Photo credit: NYTimes

Get to Know We Are Alight

With no end in sight of this COVID pandemic, and with no let up on the restrictions for border crossing first imposed by Trump, and still in place under the Biden Administration, one wonders what is happening to migrants who are arriving at the border, and where one can read reliable updates on border policy.  We know that the border is not open to migrant asylum seekers.  Some might try to say that the border is now totally open but it’s not.  In any case, we know that families continue to arrive, desperate to start new lives if they can in a place where they will be safe.  And children coming without parents or older caretakers also continue to arrive.

Women on the Border’s website has added a link on our Volunteer Opportunities page to a wonderful organization called We Are Alight that’s been around for many decades, formerly known as American Refugee Committee, and that is providing humanitarian aid and support in 17 countries. They provide relief and aid in the migrant shelters.  Their work at the Mexican border is beautiful. 

In Alight’s website, you will see why they dropped the word refugee from the description of who they are in solidarity with the people we serve who are too often defined by a single dark moment in their lives…

Here is the message they provide on their work in Mexico:

Families are struggling at the U.S.–Mexico border. People are fleeing gang and drug violence at home, they’ve lost a vision for a future. Now, they want nothing more than to build a meaningful life for themselves, and for their children. The humanitarian crisis at the border is complicated. But when we look into the faces of the children, women, and men caught in the middle of it all, one thing is clear—real, sacred, human beings need our help. And what they need, right this moment, are those who have an abundance of empathy. Who can see the people through the politics and do what’s possible.

We may not be able to fix the problems created for so many by persecution, gender violence, corruption and the pandemic.  But we can reconnect with our hearts and desires to help a little.  Here’s an organization that will welcome your volunteer time.