BRIDGE Institutes for Human Rights Leadership, National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Last week, it was an honor and a privilege to attend the BRIDGE Institutes for Human Rights Leadership two-day event in San Benito hosted by the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR). The aim of the event NNIRR stated: “Building upon strong cross-sectoral partnerships with labor, climate, environmental, and racial justice leaders, we aim to provide grassroots leaders with the skills and knowledge to anchor human rights and migrant rights organizing in their communities.” The majority of attendees were women leaders from different organizations in South Texas with a good blend of young and seasoned leaders.
This intensive two-day co-learning event focused on bringing community leaders together to develop their skills with various tools and frameworks. We began with creatively presenting our own migration narratives while being cognizant of the various immigration policies developed throughout history, and the significant events that often drove such policies. We explored the application of international human rights frameworks to local community needs and the intersectionality of communities. Finally, we focused on some of the most impactful problems facing the community today, and developed tools for both documenting the issue and strategizing solutions.
This event was very rooted in the significance of what it means to be in community, and understanding the needs of said communities, in order to develop solutions centered around those who are most impacted. Centering the voices of border communities is crucial so that when human rights violations are reported, communities of faith have the duty to amplify and support those voices without restraint. As a catholic, a teaching I heard in church often was “we are the body of Christ”, then surely the only way forward is collectively, because together –as a community of faith, of human rights leaders, advocates, learners– we can all contribute in being part of the solution, and bringing injustices to light.
The first day of BRIDGE Institutes for Human Rights Leadership two-day event in San Benito hosted by the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR)
Learning alongside and from community leaders from different South Texas organizations such as Dina Nunez with Border Workers United, Nora Salinas with The South Texas Human Rights Center, and Caly Fernandez with Puentes de Cristo.
It was a pleasure to spend time with Sarah Cruz, the Texas Program Coordinator for the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR). Sarah played a crucial role in the development of curriculum materials, logistics, organizing, and much more for this successful event.
