Take action

Art is inherently political. Given that, we hope to align this documentary with historic and contemporary struggles to undo border imperialisms locally and globally. We acknowledge that there are so many limitations within this short documentary, which is why we’re thinking about ways to continue the work we’ve started here to strive towards meaningful change by aligning ourselves with those engaged in these struggles daily.

The artists we met with provide models of how we can connect our artistic production to political action, and that inspired the creation of this page, which is intended to offer a couple ways to plug into the movement(s). Note that these are just a few groups who are doing radical organizing work, and we encourage you to look within your own community, wherever that might be, to see where your capacity might fit in. These groups are working in a variety of areas and tactics, from anti-gentrification work to direct action non-cooperative tactics intended to force shifts in public opinion.

If you’re not able volunteer your time and energy right now, please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations. Undoing border imperialisms, building bridges, and tearing down walls requires the work of all of us. This moment calls on those whose citizenship privileges are predicated on the border, to learn, to act, and to reflect.

National organizations

Movimiento Cosecha — Since launching publicly in July 2015, Cosecha has grown into a diverse, decentralized network of volunteer organizers supporting communities in over 20 states across the country. Through local “circles”, Cosecha organizers work independently to advance their strategy. Committed to winning real victories for their communities, Cosecha believes in using non-cooperation to leverage the power of immigrant labor and consumption and force a meaningful shift in public opinion. Their campaigns are multifaceted but all focus on building the power of the immigrant community and activating the public to our support strategy and cause. Check out Cosecha’s website here, and their Take Action page here.

#Not1More — “As the immigration debate continues on, #Not1More enters the discussion from the place that touches people in concrete ways and can offer tangible relief. By collectively challenging unfair deportations and criminalization through organizing, art, legislation, and action, we aim to reverse unjust policy, build migrant power, and create immigration policies based on principles of justice and inclusion.” Check out #Not1More’s website here, and a comprehensive list of resources compiled by the organization here.

Black Lives Matter // The Movement for Black Lives — It’s important that we recognize that border imperialism doesn’t just affect Latinx people, but is an international phenomenon rooted to global anti-Blackness and white supremacy. Black migrants face the brunt end of border violence globally, and it’s vital that we work that into our frameworks. The first organized police forces in the United States were slave patrols, the second was Border Patrol; Systems of mass incarceration in the United States target Black, Chicanx, and Indigenous folks at horrifying rates. About The Movement for Black Lives: “In response to the sustained and increasingly visible violence against Black communities in the U.S. and globally, a collective of more than 50 organizations representing thousands of Black people from across the country have come together with renewed energy and purpose to articulate a common vision and agenda.” Learn about how the movement’s platform relates to migration here.

Families for Freedom — “Founded in September 2002, Families for Freedom is a New York-based multi-ethnic human rights organization by and for families facing and fighting deportation. We are immigrant prisoners (detainees), former immigrant prisoners, their loved ones, or individuals at risk of deportation. We come from dozens of countries, across continents. FFF seeks to repeal the laws that are tearing apart our homes and neighborhoods; and to build the power of immigrant communities as communities of color, to provide a guiding voice in the growing movement for immigrant rights as human rights.” Donate to Families for Freedom here.

U.S.-México border-based

Mariposas Sin Fronteras — “Mariposas Sin Fronteras is a Tucson, AZ based group that seeks to end the systemic violence and abuse of LGBTQ people held in prison and immigration detention. We envision a society that no longer finds solutions in the system of immigration detention or the prison industrial complex. As we work toward that goal, we support LGBTQ people currently detained in Eloy and Florence, AZ through visits, letters, bond support, advocacy, and housing upon freedom from detention.” Learn about their campaigns here, and send them a donation here.

Coalición de Derechos Humanos — “Derechos Humanos is a grassroots organization that promotes the human and civil rights of all migrants regardless of their immigration status. Consequently, we fight the militarization of our southern border home and combat the discrimination and human rights abuses of both our citizen and non-citizen brothers and sisters. Our goals include: (1) Strengthening the capacity of the border & urban communities to exercise their rights and participate in public policy decisions; (2) Increasing public awareness of the magnitude of human rights abuses, deaths and assaults at the border resulting from U.S. policy; (3) Seeking changes in government policies that result in human suffering because of the militarization of the U.S. border region.” Read their most recent report entitled “Disappeared” here, and send them a donation here.

NI EN MORE — “NI EN MORE is a non-profit social innovation project and clothing brand, that merges political activism, fashion and art. Our mission is to create a sustainable, impactful business that will empower women in Ciudad Juárez. We are using education, craft and fashion as our instruments to create a political resistance and spread the message of social injustice and violence towards women, globally and locally.” Buy some of their clothes to support their operation here, and check out a video of their work that Labú produced.

Minneapolis/St. Paul-based

Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC) — “MIRAC is an immigrant rights organization based in Minnesota. MIRAC fights for legalization for all, an end to immigration raids and deportations, an end to all anti-immigrant laws, and full equality in all areas of life.” Like MIRAC on Facebook to stay up-to-date with upcoming actions.

Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia (United Renters for Justice) — “IUJ is a group by renters for renters in Minneapolis, MN to create better housing in our city. Our mission is to bring groups of tenants in Minneapolis’ worst housing together in order to analyze problems occurring in their living situations, and then strategize and organize around those problems to create affordable, dignified living spaces in Minneapolis.” Learn more about Inquilinxs Unidxs vision here, and stay up-to-date with them on Facebook.