Tampa Immigrant Rights Committee<\/a> says volunteers go door to door and visit local businesses and homes to distribute materials in English and Spanish.<\/p>\nThe materials include \u201cKnow Your Rights\u201d cards and emergency planning information for people interacting with immigration authorities.<\/p>\n
Vicky Tong, a member of the Tampa Immigrant Rights Committee, said she joined the group earlier this year because she \u201cwanted to do something and be a part of fighting for immigrants\u2019 rights here.\u201d<\/p>\n
The organization advocates on immigration issues through rallies, community meetings and outreach about changes in immigration policy.<\/p>\n
Tong said the Barrio Walks are meant to bring that information directly to people who may not know what resources are available.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot a lot of people know what resources are out there, so we\u2019re going directly into the community,\u201d Tong said.<\/p>\n
Tong said that six to 10 volunteers typically take part in each walk.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiving them that information, they have a positive response, and they\u2019re happy to receive that information,\u201d Tong said. \u201cA lot of them want to take some and share it with other people.\u201d<\/p>\n
For first-time volunteer Teresa Gavidia, the outreach is a way to help people better understand the resources available to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have some sense of awareness, and that feels more than enough because staying silent and not sharing what we know, it just feels wrong,\u201d Gavidia said.<\/p>\n
Volunteers said the goal is to put information directly into people\u2019s hands, whether by knocking on doors or stopping at businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are just stronger together than as individuals when it comes to these situations,\u201d Gavidia said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe give them information to feel empowered,\u201d Tong said.<\/p>\n