Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition
Fighting for immigrant rights in Athens, GA and surrounding areas.
Protecting Constitutional Rights
The Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition is working to build a future with fair and compassionate immigration policy – and the fight starts at home. We focus on helping immigrant families and neighbors find support, pushing positive change to local policy, and creating a network of volunteers dedicated to an Athens that embraces the needs and dreams of all its residents, regardless of citizenship status.
S.I.F.I.C.
Support for Immigrant Families in Crisis
A chief effort of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition is Support For Immigrant Families In Crisis (SIFIC). Support for Immigrant Families In Crisis (SIFIC) assists and supports local immigrant families who have limited access to other resources. Whether they’re experiencing the trauma of forced family separation, violence or persecution in their home country, financial loss, or medical crises, we connect these families with broadening networks of solidarity and support while fostering the creation of safe spaces for healing.
DIA
Dignidad Inmigrante en Athens
Dignidad Inmigrante En Athens (DIA) is an organization that began in Athens when a group of undocumented students, embarked on a cross-country walk to Washington, D.C., visited Athens. Residents, organizations and immigrants of Athens joined forces to support them with lodging, food, and meetings where they spoke with the public. DIA reflects and honors the dignity of a people, formed of many nationalities, many races, and many cultures, which is in a constant process of redefinition at it seeks its identity. DIA believes that every human being has the right to a life of dignity, that recognizes the value of their effort, work and contributions to society. DIA demands that fundamental rights to education, work, housing, and family (love), be safeguarded for all human beings, regardless of their migration status, race, or gender.
ULEAD
U-Lead Athens
U-Lead Athens, a group of United, Unafraid, Undefeated, Un(der)documented Leaders, is a sister organization of the Athens Immigrant Rights Coalition. Our goal is equal access to higher education for students of immigrant families who are in or have recently graduated from high school. As U-Lead students we pursue that goal, along with our public school, university, and community mentors and allies, by 1) studying for college entrance exams, 2) applying to colleges and scholarships that will accept students of varying documentation status, and 3) finding financial support for attending institutions of higher education.
ISC
Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition
Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition is a group of 15 congregations representing Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Unitarian, and Hindu faith traditions. We are dedicated to offering hospitality, safety, and opportunities for all immigrants to participate fully in our shared community, regardless of their immigration status. Our goal is to cultivate respectful, loving relationships with our immigrant neighbors and educate ourselves and our communities about the realities of life for immigrants.
Volunteer Opportunities
Rapid Response Team
Monitor reports from community members regarding ICE sightings and police activities in attempt to document the activity and deescalate the situation.
Fundraising
Secures the resources needed to support immigrant families and neighbors, and sustain AIRC’s advocacy efforts and its affiliated organizations, including SIFIC.
Drivers Pool
Safe, free transport for community members who need a ride and may not have access to driver’s licenses, and driving without a license is a substantial risk.
Advocacy & Policy
Monitor and respond to changes in immigration-related policies and laws at the national, state, and local levels to stay ahead of the rapidly shifting legal landscape.
AIRC-EDU
Ensure that students and their families in the Clarke County School District and surrounding areas have the information and support they need to feel safe and empowered.
Communications
Keep our members and community informed and engaged so everyone connected to AIRC knows about the latest events, initiatives, and issues affecting immigrant communities.
