Community Defense

Program Overview

Our Community Defense Program protects, prepares, and empowers immigrant families. We help Latinx families understand and affirm their rights and mobilize rapid response networks to ensure that no family faces crisis alone.

Rooted in deep relationships and community trust, we work to strengthen safety and build collective power.

Resources

Chatham Resiste

Chatham Resiste is our rapid response network of volunteers and allies who stand with immigrant families. They reflect the power of neighbors helping with neighbors to protect everyone in our community.

Volunteers & Allies help to:

Verify ICE sightings or rumors that may be causing fear in our community
Monitor key areas of Chatham County to promote safety
Coordinate food delivery for families in need
Provide transportation to essential destinations
Offer interpretation for immigration and other vital services
Respond to other urgent community needs
Distribute whistles and Know Your Rights information
Help with community outreach efforts

Make a gift to the Community Defense Fund

Activities and Services

Services for Agencies & Businesses

Know Your Rights webinars and trainings regarding immigration enforcement
Practical tools to create workplace and organizational safety plans
Guidance on how immigration policies and enforcement actions may impact staff, clients, and workforce
Resources to strengthen preparedness and response efforts in case of immigration enforcement actions
Opportunities for leaders to learn how to better support the immigrant community
Bilingual information to share in your workplaces and organizations
Partnerships to help keep immigrant families safe

Services for Community Members

Know Your Rights and emergency preparedness workshops
Power of Attorney legal clinics to help families protect their children and assets in case of separation.
Individualized assistance and case management for families affected by detention or deportation
Referrals to trusted immigration attorneys and legal resources
Emergency planning support for families facing potential separation
Community education on changes in immigration laws, rights, and available resources.
Distribution of know your rights materials and whistles to alert neighbors in case of emergencies
Advocacy against anti-immigrant legislation and policies
Community organizing to build leadership, solidarity, and collective power