TAMPA, Fla. — A grassroots organization in Tampa is taking immigration information directly into local neighborhoods through monthly “Barrio Walks” aimed at connecting immigrant families with information about legal rights and available resources.
The Tampa Immigrant Rights Committee says volunteers go door to door and visit local businesses and homes to distribute materials in English and Spanish.
The materials include “Know Your Rights” cards and emergency planning information for people interacting with immigration authorities.
Vicky Tong, a member of the Tampa Immigrant Rights Committee, said she joined the group earlier this year because she “wanted to do something and be a part of fighting for immigrants’ rights here.”
The organization advocates on immigration issues through rallies, community meetings and outreach about changes in immigration policy.
Tong said the Barrio Walks are meant to bring that information directly to people who may not know what resources are available.
“Not a lot of people know what resources are out there, so we’re going directly into the community,” Tong said.
Tong said that six to 10 volunteers typically take part in each walk.
“Giving them that information, they have a positive response, and they’re happy to receive that information,” Tong said. “A lot of them want to take some and share it with other people.”
For first-time volunteer Teresa Gavidia, the outreach is a way to help people better understand the resources available to them.
“They have some sense of awareness, and that feels more than enough because staying silent and not sharing what we know, it just feels wrong,” Gavidia said.
Volunteers said the goal is to put information directly into people’s hands, whether by knocking on doors or stopping at businesses.
“People are just stronger together than as individuals when it comes to these situations,” Gavidia said.
The group says the outreach is intended to help families better understand their options during a time of changing immigration enforcement policies. They say the materials provide general information, and anyone with questions about an individual immigration case should consult a qualified immigration attorney.
“We give them information to feel empowered,” Tong said.