NNIRR's New Year's Resolutions: CELEBRATE, RISE, ORGANIZE

December 2010

Dear Friends,

We promised to DREAM, RISE and ORGANIZE this year, and as 2010 comes to a close we remember unforgettable moments symbolic of that pledge despite the onslaught of political and economic challenges.

We wanted to share the National Network’s New Year’s Resolutions with you and hope you will resolve to join the National Network sustainer program—or make your year end contribution to support our continued efforts in 2011—our 25th anniversary year!

See highlights of our activities in 2010, and what's on the agenda for 2011 by clicking here.

Even in these final weeks of 2010, NNIRR and its members are rallying to stop deportations, pushed for the final passage of the DREAM Act, and stood with colleagues around the world in solidarity with International Migrants Day, December 18!

NNIRR New Year’s Resolution #1:

Fervently defend the rights of all immigrants, regardless of immigration status, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or nationality…by organizing to roll back the system of enforcement and local police collaboration that is stomping on human and civil rights. This includes the fight for legal status for all undocumented. The failure of the DREAM Act to move forward, despite public support and support from members of Congress—is another indication of how tough this battle is, as well as the absolute need to keep legalization central to our agenda!

Resolution #2:

Amplify the message, Migrant Rights are Human Rights! We’re stepping up our communications capacity, collaborating with partners and members to beat back an environment of hostility, racism and xenophobia. With this message we also connect with our colleagues around the world, and together we will continue to uplift this message and raise awareness about the “root causes” of migration and the need for global solutions.

Resolution #3:

Enhance NNIRR as a strategic space for members and allies to build relations, share information and analysis, and converge on plans and actions. We are reminded everyday of one of NNIRR’s core functions—building a diverse and strategic movement for immigrant rights--and we resolve to redouble our efforts to make this convergence happen!

… and there is one more!

Resolution #4:

Celebrate! Despite the grim political developments that have deepened the human rights crisis for immigrants and refugees here and globally, we find it even more important to celebrate our movement, our victories (big and small), our dreams and the National Network’s silver anniversary.

We hope you will join us in following through on these resolutions! We ask that one resolution YOU make is to become a NNIRR sustainer and help to honor our 25th anniversary. Or give a one-time donation—online or through the mail—as a gesture of your commitment to our common pledge.

THANK YOU for your support and solidarity! And please join us in 2011 when we will celebrate, RISE and ORGANIZE.

Peace,

Catherine Tactaquin

Executive Director

P.S. We’re excited to unveil a new and improved NNIRR website in mid-January, so please remember to visit us! Go now to www.nnirr.org to check out our latest report, “Injustice for All: The Rise of the U.S. Immigration Policing Regime,” which includes documentation and stories from the field detailing the growth of the immigration enforcement system. Print copies of the report will be available at the beginning of the year.