In October of 2007, a number of Boston area community leaders came together to discuss ways to galvanize support for immigrant rights in Massachusetts given the current political climate.
The idea to initiate a campaign to welcome immigrants in Massachusetts modeled after similar campaigns in Iowa and Tennessee was proposed. These successful initiatives formed broad-based coalitions from all walks of life community/civic, government, business, labor, and faith to support principles of human rights, human dignity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. After several conversations it was agreed that the goal of Welcoming Massachusetts is to make evident the fact that Massachusetts is a Welcoming State and there is political will to pass concrete, sensible, pro-immigrant legislation that serves all residents.
Welcoming Massachusetts aims to gather organizational and individual signatures in support of a pledge to make Massachusetts a welcoming state. Organizations and leaders will spread Welcoming Massachusetts' principles and message through organizing, education and dialogue.
Organizations and individuals joining this effort will be encouraged to have conversations regarding immigration and immigrant rights with their memberships, constituencies and/or communities in ways that are most appropriate for them. We will have a public action that will manifest the collective power and intention of Massachusetts residents in their desire to create a more human, welcoming, and respecting environment for immigrants in the state. We believe that this will create the conditions for humane and sensible public policies regarding immigrants.
For more information contact Edwin Argueta edwin@massjwj.net [1] 617-524-8085
What: Welcoming Massachusetts, Kick-Off Statewide Campaign
When: Tuesday July 8th, 2008
Where: Grand Staircase (2nd Flr.), Massachusetts State House
Time: 11:00 am ? 12:00 pm