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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.  

Refugee Resettlement

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.

Boston City Officials at WRD

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.

Citizen Swear In 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.

Volunteer

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.  

Protest Sign

Wear Your Support With Pride!

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

    Visit the IINE Store
    Encore Boston

    Current Calls to Action

    Last Updated 6/6/25

          Make Your Voice Heard

          Contact Your Representatives

          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! 

          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. 

                    Know Your Rights – and Spread the Word

                    Find and share information on legal rights when interacting with immigration enforcement.

                    Explore Our Blogs

                    Massachusetts Resettlement Agencies Applaud Legislative Leadership for $5 Million Investment in Immigrant Legal Defense Fund

                    Massachusetts Resettlement Agencies Applaud Legislative Leadership for $5 Million Investment in Immigrant Legal Defense Fund

                    Dispelling 10 Common Myths About Immigrants and Refugees

                    8 Tips for Having Better Conversations About Immigration

                    8 Tips for Having Better Conversations About Immigration

                    Migrants, Immigrants, Refugees, Asylum-Seekers, Parolees: Understanding the Key Differences

                    Our Advocacy Partners

                    MIRA
                    Rise Coalition - Lowell
                    New Hampshire Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees
                    Welcoming NH

                    To learn more about the latest immigration policy and news, see this list of reliable resources.