Berkshire Immigrant Center to help shape immigration policy
A new power player is arriving on Capitol Hill as the Berkshire Immigrant Center (BIC) joins a coalition of 80 grassroots community groups from across the country to bring the voices of everyday people to the halls of Congress.On February 17-19, BIC representative, Brooke Mead, will travel to the nation’s capital as part of the Campaign for Community Values first 100 days strategy to impact legislation on the economy, healthcare and immigration. Mead will receive training on effective lobbying skills from the Center for Community Change prior to meeting with Massachusetts Congressional delegates including Senators Kennedy and Kerry and Congressmen Lynch, Olver, and Frank.
“We have a unique opportunity to play a decisive role in national policy,” said Hilary Greene, BIC director. “As Congress considers an economic stimulus package and moves towards adopting a policy on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, we must aim to ensure that the voices and needs of our communities are included.”
Mead was selected by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) to represent the Commonwealth and join a delegation of eight individuals from New England. The appointment was based on Mead’s extensive experience working with the immigrant and refugee population of Western Massachusetts. In addition to direct client support, Mead has been actively involved in advocating for immigrants’ rights on both the state and federal levels for the past seven years.
“It is an honor and privilege to represent Massachusetts and New England and to have the opportunity to discuss issues of vital importance to our communities. The need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform is critical, and we look forward to working with groups across the country to get just and humane immigration legislation passed,” stated Mead.
