ENCUENTRO POR LA DIGNIDAD
Central Valley September 26-28
*Para español: haga clic en el botón español en la esquina superior derecha de la página, encima del ícono de búsqueda*
Join Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity and Dignity Not Detention for a powerful weekend in the Central Valley focused on raising awareness and ending the harms of immigration detention. For the past three years an annual pilgrimage of formerly detained people, families, faith communities and organizers traveled and prayed at every ICE Detention Center in California as part of a statewide campaign for detention closure and liberation. While the power of community has helped close 9 out of 15 ICE detention centers over the past decade, the unlawful and violent attacks and disappearances of immigrants has meant that the number of those detained has doubled since the beginning of the year exacerbating already dangerous conditions.
This year, we will converge on the Central Valley, visiting the two existing detention centers: Golden State Annex in McFarland (now holding about 580 people, growing from about 330 people in the last 2 years) and Mesa Verde ICE Detention in Bakersfield (now holding womxn). We will also focus on two NEW facilities which may imminently open Central Valley Modified Community Correctional Facility in McFarland and California City Detention Center, which would become the largest in the state with 2500 beds.
Please join us for the Encuentro por la Dignidad, to bear witness and join with local communities in solidarity with those unjustly detained, and reclaim our collective power to assert a vision for thriving communities not cages, where everyone can be safe and belong.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHEN: 2pm, Friday, September 26th through 3pm Sunday, September 28th
WHERE: Starts in McFarland on Friday, Bakersfield on Saturday, and ends in California City on Sunday.
Partial attendance is optional and carpooling support is possible. See registration page for more details.
We invite you to meet us at one of our local stops!
Friday, September 26 – McFarland: Download flyers to learn more about McFarland’s events
Saturday, September 27 – Bakersfield: Download flyers to learn more about Bakersfield’s events
Sunday, September 28 – California City: Download flyers to learn more about California City’s events
Join our Art Build!
Details:
12 pm – 5 pm, Sunday, September 21st
23 Maine Ave, Richmond, CA 94703
Contact Danielle at daniellespoor@gmail.com if you have any questions. Please invite others!
REGISTRATION:
Community Members & Organizations
If you want to join this convergence REGISTER HERE.
*All events are free *
PAY HERE for meals ($20 per meal, Friday Dinner, Saturday Lunch and Dinner, Sunday Lunch; $80 for all)
For lodging: Pay the hotel directly. Recommended hotel details with discounts will be available upon registration. It will be about $110-140 per night for a room with two double beds.
ORGANIZATIONAL PARTICIPANTS:
Organizations are invited to support and bring a contingent & support in the following ways:
1) Organize a group of your members to attend to learn about detention & show up in solidarity
2) Officially endorse this weekend
2) Make a donation to support the Convergence/Encuentro (suggested $50-200)
*Please comment “Convergence 2025” in the Memo
4) Help to promote the event on your lists and social media
QUESTIONS? Contact Matthew at convergence@im4humanintegrity.org