CRI Policy

The Biden-Harris Administration overturns the 40-year ban on local hire!

The Biden-Harris Administration overturns the 40-year ban on local hire!

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration released “substantial updates” to the Office of Management and Budget’s Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. The guidance overturns the 40-year ban on local hire, and for those of us who were part of Gamaliel’s transportation campaign (i.e., Transportation Equity Network or TEN) between 2004 and 2015 and…

Introducing Rev. B. De Neice Welch, Ntosake Consultant

Ntosake and Gamaliel are excited to welcome Rev. B. De Neice Welch as our new Ntosake Consultant! Rev. Welch is the Senior Pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended National Leadership training in 2015, and served as Ntosake Chair for five years. She is a longtime leader, and later organizer, with Pennsylvania…

Race and Power Postponed to December 2022

Due to the continued spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Race and Power in America Summit until December 2022. Please know we don’t make this decision lightly. We consider the Race and Power Summit to be a central part of our fight for racial…

Transformational Justice in Action plans social media action, virtual town hall

Transformational Justice in Action is holding two actions in Autumn 2021 in support of our effort to restore  voting rights to people with conviction histories. The first is a month-long social media action to raise awareness of our #UnlockTheVote campaign leading up to the second, a virtual Town Hall on October 1. This Town Hall…

Gamaliel Statement on the Death of Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, as well as to his sisters and brothers in the labor movement. A coal-miner and member of the United Mine Workers—like his father before him—and the grandson of immigrants, President Trumka never forgot his roots as he rose to power in…

Gamaliel affiliates to members of Congress: “Immigrants are as American as apple pie…and rice and beans!”

Gamaliel affiliates and supporters of Complete Inclusive Immigration Reform and the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 across the country joined together on Friday, July 2 and Tuesday, July 6 to tell their members of Congress that immigrants are as American as apple pie…and rice and beans!  Members of Quad Cities Interfaith, WISDOM, SOPHIA (Waukesha, WI),…

Immigrants are as American as apple pie — and rice and beans!

This Independence Day weekend, join Gamaliel Network and our Civil Rights of Immigrants Campaign in sending the message that immigrants are as American as apple pie…and rice and beans! On July 2, supporters of Complete Inclusive Immigration Reform across the country have committed to delivering apple pies and rice and beans to their Congress members’…

Reflection on Juneteenth Commemoration from Rev. Dr. John Welch, PhD

On June 19, 1865, when federal troops entered Galveston, Texas, the emancipation of every enslaved Black American was effectively enacted. This was 2 ½ years after Lincoln’s proclamation. To say the delay was due to the late arrival of the news from federal troops would be exceedingly gracious. Instead, it speaks to the defiant attitude…

Gamaliel needs your help to make 1,000 calls to members of Congress on June 21!

In honor of Father’s Day and all undocumented fathers across the country, Gamaliel and the Civil Rights of Immigrants Coordinating Committee are holding a National Day of Phone Calls in support of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 (H.R.1177/ S.348) on June 21, 2021. Gamaliel has committed to making 1,000 calls on June 21 —…

Civil Rights of Immigrants holds Congressional Briefing (video)

Gamaliel’s Civil Rights of Immigrants Campaign and Gamaliel of California held a Congressional Briefing May 12 to advocate for Complete Inclusive Immigration Reform (CIIR). CIIR is a set of demands that the Civil Rights of Immigrants Campaign put forward in a January, 2021 letter to President Joe Biden, including a moratorium on deportations, creating a…

Save the date for the 2021 Race and Power in America Summit!

The 2021 Race and Power in America Summit will be held November 8-11 in Baltimore, Maryland.  The Race and Power in America Summit is Gamaliel’s biennial conference for leaders who share Gamaliel’s commitment to racial equity. Participants can expect powerful speakers and a variety of workshops focused on leadership, organizing money, Integrated Voter Engagement, and…

Save the Date for Ntosake 2021!

Español abajo Are you a woman who has been searching for leadership training tailored to your needs, perspectives and experiences?  Join Ntosake, a women’s leadership training and development organization of the Gamaliel Network, for our 2021 national training Women Together In Power: Fearless, Determined — No Permission Required. Ntosake is for women, by women. Attendees…

Gamaliel statement on the Chauvin Trial Verdict

The Board of Directors, staff and affiliates of the Gamaliel Network join in prayer for the family of George Floyd, residents of Minneapolis and across the country, as the emotions of joy and jubilation flow in response to the historic verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. We realize that while justice is an unattainable ideal…

Mark your calendar for the next Transformational Justice in Action Meeting

Mark your calendar for our next Transformational Justice in Action meeting scheduled for April 23, 2021, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. CT (3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT). The meeting will include training and work on developing transformational narratives that contribute to the success of our campaign: 1) to pass a Justice Reinvestment Act that would…

Gamaliel statement on the police shooting death of Daunte Wright

Gamaliel stands in protest and mourning against the brutal death of Daunte Wright at the hands of police officers April 11. We stand with the Brooklyn Center, MN and Minneapolis/St. Paul communities as they cry out against this latest injustice and mourn the death of another senseless police shooting of a Black man.  It is…

Gamaliel Statement on the Act of Terrorism in Atlanta

The following is a statement from Rev. Dr. John C. Welch, Chair of Gamaliel’s Board of Directors, on the act of terrorism against the Asian population in Atlanta on March 16, 2021. In 1995, Timothy McVeigh terrorized Oklahoma City. In 1996, Eric Rudolph terrorized Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, GA. In 1999, Eric Harris and…

$10 Million Academy teaches affiliates to organize money as well as people

Gamaliel launched the $10 Million Academy on Monday, February 22, with 38 organizers and leaders from nine states participating. Attendees learned more about the difference between diffuse and diverse funding sources through stories about fundraising experiences shared by Lora McDonald, Executive Director, MORE 2, and David Liners, Executive Director, WISDOM. Rev. Cynthia Jarrold, Gamaliel National…

Strategic Campaigns Training and Planning Session with TJA

Gamaliel is committed to working toward the restoration of voting rights for people with conviction histories and securing a federal Justice Reinvestment Act that repairs some of the damage done in past legislation, especially the 1994 Federal Crime Bill. Now, it’s time to build a powerful and winning campaign rooted in the values of reparation,…

Gamaliel Registers for “Passport to Power” with First-Ever Online Fundraiser

Gamaliel’s first-ever online fundraiser, We Are Gamaliel: Passport to Power, was held Saturday, February 27 and live streamed to multiple platforms. The live streams and video recordings have been viewed more than 1,000 times, and the event brought in over $26,000 in investments. The evening was a virtual journey through Gamaliel, complete with tour guides…

Gamaliel establishes Rev. David Bigsby Religious Leaders’ Development Fund

Gamaliel Network is thrilled to announce the Rev. David Bigsby Religious Leaders’ Development Fund, which has been established to honor Bigsby as he approaches retirement and acknowledge his commitment to developing effective religious leaders. For more than three decades, Gamaliel has successfully trained men and women to build deep relationships with their wider communities. Hundreds…

Reparation. Responsibility. Reconciliation: Gamaliel Transformational Justice in Action Platform 2021

The following is Gamaliel’s Transformational Justice in Action Campaign’s 2021 Platform, which was released publicly during the Transformational Justice in Action meeting on January 22. This is a living document that was last updated on January 23, 2021. Download the platform document here: Gamaliel Transformational Justice in Action Platform 2021 As people of faith and…

Gamaliel Responds to Targeted Attack Against Civil Rights of Immigrants Press Conference: “We Will Not Be Silenced”

The following is a statement issued on Thursday, January 21, 2021. You can download our press release here: Gamaliel Statement on Zoom Bombing Attack   During a scheduled press conference by our Civil Rights of Immigrants campaign on January 21, 2021, the Gamaliel Network was the target of a Zoom bombing attack. We believe this…

Gamaliel leaders call on Incoming President Biden to prioritize the inclusion of undocumented essential workers in legislation

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 19, 2021 CRI Contact (English/Español):  Pablo Tapia Gamaliel Civil Rights of Immigrants Chair [email protected] /(651) 208-7896 National Contact: Rev. Cynthia Owen Jarrold Gamaliel National Policy Director [email protected] /(913) 219-3198   Gamaliel leaders call on Incoming President Biden to prioritize the inclusion of undocumented essential workers in legislation and executive orders during the Administration’s…

Join the GNRLC for Inauguration Eve Prayers of, by and for the People

Join the Gamaliel National Religious Leaders Caucus (GNRLC) on January 19 at 7:00 p.m. CT (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT) for an evening of prayer and personal commitment before the inauguration of President-Elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. GNRLC leaders will offer prayers of healing for our nation and for the President-…

Save the date: We Are Gamaliel – Passport to Power!

Save the date for Gamaliel’s first virtual fundraiser! Join us February 27 at 5 p.m. CT (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT) for a virtual tour through Gamaliel. We’ll share stories about our work and share ways for our audience to invest long-term in our work – whether that be an investment of time, money, or…

Gamaliel Statement on the Exoneration of Rusten Sheskey

The following is a statement issued by the Gamaliel Network and Congregations United to Serve Humanity (CUSH), our affiliate in Kenosha, Wisconsin. You can download the statement here: Gamaliel Statement on the Exoneration of Rusten Shesky The members of the Gamaliel Network stand with our brothers and sisters in Kenosha, Wisconsin.    Once again, a…

Gamaliel Statement on the Display of White Power and Supremacy in the U.S. Capitol

The following is Gamaliel’s statement on the white power and white supremacy on display at the United States Capitol on January 6. Download the press release here: Gamaliel Statement on the Blatant White Supremacy on Display in the U.S. Capitol Attack As  we continue to mourn the seditious attack on the United States Capitol Building,…

Gamaliel Statement on the Treasonous Protests in Washington, D.C.

This is a joint statement from Rev. John Welch, Rev. David Bigsby, and Gamaliel Executive Director Ana Garcia-Ashley on the treasonous protests and unlawful breach of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 20201. Download the press release here: Gamaliel Statement on the Treasonous Protests in Washington, D.C. Gamaliel Statement on the Treasonous Protests in…
Rev. De Neice Welch

Paths to Power: Rev. De Neice Welch

Rev. De Neice Welch wears a lot of hats: She’s the Senior Pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church; a bioethicist; a community organizer; a former candidate for the Pittsburgh City Council; and a former president of Gamaliel affiliate Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN). But she insists that she would not have set her sights on most…

Gamaliel staff, alumni join effort to support Georgia voters in January runoff

Although Gamaliel doesn’t have an active affiliate in Georgia, several Gamaliel alumni and staff are working to support voters in the state’s Senate runoff election on January 5, 2020.    Gamaliel Network Executive Director Ana Garcia-Ashley said that many key leaders from the inactive Gamaliel affiliate in Atlanta, Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment (ABLE), are…

Let’s also prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations for jails, prisons, and immigrant detention centers in this country!

Now it the time to take action to secure vaccinations for the incarcerated in this country! On December 11, the Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine.  Since then, FDA has issued a another emergency use authorization for a second COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and…
Black and white photo of Victoria Jimenez-Morales

Paths to Power: Victoria Jimenez-Morales

Gamaliel Board of Directors member  and President of Gamaliel of California Victoria Jimenez-Morales doesn’t consider herself to be a community organizer, but she has been acutely aware of power since her childhood in California’s rural Central Valley.   Jimenez-Morales’ first job was working in the fields alongside her parents in a town with several active…

MORE² seeks to ‘blaze a new trail’ for IVE in Kansas City, KS

If the leaders Gamaliel affiliate Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE²) have their way, Kansas City, Kansas, will become a model for voter engagement all over the country.    Demographically, it’s a unique place. Kansas City is situated in Wyandotte County, which has no racial or ethnic majority. Although its population is approximately…

Holiday greetings from Gamaliel

When we wrote to you at the end of last year, we looked forward to 2020 with hope. Although this year was not what anyone expected, we found plenty of reasons to stay hopeful. Our trainings tell the story best. When travel and large gatherings became unsafe, we reimagined our training procedures to make sure…

Paths to Power: Rev. Marlon Tilghman of BRIDGE Maryland

Rev. Marlon Tilghman had already cut his teeth as an organizer before he received any formal training.    In 2009, Tilghman organized several community groups from the area around the congregation he pastored in the Baltimore area. His efforts caught the attention of BRIDGE (now Gamaliel statewide affiliate BRIDGE Maryland, Inc.) founder Rev. David Casey,…

Paths to Power: Sara Meyer of Quad Cities Interfaith

Although Sara Meyer was an active member of Gamaliel affiliate Quad Cities Interfaith (QCI), until recently, she was adamant that she did not want to attend Gamaliel’s National Leadership Training.   Meyer, a member-at-large of the QCI Board of Directors, attended an Ntosake training and a handful of shorter trainings, but struggled with Gamaliel’s agitational…

Gamaliel training adapts to pandemic, prepares leaders to build power in any circumstances

From Sr. Cheryl Liske, National Training Director and  Senior Trainer: On March 12th, when the World Health Organization declared a pandemic and our lives changed overnight, Gamaliel was threedays away from our week-long National Leadership Training in Nashville. The training obviously wasn’t going to happen, but waiting for the pandemic to end wasn’t going to work…

Table Talk: Race, Family Values, and What We Say in Private

Join us Sunday for “Table Talk: Race, Family Values, and What We Say in Private”. Join Racial Justice Ministries at Scarritt Bennett Center, in partnership with Gamaliel Network, for “Table Talk: Race, Family Values, and What We Say in Private.” The kitchen table is the most powerful piece of furniture in our homes. At the…

Wisconisn IVE work changes the narrative around voting, incarcerated people’s role in democracy

Integrated Voter Engagement is designed to change narratives. In the leadup to the 2020 election, Gamaliel affiliates nationwide used IVE to do just that by growing their bases, moving issue campaigns, and connecting the democratic process to local issues.  But in Wisconsin, Gamaliel statewide affiliate WISDOM worked with first-time voters and incarcerated people to make…

IVE efforts breathe new life into PIIN, raise organization’s profile among congregations

Integrated Voter Engagement (IVE) is a strategy to connect organizers to the communities in which they work; it serves to build a relationship with the community and catalyze future organizing efforts. For Gamaliel affiliate Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN), IVE in the 2020 election season was not just a strategy for building power in the…

More than Ready: November 19 Ntosake Event

You’re invited to the November Ntosake Event, More Than Enough. We’ll be working from Cecilia Munoz’s book of the same name to build our local Prides of women ready to step into leadership 2021 is on the horizon and it’s full of promise. Let’s be ready! Gather the women in your organizations together and get…

40 Days of Prayer and Reflection Ends with Time of Post-Election Prayer, Processing – and Planning

With election results still undecided, nearly 100 members of the Gamaliel community gathered on November 4 to close out 40 Days of Reflection on Our Journey to the Polls – and to look toward the future.   The event was more than 40 days in the making. On April 15, the Gamaliel National Religious Leaders Caucus(GNRLC) …

Election Day – Rev. Dr. John C. Welch

    The Daily Reflection on Our Journey A message from Rev. Dr. John C. Welch, Chair of the Gamaliel Board of Directors, on Election Day Read All of the Daily Reflections on Our Website

Join us for a post-election prayer and planning gathering on November 4!

The election is just a week away.  The outcome is unclear at this point and may still be unclear the day after the election; but we do know that regardless of the outcome, our nation is in need of healing and direction. The Gamaliel National Religious Leaders’ Caucus and WISDOM, the Gamaliel statewide affiliate in…

MOSES (Detroit) President on fight to protect voting rights ahead of Nov. 3 election

Dr. Keith Whitney, Co-President of Gamaliel affiliate MOSES (Detroit), is no stranger to attempted voter suppression. As a child in Mississippi, his family was targeted when his parents worked to register African-Americans to vote. As an adult, he watched Black South Africans overcome huge obstacles to vote for the first time. Now, he’s working to…

Join the Transformational Justice campaign team for a conversation about pre-and post-election tactics for moving our agenda for

Please join the Gamaliel Transformational Justice in Action team this Friday, October 23, at 2:00 p.m. CT (3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT) call.  You must register in advance for this meeting using the link below.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with an access link for joining the meeting.  This link is unique…

With just 2 weeks left until election day, let’s get folks turned out to vote ASAP!

With just about 2 weeks until the general election, Gamaliel continues to be committed to ensuring that voters have accurate information about the voting process. To that end we have pulled together basic voter information for each Gamaliel state and created a state-specific carousel of slides that can be posted on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter…

May our successes encourage us to stay the course in Election 2020!

Initially, the objective of this email was simply to release a podcast that I recorded earlier this fall with leaders and organizers from Gamaliel’s Missouri affiliates, MORE2 (Kansas City) and MCU (St. Louis).  In the podcast I talk with them about their August primary win—the expansion of Medicaid in Missouri. It strikes me, though, that…

Gamaliel mourns the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

    “When I’m sometimes asked ‘When will there be enough (women on the Supreme Court)?’ and my answer is: ‘When there are nine.’ People are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.” RBG Call to Action Let’s honor the life of this trailblazing attorney for women’s rights and…

Join the Transformational Justice in Action Team as we focus on “Living Our Values at the Crossroads”

Join us on Friday, September 18, for our monthly Transformational Justice Action meeting.  The theme this month will be, “Living our Values at the Crossroads.”  We will meet from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. CT (3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT).  You must register in advance for this meeting.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email…

The conventions are over-now we act!

The Civil Rights for Immigrants Campaign (CRI) team hosted watch parties for Gamaliel leaders during both the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention.  We watched as a number of politicians laid out their vision for the next four years in this country. Now the conventions are over, and the hard work begins—getting people…

We have another opportunity to demand comprehensive immigration reform for all from our presidential candidates!

Download here. Download here. Download here. Download here. Download here. The Democratic National Convention concluded last night, and the Republican National Convention begins on Monday.  As political parties make the case for electing their presidential candidate, it is critical for us to make clear our demand for comprehensive immigration reform for all. We urge you…

Gamaliel demands comprehensive immigration reform for all from our presidential candidates!

Download here. Download here. Download here. Download here. Download here. The Democratic National Convention begins tonight followed next week by the Republican National Convention.  As political parties make the case for electing their presidential candidate, it is critical for us to make clear our demand for comprehensive immigration reform for all. We urge you to…

Join Gamaliel ED, Ana Garcia-Ashley, for Save Public Transit Rally, August 5

Please join Gamaliel Executive Director, Ana Garcia-Ashley, for the “Save Public Transit Rally” scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, at 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. PT).  Ana will moderate this important event sponsored by Emergency Campaign for Transit Justice, Riders Alliance NY, Transportation for America, and Alliance for a Just Society.  You must register to…

Rev. Dr. John Welch talks about the work of Gamaliel on “The Inclusive Voice with Host Pam McElvane”

On July 16, Rev. Dr. John Welch, Gamaliel board chair, sat down with Pamela McElvane, on her weekly radio show, “The Inclusive Voice with Host Pam McElvane” (WCPT Radio 820 AM), to talk about the impact that Gamaliel is having on communities across this country. You can listen to the interview here: https://soundcloud.com/wcpt820/the-inclusive-voice-show-with-host-pam-mcelvane-071622 Pam is…

#UnlockTheVote: Social Media Action for Reinstating Voting Rights

Transformational Justice in Action is holding a social media action, #UnlockTheVote, throughout the month of September. We’re raising awareness of the issue of disenfranchisement among people with conviction histories, letting people with conviction histories know that they can vote in some states and circumstances, and promoting our #UnlockTheVote campaign. Keep an eye out for our posts all month…

Gamaliel Statement on the Biden Administration Detainment of Haitian Refugees

The Gamaliel Civil Rights of Immigrants Campaign calls on the Biden administration to immediately cease the unconscionable border detainment and deportation of Haitian immigrants. We demand that ​​President Joseph Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas grant temporary protected status to the immigrants being detained at the Del Rio International Bridge, and to all Haitian immigrants…

Join Gamaliel in going deeper this Thanksgiving

For many of us, this Thanksgiving will be the first holiday celebrated with friends and family in over a year. It’s a chance to catch up, enjoy time together, and have conversations about what really matters to each of us.   We at Gamaliel invite you to use this holiday as an opportunity to start…

The fractured fulcrum on the scales of Justice: A statement on the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict

In the wake of the decision by the Governor of Oklahoma to “prayerfully” grant clemency to Julius Jones, an innocent African American man accused of murder, on the condition that Jones “shall not be eligible to apply for or be considered for a commutation, pardon, or parole for the remainder of his life,” a jury…

Sign on to Gamaliel’s letter in support of a path to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act

For the last 15 years, Gamaliel’s Civil Rights of Immigrants Campaign has fought for a clear path to citizenship for all immigrants. Now, as the United States Senate considers the Build Back Better Act, we have a narrow window of opportunity to push President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer…

A successful rally-now it’s time to take action to decarcerate our vulnerable sisters and brothers!

Gamaliel Decarceration Virtual Rally   Yesterday’s Decarceration Virtual Rally was a huge success thanks to an all-star line-up of speakers.  Rev. Dr. John Welch, chair of the Gamaliel Board of Directors, and Rev. Marian Boyle-Rohloff, chair of the Gamaliel Religious Leaders’ Caucus, co-moderated the event which included moving testimonies from Gamaliel leaders impacted by the criminal justice system;…

Join us for a Decarceration Virtual Town Hall

Join me, along with leaders and organizers from across the Gamaliel Network, for a Decarceration Virtual Town Hall, as we continue our fight to reduce the number of people being held in our prisons, jails, and detention centers during the coronavirus pandemic. The town hall, scheduled for Thursday, April 2, at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m.…

Statement from Gamaliel on behalf of George Floyd and the many others whose deaths were denied justice

Justice may be blind, but justice apparently is not colorblind. Too often and for far too long people of color have been on the wrong side of justice because purveyors of justice, often White, have used their privilege to lift the proverbial blindfold over one eye and make judgments based on the skin color of…

WISDOM (Gamaliel in Wisconsin) is offering a 5-week leadership training to its members via Zoom

WISDOM (Gamaliel in Wisconsin) is offering a 5-week leadership training to its members via Zoom.  The series covers several essential themes from Gamaliel Leadership Training.  The five Thursday evening trainings will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm central time, and the topics will be: June 25 — Intro to Organizing July 2 — One-on-Ones July…

Gamaliel is hiring a part-time Communications Specialist

Gamaliel has begun the process of searching for a part-time Communications Specialist whose focus will be on increasing the public profile of the Gamaliel Network through digital and social media platforms. The job announcement has been posted on the Gamaliel website and will also be distributed through partner organization networks. Interested applicants will be directed…

Join the Gamaliel Civil Rights of Immigrants Team for the Día del Padre Action!

On Sunday, June 21, millions of people all around the world will celebrate Fathers’ Day—a day that we honor fathers and those who have played a father role in shaping our lives and communities. At this critical moment in history when the world is still reeling from the coronavirus, when the inequities of systemic racism…

It’s not too late to register – Join the Gamaliel Civil Rights of Immigrants Team for the Día del Padre Action!

On Sunday, June 21, millions of people all around the world will celebrate Fathers’ Day—a day that we honor fathers and those who have played a father role in shaping our lives and communities. At this critical moment in history when the world is still reeling from the coronavirus, when the inequities of systemic racism…

It’s not too late to register-Gamaliel’s Transformational Justice Campaign and the Calls for Policing Reform

Mark your calendar for the next Transformational Justice Action Meeting scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2020—at 2:00 p.m. CT (3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT).  Join the campaign team for a deep dive into the issue of policing reform and our long-term organizing response. Rev. Dr. John Welch, chair of the Gamaliel Board of Directors, will…

U.S. Supreme Court rejects the Trump Administration’s effort to end DACA

Gamaliel applauds today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to reject the Trump Administration’s effort to end DACA.  The decision provides temporary relief for Dreamers who have been held in limbo since the Trump Administration’s 2017 announcement that it would end the program, but it is does not solve the problem. In a 5-4 decision,…

Gamaliel Civil Rights for Immigrants Campaign action scheduled for July 14

Join Gamaliel Civil Rights for Immigrants Campaign team on Tuesday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30p.m. PT) for a training and action to impact the proposed rule-making on asylum.  PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS THE CORRECTED TIME FOR THE TRAINING/ACTION. The Trump Administration has proposed a new rule that would reshape and severely…

Let’s put an end to ICE Citizens Academies before they begin!

As people of faith, it is time for us to reach out to our Members of Congress and urge them to act immediately to prevent the implementation of the ICE Citizens Academies.(Contact information can be found below.) Dear [[First_Name]], U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced earlier this month that its Enforcement and Removal Operations…

Gamaliel launches a new organizer development initiative and hires Organizing Director

As many of you know, at the last meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Gamaliel was awarded a Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) Strategic National Grant.  We are pleased to announce that we have received funds from CCHD and are now in the process of launching an initiative to identify and…

Let’s accelerate our efforts to move people out of jails, prisons, and detention centers

Join the Gamaliel Transformational Justice campaign team as we accelerate our efforts to reduce the number of people held in our jails, prisons, and detention centers—especially the populations most vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus.  Our next action meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 22, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. CT (3:00 p.m. ET/12:00…

Today is U.S. Census Day-Take the Gamaliel 2020 Census Challenge!

Today, April 1, is U.S. Census Day. It is not a deadline—it is the date for determining who is counted and where they are counted in the 2020 Census. The numbers secured from the census are critical. They determine where future federal and state funding is directed and how electoral district boundaries are determined for…

Materials and Follow-up to Gamaliel Decarceration Virtual Town Hall

Thank you for joining last Thursday evening’s Decarceration Virtual Town Hall. Included with this email is a recording of the town hall, as well as some of the resources (see sidebar) shared by breakout leaders. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we act together to make decarceration a reality for the folks who are sitting…

Take action with us to secure the decarceration of our immigrant sisters and brothers!

We are pleased to report that we are seeing some movement in this country to decarcerate individuals being held in our jails, prisons, and detention centers who are more susceptible to the dangerous and highly infectious coronavirus.  Unfortunately, officials are not moving quickly enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in these spaces, especially in…

Join us for the next Transformational Justice in Action gathering

Download Flyer You must register in advance for Friday’s Transformational Justice in Action gathering – Register Here In solidarity, Gamaliel Transformational Justice in Action Team

Join us for the Civil Rights of Immigrants Town Hall and Action

Download Flyer   Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvf-6trT8qEtd-2I69TRgrjot-WkN4eVMJ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.   To join via Facebook Live, go to the Gamaliel Facebook page: facebook.com/gamaliel-network.

Undocufund has been reactivated to respond to needs of immigrants during COVID-19 pandemic!

I received word over the weekend from Susan Shaw, Executive Director of our affiliate in Sonoma County, North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP), that it had been necessary to reactivate the Undocufund to respond to the needs of immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may remember that NBOP, along with other partner organizations, established Undocufund to…

This Mothers’ Day let’s take action to make a pathway to citizenship a reality for our immigrant mothers!

#JusticeforDACAMoms #JusticeforUndocuMoms On Sunday, May 10, millions of people in the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, and parts of Europe and Asia will celebrate Mothers’ Day.  It is meant to be a day of celebration—to honor Mothers and their powerful contributions to our families and our communities.  For many, even during the pandemic, it will be…