Cross-cultural programs can help foster empathy

Immigration is a longstanding struggle in the U.S., arguably because it forces our compassion for others to compete with self-interests of protecting, rather than sharing, opportunity or resources.As an immigrant, dual citizen, and frequent traveler to my native country of Belize, I’m intimately familiar with and empathetic to many perspectives on immigration.

The current political climate is often aggressive, divisive and destructive. And many approach the topic of immigration focused on persuasion rather than education, judgments rather than opinions and competition rather than connection. How can we instead create a culture that encourages us to be as supportive of one another as we are in times of tragedy, when no one cares about what divides us?

At Intercambio, we’ve found that the answer lies in mutual learning and connection. For 25 years, our programs have united immigrants and volunteers through English classes and cultural exchange. The relationships formed in these spaces challenge stereotypes and build empathy. Our volunteer teachers achieve a sense of purpose, and our students pursue the language skills and community connections they value. This mutual learning is genuine and powerful. It breaks down barriers, increases understanding and often leads to valued relationships.

Challenging policies and political forces will undoubtedly continue to churn. Yet it’s important to remember that we can step forward to meet, encourage and support our immigrant neighbors. Here are a few ideas.

• Volunteer your time.

• Build relationships that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

• Donate to organizations that are making a difference.

• Ask questions and listen fully.

• Acknowledge the courage it takes to leave everything one knows for the uncertainty of starting over in a foreign land.

These actions — rooted in human connection and empathy — are what will heal our divisions. And personally speaking, as an Intercambio volunteer teacher myself, I was humbled by the effort my students showed and stories they shared. As a participant in our Community Conversations events, I sat with students from Brazil, Mexico, China and Nepal to help them practice their English. Programs like ours that offer opportunities for cross-cultural engagement offer ways to join the effort to prevent language, race and culture from becoming barriers to welcoming, inclusive, connected communities.

— John Lopez, Intercambio CEO

County Democratic Party stands for immigrant rights

The Boulder County Democratic Party believes that diversity strengthens our nation and our communities and that every human being has the right to be treated with dignity. We honor and defend the basic human rights guaranteed by the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights to all persons in the United States, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. As a nation of immigrants, we value the contributions that those from other lands and ethnic groups bring to our national economic, intellectual and cultural life.

We believe that inclusion of hard-working immigrants is just as significant today as it has been throughout our history. We welcome those who would like to become legal residents or citizens of the United States. We oppose the institutionalization of undocumented immigrants as a marked and permanent underclass or the utilization of fear and hatred against targeted groups of people or communities, which results in the isolation of these groups. These rights include health care, education, proper nutrition, clean water, family unity, protection under the law (including labor law), protection from exploitation and entrapment, and the right to the pursuit of happiness.

We call on all people of goodwill to use your voice to not be complicit with the injustices visited upon us by an unjust and shameless national administration. Stand up to oppose the forces that seek to diminish the value of our immigrant friends and neighbors.

We call on business leadership in Boulder County to publicly announce their support for our immigrant community. Offer your assistance, donate to the cause, study Know Your Rights.

Donations may be made to organizations on this Boulder County website: bouldercounty.gov/government/about-boulder-county/immigrant-resources, plus these: OurCenter.org, HopeForLongmont.org, efaa.org, WeHaveRights.us.

— Amy Weinstein, BCDP Chair; Margaret Alfonso and Marta Moreno, Outreach and Inclusion Team