America is a country that takes great pride in the promise of freedom and opportunity for all. But recently, many Americans have realized that we’ve taken this promise for granted. It is crucial that those of us who are able volunteer to support our fellow human beings on the path towards social justice. Volunteering with the CAIR Coalition detention hotline is a great chance to do that.
President’s Trump’s recent Executive Orders have brought many social and racial justice issues to the forefront of America’s attention, especially the Order which bans immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. But while we continue to fight for protection for those banned from entry, we mustn’t turn our backs on our neighbors, some 11 million undocumented immigrants living and engaging in our own communities. Every immigrant who now faces the threat of detention and deportation deserves our support, and to feel safe in the place that they have fought to call home.
CAIR Coalition works with detained immigrants in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area to educate them of their rights and prevent their deportation. Many of these immigrants have fled violence and instability, and would be in danger if they were made to return. Deportation of certain vulnerable individuals can result in persecution, torture, or even death. These people need our help to ensure they are given a fair chance to freedom and security.
CAIR Coalition operates a free hotline for detainees to communicate with their attorneys and receive legal information outside of their jail visits. Hotline staffers may conduct initial intakes for new clients, give information regarding court cases, and help disseminate messages from CAIR Coalition staff. Hotline volunteers may also assist CAIR staff with jail visit preparation, research on criminal records, translation work, and case follow-ups. Under the new administration, the threat of mass deportations has become increasingly worrisome, and CAIR Coalition needs hotline volunteers who are willing to do meaningful work on behalf of their clients.
If you are interested in volunteering on the hotline, please first fill out CAIR’s volunteer agreement, found here. Then, visit the detention hotline schedule, scroll to the appropriate month range at the bottom, and fill in your name in any available shift. The hotline operates from 9 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday, and you may sign up for as many shifts as you’d like. Please email juliana@caircoalition.org with the date and time of your first shift, as training happens during the first 30 minutes of your first shift. CAIR Coalition is particularly looking for volunteers who speak Spanish, French, or Arabic. However, all help is welcomed and appreciated.
Please join CAIR in the fight for human rights by supporting their detained immigrant clients. Any help is greatly appreciated and will create social change.
-Guest Blog by Isabella Smith
