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PDA Challenges Racism in Our CNM Chapter

In accord with our national PDA statements about racism and recognizing the pervasiveness of systemic racism in all our institutions, the Central New Mexico chapter is committed to confronting racism and bias, and changing our group culture.

Why do we need to explore whiteness, bias and racism for our current progressive political work?

• “Our future depends on creating a multiracial progressive movement that will fight for racial and economic justice together-and we are ready.”  – Heather McGhee, President of Dēmos.
• “And if a class-conscious multi-racial party attuned to anti-sexist, anti-homophobic and anti-militaristic issues and grounded in ecological commitments can reconfigure our citizenship, maybe our decaying democracy has a chance. ” – Cornel West

To move forward with this work, this year we:

• Invited an anti-racist facilitator to work with our Planning Committee
• Conducted three Exploring Whiteness training sessions
• Created an overall plan for doing our anti-racist work
• Incorporated a “Calling-In” strategy for our planning meetings where we notice microaggression and racist language and provide feedback so that the white people on the Planning Committee can learn more inclusive communication
• Currently, we are preparing a statement of our organizational commitment to ending racism.

Understanding Microaggressions can be an important place for white people to start exploring anti-racist work. Build the skill of noticing the language you use and what language you tolerate around you.

What are Microaggressions? “Brief everyday slights, indignities, put-downs, or invalidations that people of color experience in their everyday interactions with well-intentioned and well-meaning people who are unaware that they are delivering a put-down or invalidation.” Dr. Derald Wing Sue

What are some examples of Microaggressions? This concept is beautifully and painfully represented by students from Fordham University and the real things people say/do to them all the time, from 2013: https://www.buzzfeed.com/hnigatu/racial-microagressions-you-hear-on-a-daily-basis?bfsource=relatedauto

I want to learn more – a great video about microaggressions by Dr. Derald Wing Sue.
View youtube video here.

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Time to Act! Oppose the Presidential Proclamation
on Asylum Seekers

Last Friday, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation banning entry into the U.S. between designated ports of entry, denying people their full right to seek asylum in the United States along the southern border. The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security have issued a new joint rule ensuring that migrants subject to the Proclamation are ineligible for asylum in the U.S.

It is not a crime to seek asylum at a border, port of entry, or other location within the U.S. The right to petition for asylum is firmly established in both the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act and international law as a critical means of protection. JRS/USA continues to oppose any effort to limit entry into the U.S. and requests for asylum based on place of origin, religion, or vulnerability.

As an organization working with asylum seekers, refugees, and others who have been forcibly displaced in over 50 countries around the world, JRS witnesses first-hand the risks that individuals and families take as they flee their homes in search of peace. JRS Mexico is currently responding to the needs of the migrant caravan by providing legal services, emergency food assistance and psychosocial support for those who have suffered trauma.

To protect the rights of asylum seekers and continue the American tradition of providing due process to all, it is crucial that we take action. Please take a moment today to send a letter to the Administration and your policymakers urging them to oppose this Presidential Proclamation and advocate for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.

Thank you for taking action.
Executive Director
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA

GREAT NIGHT FOR NEW MEXICO!

The losses in Texas, Florida, and Georgia weigh heavy on our hearts as we celebrate astonishing victories in our NM state and federal races. Xochi’s still in the running as of 7:30 this morning!! There are still absentee and other votes to be counted. But progressives can take courage and comfort in the enormous strides we have made in just a few short years and the Andrews and Betos and Staceys and Xochis will return, multiply and win next time.

Congratulations to all the hardworking Democratic House candidates who won last night.  And to those who came so close, thank you for your efforts in trying to make NM a better place to live and raise a family.  It was a great night for women and progressives in NM.  Let’s be a presence in Santa Fe to push for bold progressive legislation that effectively tackles the challenges we face in NM and the rest of the country.

But first, take a break and join PDA on Nov. 14 for a wrap up with Dede and then some open mic song, poetry and story as we gather in hope and solidarity and plans for actions going forward.

Laura

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PDA CNM DIGEST November 7, 2018