Advocacy - International Institute of New England

advocacy

Welcoming refugees and immigrants honors our nation’s values and strengthens our communities. IINE advocates on behalf of our newest neighbors at the community, civic, state, and national levels.

Community Level

IINE’s blog and social media feature client stories, public statements, news, myth-busting articles, and calls-to-action. Quarterly virtual Town Halls invite supporters to learn about issues and ask questions. In-person presentations by IINE staff and Suitcase Stories® performers provide your community group with context, testimonials, and calls to action. Contact us to request a presentation.

City Level

IINE builds relationships with mayors and city councilors who regularly visit our sites to see our work, meet our clients, and participate in welcoming events like our annual World Refugee Day.

State Level

IINE leads coalitions of fellow refugee resettlement agencies in advocating for funding and legislation that supports refugees and immigrants and opposing legislation that could harm them. As a member of the Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), IINE supports community education and mobilization efforts.

IINE Staff with NH Senator Jeanne Shaheen

Federal Level

IINE leadership regularly meets with State Representatives and Senators from New Hampshire and Massachusetts and their staff to advocate for funding and a fair and humane immigration system at the federal level.

Join Our Advocacy Efforts

You and your community can help grow support for refugees and immigrants:

Hold a Fundraiser

IINE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of individuals who share our commitment to welcoming, supporting, and investing in newcomers to our region. Contact us for information and materials to support your community fundraiser and coordinate as needed.

Bénévole

Activism is better together! Join one of IINE’s Advocacy Volunteer Groups, based in Boston or Lowell, to take on-going collective action in support of refugees and immigrants in our communities. Meetings are hybrid (online and in-person) and include policy briefings with Q&A sessions, action items, and dedicated time to work, organize, and socialize with fellow activists of all experience levels. To sign-up, reach out to our Boston team or our Lowell team.

Show Your Support on Social Media

Follow IINE on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and share and amplify news, stories, and statements to help shape opinions and raise awareness.

You can also create your own content to advocate for refugees and immigrants using this Advocacy Social Media Toolkit.

Wear Your Support With Pride!

Order clothing, stickers, and pins that show your support for refugees and immigrants.

Visit the IINE Store

Current Calls to Action

Last Updated 5/13/25

Urge your U.S. Rep to resist harmful budget cuts and defend refugee resettlement and humanitarian programs in the Fy26 budget.
- Call and email scripts
Urge your Massachusetts State Senator to support the Immigrant Legal Defense Act to ensure that all immigrants have access to legitimate legal representation
(by May 20).
- Call/email script
- Fact Sheet
Urge your Massachusetts State Rep and State Senator to support equal access to public education for all students regardless of immigration status
(HD 2144), (SD 1204)
- Fact Sheet

Make Your Voice Heard

Contact Your Representatives

Find and save the contact information for your federal, state, and local officials and build a habit of urging them to action and thanking them when they come through!

Find Your Reps with BallotReady

Plug into your City Council and School Committee

Download our resource for tips on how to effectively communicate with your reps.

Write to the Press

Your personal perspective and voice can help move hearts and minds. Share your opinions, experience, and knowledge with your local paper or news site.

Write a Letter to the Editor to respond briefly and in a timely manner to a recent article or opinion. Write an Op-Ed to share a detailed argument from the perspective of an expert or stakeholder.