What will be expected of me? Only what you are able and willing to offer. We recognize that you may not always be available in the moment.

What kinds of alerts will I get? We expect to send out just two types of alerts. The first is if an immigration raid happens. After the raid has been confirmed, we will send you the details about what happened, help that is needed, when and where to show up, and who to contact. The second type of alert is for accompaniment. That’s when an immigrant has asked for community support when they have to go to an immigration interview, appear in court, etc. In these circumstances, your presence may not alter the outcome, but your show of support means a great deal to the person requesting it as well as their family. If we receive requests for specific help such as notaries for events like Family Emergency Planning Workshops, we will pass those along to specific tram members. We will not be sending alerts regarding marches, demonstrations, legislative advocacy, etc. For those types of alerts, Join the Immigrant Assistance Mailing List.

What types of help might be needed? In some cases, we will be looking for people to show up as soon as possible. In other cases, we will be looking for people to help out in the days and weeks following a raid. Generally, we will have needs for people to help with the following:

1. Accompaniment – offering a supportive, listening presence
2. Help with and/or bring hospitality items (sandwiches, coffee, juice, water, snacks, etc.)
3. Interpretation
4. Notaries Public, Family Law practitioners, and health care professional with expertise in anxiety management are often in high demand
5. Prayer – either on your own, or with an affected community member
6. Transportation
7. Temporarily hosting one or more people
8. Helping families to gather or obtain important docuemnts
9. Set up and cleanup of spaces where the affected community gathers.
10. Cash donations to help families affected by immigration enforcement actions.


When might something happen? Immigration enforcement actions could take place on any day of the week, at any time. We have seen a significant increase in these types of action since January 2017.

Who do I contact if I am available? You will either contact us directly so that we can coordinate efforts, or we will provide the name of the person coordinating volunteers. As part of both local and statewide Rapid Response Networks involving lots of agencies and congregations, the coordinating agency will be determined by the location and specifics of each situation.

What if I am not available? That’s okay. Please consider praying and spreading the word.

Will there be any training or orientation? We will let you know about trainings when they are available, and send you updates on developments in the Rapid Response Networks.

What should I do next?

1. Sit tight and we will let you know when we need you.
2. Let us know if you are fluent in a language other than English.
    Spanish is in high demand, but there are lots of other languages spoken by refugees and immigrants.
3. Let us know if you have a professional skill you think might be particularly useful,
    especially if you are a Notary Public or skilled in Family Law.
4. Stay up to date on immigration issues and advocacy efforts by signing up for our Immigration Alerts here:
5. Continue to pray for the well-being of our refugee and immigrant friends and neighbors.
6. Let us know if you have any questions!


Do you have questions? Contact Chris Koehler at ckoehler@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-382-4511.