What’s next: be part of the solution with vaap
VAAP is working hard to bring ourselves up to speed on policy and practice changes and to keep our existing cases and projects moving forward responsibly. We understand and share the widespread confusion, fear, and pain of immigration and related uncertainties this week. Current policy changes and associated litigation are overwhelming, but know we are monitoring developments closely and will keep clients and communities informed.
Confusion and fear are the strategy, and standing grounded, and pushing ahead with whatever business-as-usual we can, are forms of resistance and community care. We recommend being protective with your energy and time. See here and below a message from VAAP about how you can collaborate with us as we work collectively to keep each other and our communities safe.
To Impacted Community Members (Former, Current, and Potential Clients):
Trust us to share reliable information: Resist the urge to “doomscroll” predictive media and possible disinformation on social media.
Be patient as we work through the chaos: We cannot reply to every question immediately due to high demand and low resources, but we will prioritize sharing updates about impacts to existing clients’ cases, followed by critical legal changes that most immediately affect our former and potential future client constituencies.
Use VAAP’s self-help resources: Explore our materials to stay informed and empowered to take proactive steps where possible.
To Allies and Community Supporters:
Spread the word: Familiarize yourself with our resources and programming so you can share them with impacted community members and help them access trusted information.
Help us fight disinformation: Share VAAP’s updates and resources to combat rumors and provide clear, accurate information to your networks.
To Legal and Language Access Volunteers:
Stay committed and flexible: We are still in a start-up phase, so your patience and openness to our evolving processes are critical.
Adapt with us: Be willing to learn and use emerging technologies that help us mobilize legal resources more effectively.
To Financial Partners and Donors:
Provide the resources we need: Federal funding is uncertain and unstable. Your contributions will help ensure we can sustain and expand our programs to meet growing community needs.
To Fellow Advocates and Partner Organizations:
Collaborate to amplify impact: Partner with us to coordinate outreach, resource sharing, and legal advocacy, ensuring we reach as many people as possible during this challenging time.
Help us build bridges: Work with us to create pathways for community integration and equitable access to legal and social services.
To the Broader Community:
Have faith in collective strength: Remember, we’ve been through challenging times before and know how to fight for justice. Reliable information has never been more available to communities on how to help each other and themselves.
