8/20/2014 Toolkit for Advocating for the Rights of Unaccompanied Children

http://ignatiansolidarity.net/toolkit-advocating-rights-unaccompanied-children/?utm_source=ISN+Updates+List&utm_campaign=06fd786160-14.06.11+ISN+Upd 1/6
Since 2011, the number of unaccompanied immigrant children making the dangerous journey from Central
America to the southern border of the United States has increased more than seven-fold, with arrivals potentially
reaching as high as 90,000 children this year. Many of these children, a growing share of whom are girls and
under the age of 12, are fleeing pervasive and targeted violence in their home countries of Honduras, El Salvador,
and Guatemala.
The Toolkit for Advocating for the Rights of Unaccompanied Children and Families Fleeing Central America
was developed to enable individuals at universities, high schools, parishes and other ministries to engage their
faith congregation or campus, government representatives and local community members in the issue from a
faith-based perspective grounded in human dignity.
The toolkit is titled The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Such As These, in light of a biblical passage cited by
former Jesuit Conference president Fr. Thomas Smolich, S.J., in his appeal to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner and
other Jesuit school alumni serving in Congress, encouraging them to uphold the dignity of the human person and
the sacredness of human life in policy decisions regarding the disposition of children fleeing horrific violence in
Central America.
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8/20/2014 Toolkit for Advocating for the Rights of Unaccompanied Children
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In the letter Fr. Smolich said, I ask you, as a leader, a parent, and a Catholic, to uphold an American tradition of
which we are all proud. We must welcome the refugee, the victim of trafficking, the child who has been abused or
abandoned. Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus when he said Let the children come to me, and do not prevent
them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14).
OVERVIEW
Central American Migration Crisis Background
WAYS OF RESPONDING
How Can You Help Unaccompanied Children?
How Can I Advocate?: Meeting With Your Legislators During August Recess
Making Your Voice Heard At Town Halls
Introducing Local Resolutions of Welcome In Your Community
Writing An Op-Ed Letter to Your Local Newspaper
Sample Letter To Congress
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Why are people fleeing Central America now?
Myths and Facts Behind Increasing Migration from Central America
Interfaith Letter signed by 300+ Organizations to Congress
Letter from Fr. Tom Smolich, S.J. to Speaker John Boehner
Real stories of Central American Children & Families Grappling with Violence
Prayer for Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Prayers of Intention for Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Quotes from Pope Francis on Migrants and Refugees
DOWNLOAD Full Packet
ISN BLOGS: Unaccompanied Children
Jesuit Organizations Release Toolkit on Advocacy for Rights of Unaccompanied Children from
Central America
8/20/2014 Toolkit for Advocating for the Rights of Unaccompanied Children
http://ignatiansolidarity.net/toolkit-advocating-rights-unaccompanied-children/?utm_source=ISN+Updates+List&utm_campaign=06fd786160-14.06.11+ISN+Upd 3/6
What is driving people from Central America?
Jesuits Call on Jesuit Alumni in Congress to Protect Central America Children
300+ Faith Groups Urge President and Congress to Protect Central American Children and Families
Who will hold the U.S. accountable for a rush to deport the most vulnerable?
Do Not Deport the Children!
8/20/2014 Toolkit for Advocating for the Rights of Unaccompanied Children
http://ignatiansolidarity.net/toolkit-advocating-rights-unaccompanied-children/?utm_source=ISN+Updates+List&utm_campaign=06fd786160-14.06.11+ISN+Upd 4/6
For assistance please use the following contact persons:
POLICY & ADVOCACY:
Shaina Aber
Policy Dir., US Jesuit Conference
saber@jesuits.org
Mary Small
Asst. Dir. for Policy, JRS/USA
msmall@jesuits.org
ORGANIZING & CAMPUS/PARISH ACTIVITIES:
Christopher Kerr
Executive. Director., ISN
ckerr@ignatiansolidarity.net
8/20/2014 Toolkit for Advocating for the Rights of Unaccompanied Children
http://ignatiansolidarity.net/toolkit-advocating-rights-unaccompanied-children/?utm_source=ISN+Updates+List&utm_campaign=06fd786160-14.06.11+ISN+Upd 5/6
REPORT BACK:
Please let us know how you/your community are utilizing this toolkit by completing this brief report back form.
First Last
Name *
E-mail *
Institution (school, parish, etc.)
Advocacy Meeting with Representative or Senator
Attending a Legislator Town Hall Meeting
Writing a Personal Letter or E-mail to Legislator
Calling a Legisltator
Requesting Municipality to Pass A Resolution in Support of Welcoming Unaccompanied Children
Writing an Op-Ed for a Local Newspaper
Other
How are you or your community responding? (check all that apply) *
Please tell us more about any of the above checked items:
8/20/2014 Toolkit for Advocating for the Rights of Unaccompanied Children
http://ignatiansolidarity.net/toolkit-advocating-rights-unaccompanied-children/?utm_source=ISN+Updates+List&utm_campaign=06fd786160-14.06.11+ISN+Upd 6/6
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