IJTF Seeks Member Affirmation for Hospitality Program

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Last July, the Immigration Task Force of the Social Action Committee (IJTF) agreed to respond to a call by Three Spinners to provide hospitality and emergency refuge for our immigrant friends and neighbors who feel threatened when the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) is in town. To help ensure we would have the support of our congregation for this initiative, we met with the Board of Trustees, and then held two member meetings in August. The overwhelming support we received was followed by a motion by the Board of Trustees, which allowed us to move forward.

Since then, we’ve worked with Rev. Florence Caplow, key staff, and Three Spinners to develop a plan for hosting immigrants in the lower level of our church (below the Sanctuary, west of the double doors) when they feel threatened by the presence of ICE in our community. Such hospitality/emergency refuge could be for a few hours; one day; or a short overnight stay, but generally not for more than five consecutive days. This time frame coincides with the time ICE typically stays in town.

We now are seeking a vote of affirmation from the congregation at our June annual meeting, and are hosting two informational meetings in advance to share our plan, answer questions, and ask for your support. We hope you will join us at one of these meetings, which will be held virtually. They are scheduled for:

Given the sensitivity of this program and the need to maintain confidentiality, you will be placed into a waiting room when you join. That will enable us to control who we admit to the call. Please be patient, as this will add an extra, but important, step that will take a few minutes. We ask that you do your best to log in 5 to10 minutes before the designated start time, so that we can begin promptly.

If you have questions, please call Pam Richart (773.56.3418) or reach out to IJTF members who have been most active in developing this plan. They include: Sally Anderson, Penne Beckett, Millie Davis, Karen Folk, Mike Folk, Jan Kalmar, Kim Kranich, Lan Richart, Lisa Sechler and Andy Townsend