Standing on the Side of Amor (Love) with Immigrant Families
UUSC’s Southern California Unit’s 27th annual Latin American Encuentro, held for the first time at Tapestry UU Congregation in Mission Viejo on Nov. 6, was very successful. Through advocacy and outreach, UUSC’s SoCal unit works to promote peace and social justice in Latin American countries and immigrant rights in the U.S. Our goal is to keep these issues alive among UU’s and others. Past Encuentro speakers have included Michael Parenti, Tom Hayden, and Blasé Bompane. Our focus this year was on the timely issue of humane immigration reform in the U.S. Hate groups are rising in numbers and in power. We must “stand on the side of love” and get the truth out. We must continue to push for humane immigration reform at the national level.
Speakers throughout the day were very informative and compelling, each with unique perspectives and information.
Dan Stracka, founder of UURISE (UU Refugee and Immigrant Services and Education, Inc.) and drafter of UUA’s study action issue “Immigration as a Moral Issue” gave us a history of immigration reform in the U.S. and a moral basis for us to concentrate on humane immigration reform.
Jan Meslin was one of the approximately 30 UU’s arrested in Phoenix on July 29 protesting Arizona’s SB1070 racial profiling law. She told her compelling story about why she did this, what transpired during the few days of noncompliance, and what’s happened since.
First Unitarian LA President Rochelle McAdam, Immigration attorney Sue Griffin, and recent detainee Albert Allande Cabrera let us know what life is like in detention centers and what it takes to get out. $440 was raised on the spot for a bond fund for the Mira Loma detention center in Lancaster, CA. Minimum bond is $1500.
Keynote Gustavo Arellano, local author, radio commentator, and newpaper columnist, and also native to Orange County, dispelled any myths we might have about immigrants by telling his story. He’s a satirist so it was very entertaining. You may have seen Gustavo on Frontline or the Colbert Report. He first became an activist when he was in high school, was appalled at the Anaheim School Board’s decision to create schools for Mexicans only. In addition to his many talents, Gustavo reminded us he’s willing to mow lawns for $15.
A delicious Nicaraguan lunch was catered by a Costa Mesa family.
Allegres Corozones, a ballet folklorico dancing group from nearby San Juan Capistrano, performed to the delight of everyone in attendance. We can thank CREER Communidad y Familia, a local immigrant group working to improve lives of especially Latino and Latina youth.
Rev. Tom Owen-Towle, consulting minister at Tapestry UU, gave powerful opening and closing words.
Several breakout groups in the afternoon allowed people to learn more about an area of interest and ask questions. These included ALBA (NAFTA alternative) with Carlos Escorcia, President of NICANA; CREER community group in San Juan Capistrano, with Richard Ybarra, Director; UURISE with Dan Stracka and Katia Hanson; Columbia Peace Project with Patrick Bonner; and Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) with Kristeen Zentgraf and Norma Chinchilla from Cal. State Long Beach
Tabling: Immigrant and advocacy groups tabled with additional information and letters to sign. Fairtrade coffee and other products were offered for a donation.
UU’s from throughout southern California were in attendance. Positive evaluations reflected the variety of meaningful activities as reasons for success. Most said they will return next year. The event was professionally videotaped. Copies are available for $5 each. Please contact Jan Meslin at jmeslin@cox.net to order copies or for more information about this event. Ideally, people in attendance will use what they learned to promote immigration justice in their own communities.
