Logo for Crossroads, a civility project of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa

Shifting the narrative about immigration

friday, APRIL 19

11:45 am - 1:00 pm
in-person and virtual event
Plymouth Congregational Church
4126 Ingersoll Ave, DES MOINES

Presenter: ERICA JOHNSON, Founding Executive Director
Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice

Portrait of Erica Johnson, Founding Executive Director of Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice

We’ve all heard the rhetoric regarding immigration – often lacking facts and frequently based in a harmful narrative. Why don’t they “get in line” to be a citizen? Why are they allowed to get across the border? They’re just going to take jobs from Americans.

Sometimes those statements can result in division between family and friends. Is it possible to have a real conversation when the rhetoric is so heated and the division so wide?

Join us for Crossroads in April as Erica Johnson leads us in how to be better equipped for challenging conversations on immigration and how to shift the narrative. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to advocate for immigration policies that are just, effective, compassionate, and extend hospitality toward our immigrant neighbors.

There are three ways to attend Crossroads. Registration is required for all three:

About our presenter: Erica Johnson (she/her/hers) is the Founding Executive Director of Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, a statewide membership-based advocacy and legal service organization, driven and led by immigrant voices, united with allies. Born and raised in Iowa, Erica has an extensive and diverse background in organizing and advocacy on various issue campaigns related to immigrants’ rights, racial justice, domestic violence, and human trafficking. She has lived and worked in Latin America and has been working for positive changes at the local, state, and federal levels since 2006. Erica has received the Mary Louise Smith Human Rights Award from the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission and the Continuing the Legacy of Cesar Chavez Award from Des Moines University, holds a Master of Public Administration from Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from North Park University in Chicago, IL. Erica lives with her family in Des Moines.
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Crossroads
is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.