Faith Week of Action on Public Charge November 12-16

Introduction: This week as we celebrate the feast day for Saint Frances Cabrini, patron saint of immigrants, we are called not only to prayer and reflection but to action. Born in Italy, Saint Cabrini arrived in the United States in 1889 on a mission to help other Italian immigrants desperately fleeing  extreme poverty, hunger, oppression, violence and exploitation. She dedicated her life to serving immigrants in America by establishing social services institutions such as hospitals, orphanages and schools across the country. This week, the interfaith community stands together to follow her example of compassion and tenacity to fight the proposed rule on public charge. From Monday, Nov. 12 to Friday, Nov. 16, join us in taking daily action to stand for our interfaith and American values and most importantly, those that need our voices and solidarity now.   MONDAY, Nov. 12: Educate and Activate Start the week by learning about and arming yourself with the tools you need to take a stand against the proposed rule on public charge. Share this webpage with your colleagues, networks, family, friends and on social media to activate your community! Commit to getting at least 3 other people to join you. Here’s what you need: Start with our Interfaith Video on Public Charge Public Charge Interfaith Advocacy Toolkit Catholic Legal Immigration Network resources   TUESDAY, Nov. 13: Comment and Community Day Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition on Facebook Live at 5:30 PM ET! On Nov. 13, the Feast of St. Frances Cabrini, members of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition are gathering together to break bread and work on and submit our public comments. Join us on Facebook Live at 5:30 PM ET! On this day, gather together with others to work on and submit your public comments against the proposed rule. If you can’t organize an event, take today to plan one or have at least one conversation with someone about the proposed rule and encourage that person to join you in submitting a comment. Don’t forget, the public comment period closes Dec. 10! Here’s what you need: Public Charge Mini-Toolkit for events Public Charge One-Pager for organizers Interfaith Public Charge video   WEDNESDAY, Nov. 14: Fasting for Families Many faith traditions practice fasting at different times as a spiritual discipline to draw us closer to God and remember those who are suffering. Today, as we take action and remember the dignity of immigrant families, let us both use our voices and bodies to resist the proposed public charge rule change. Join people of faith across the country for a day of fasting for families, and invite others to fast as well. Here’s what you need:

• Share this digital prayer card on social media with a message about why you are participating in this week or action and/or fasting today.
• If you feel led, take a photo of yourself with a sign that says “I fast for immigrant families because” and fill in why you are participating in this day of fasting and then share on social media.

Sample social media Facebook: Today, people of faith across the country are fasting in solidarity with immigrant families that are being threatened by the administration’s proposed #PublicCharge rule change. No family should have to choose between affordable housing, food, and healthcare for themselves and family or their immigration status. Hurting families threatens our country’s future & violates our moral obligation to protect the vulnerable. We believe all people have dignity and value, regardless of their income. Join us! #ProtectFamilies #CommentForFamilies Twitter: Today, people of faith across the country are fasting in solidarity with immigrant families that are being threatened by the proposed #PublicCharge rule change. We believe all people have dignity and value, regardless of their income. Join us! #ProtectFamilies #CommentForFamilies Find more sample social media and graphics in the Public Charge Interfaith Advocacy Toolkit.   THURSDAY, Nov. 15: Digital Vigil, 12 pm to 1 pm ET Together the faith community can demonstrate solidarity with our immigrant neighbors and resist the public charge proposed rule change through participating in a “Digital Vigil” and submitting public comments. Between 12 pm- 1 pm ET, share these sample messages which include a candle GIF on Facebook or Twitter to spread awareness and encourage others to join our movement. Here’s what you need: Candle GIF Sample social medial: Facebook: The administration’s proposed #PublicCharge rule attacks immigrant families and forces them to choose between the food, housing, and healthcare they need and the people they love. This is another attempt to destabilize immigrant families and harm communities. Share this post to join the Faith Digital Vigil as we proclaim our shared moral obligation to #ProtectFamilies. Act now to oppose this unjust public charge rule by submitting a comment here: https://www.ouramericanstory.us/faith-traditions/   Twitter: As people of faith, we are called to protect families, children, and the vulnerable. We believe in the dignity of all people, regardless of where they come from or how much money they have. Share to join the Digital Vigil for immigrant families. #PublicCharge #ProtectFamilies   FRIDAY,  Nov. 16: Press Submit on Your Comment! Close the week out by pressing submit on your comment or dropping it in the mail. For those not yet done, take today to keep working! Just don’t forget, comments are due by Dec. 10. The Interfaith Immigration Coalition will be putting out a statement sharing interfaith voices on why commenting on public charge is so crucial to the daily work to live our faith. Faith leaders who would like to join can submit quotes to: jamuzie@interfaithimmigration.org   Thank you for joining us.  ]]>