https://www.gofundme.com/f/jcira-fundJCIRA (Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates) hopes to raise enough money to help families of local workers suddenly unemployed by the COVID-19 impacts to the economy: More than 200 forestry workers on the Olympic Peninsula no longer have work About 100 people who worked in restaurants, motels and hotels no longer have work Elder caregivers, nursing home assistants, domestic workers and babysitters are losing their only sources of income Workers in the shellfish and oyster fisheries are gradually being laid off Our undocumented immigrant neighbors are unable to access support through unemployment benefits and government relief checks, or have equal access to healthcare. It is our most marginalized communities that suffer the most in a crisis. JCIRA has been committed to supporting our local immigrant community through our Legal Defense and Family Support Fund since the winter of 2018. Since that date, we have provided over $22,000 in direct financial support to help pay for basic needs, rent, legal support, medical care, and education. With the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that the need for financial support will only increase in the coming months. As of March 29, 2020, undocumented workers and their families will receive nothing - despite the fact that many have lived here for 10 years or more, have been fully employed, paid taxes to the federal government and have been strong participants in community life. Please donate to help keep our local immigrant families housed, safe and healthy during this unprecedented crisis. Thank you so much for your support! Please give now - and give generously. VISIT THE GO FUND ME WEB PAGE TO DONATE Our mission is to support the rights of immigrants and their families, giving priority to those who live or work on the Olympic Peninsula and immigrant detainees within Washington State, through access to legal services, standing witness, family support, community education and advocacy for local, state and national issues.Upcoming Events!!1) JCIRA general monthly meeting scheduled for March 17, 2020 has been canceled due to the concerns about the coronavirus. We'll meet again on April 21st same time and same place. You'll receive notice before then in the April newsletter. 2) P O S T C A R D P A R T Y !! Join Indivisible Huddle the first Sunday of each month at Pippa's Real Tea at 636 Water Street - 3 to 4:30. Postcards, sample text, addresses, stamps, and good company are provided! In Case You Missed It(From the JCIRA General Meeting on February 18)
Legislative UpdateIn the February JCIRA newsletter we provided information on six legislative bills that concerned the immigrant community in particular. The session is due to end March 12, but we feel confident to say that two bills will land on the Governor's desk for his signature:
One other bill, SB6247/HB2511 to provide labor protections for domestic workers has passed both chambers but still needed additional clearance due to its fiscal requirements at the time of this writing. You can always check the status on all bills for final results by going to https://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/ In looking back at our list in February, you'll see we didn't win them all, but this is a good start especially for a short session. Thanks to all of you who contacted legislators to advocate for these bills. ESL Class Needs Help!The YMCA English as a Second Language class, held weekly during the school year in Port Townsend and serves adults, is currently underfunded through June. Please consider making a donation to the Y and designate it for the 2020 ESL class. It's advisable to write ESL class on the memo line of the check and also send it with a personal note from you. You can make out your check to YMCA and send it directly to them at: 1925 Blaine Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Thanks so much for your support! Coronavirus/Covid-19 Information in SpanishEl siguiente enlace de Internet contiene informacion en espanol sobre el Coronavirus/Covid-19. El enlace de Internet trata de como se propaga el Covid-19, los sintomas, la prevencion y el tratamiento y mucha mas informacion proporcionada por Centros para el Control y la Prevencion de Enfermedades. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html The following link has information in Spanish about the Coronavirus. It deals with how Covid-19 is spread, the symptoms, the prevention and treatment and much more information provided by the Center for Disease Control. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index-sp.html Good News Dept!A Town of Immigrant Farm Workers Says No to an ICE Detention Center.
For a complete story on this go to: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/us/immigration-detention-bakersfield-mcfarland.html?action=click&module=News&pgtype=Homepage  The last Quilombo dance we had at Finnriver was great. We'll definitely be there, dancing every minute!! Come join us!
Have you been following the presidential candidates' campaigns? Have you read their platforms on immigration?
JCIRA cannot and will not endorse any political candidates but it is important to share immigration information with others. If you have additional knowledge that we should consider adding for viewers, please let us know. Contact Libby Palmer: libbypalmer2@gmail.com Take a look at these resources to better understand the legislative priorities for 2020.
Our mission is to support the rights of immigrants and their families, giving priority to those who live or work on the Olympic Peninsula and immigrant detainees within Washington State, through access to legal services, standing witness, family support, community education and advocacy for local, state and national issues. Upcoming Events!!1) Tuesday, February 11, 5:00 to 6:30 pm, Indivisible Huddle Meeting Unity Center of Port Townsend, 3918 San Juan Ave JCIRA will present new research on all the Democratic candidates' platforms on immigration. 2) Tuesday, February 18, 4:30 to 6 pm, JCIRA General Meeting. Email jcirawa@gmail.com for location. 3) Friday, March 6 in Port Angeles 9:00 to 3 pm, Tabling at Community Resource Connections in Port Angeles If you'd like to help staff the table, call Jean 360.385.1105.  Guest Speakers from the January JCIRA meeting |
Emergency Funds Due to Covid-19 are Needed!
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