drop in the bucket about how to organize our community and immigration policy. Who can keep up with Trump in office? 

OneAmerica has also given me the opportunity to connect with and grow deep relationships with people and organizations passionate about immigration reform. I have had the distinct privilege of working with the young people from our immigrant and refugee communities and I am constantly inspired by their strength and their stories - people who learned to be independent at a young age, work multiple jobs in addition to going to school, are undocumented and learned to speak up in spite of fear, have reclaimed their culture, are survivors of domestic abuse, have fled conflict and violence, are hungry for the dignity and rights for their families, and understand higher education as the epitome of success as first generation students. Also, they funny and loving: they told me my chocolate cookies are "the slap," and they text me heart emojis - that's love, right? I love these young people and they deserve the world. I am deeply proud to be a part of this community. As a youth community organizer, I hope to support and help these students grow, just as I was mentored and cared for by women of color in college. 

Please consider supporting our community by giving to OneAmerica for GiveBIG 2019!

If you give now through May 8th your gift will be doubled! Your gift will support OneAmerica's vision of building power in immigrant communities. We want more people like us in positions of power who will reflect our experiences and our stories. We want our young people to feel powerful, not powerless. We want our community to live with rights and dignity. 

Your gift supports community organizing and civic engagement to bring every person's voice to the table, policy advocacy advancing the rights and needs of immigrants, and innovative ways to change the public debate. Want to learn more about our work? Ask us about it! Join us in the movement. 

With love, gratitude, and solidarity,

Kaitie