A Year in Policy Advocacy

Policy Advocacy has always been part of Maitri's mission to integrate immigrants into mainstream American society. We continue the effort each year in a bigger and better way. Our core demands remain the same: Language Access at various points of contact for the LEP individuals; Support for comprehensive immigration reform, condemning sex-selective abortion targeted towards the Asian community; Universal background check for firearms purchase and Trauma Informed Care at service providers. We find new avenues to advocate for our priorities. 

In the midst of numerous challenges in 2019, we still found strength in:

Meeting Stakeholders

Immigrant women are the least likely group to seek services related to domestic violence-keeping the reality in mind, we strive to make them visible. This year, we represented the interests of immigrant survivors to Department of Family and Children’s Services, discussed trauma informed care and the need for a detailed discussion on Failure to Protect concept often used against survivors. Maitri volunteers took the voices of survivors to City council meetings in Mountain View and Fremont seeking trauma informed services available for minority groups that include immigrant survivors of domestic violence. 

We met with victims advocates at the Alameda County DA office and discussed how to offer better services for our mutual clients. A meeting with State Senator Bob Wieckowski brought us back to the legislators where laws are made to serve all residents. We reminded the Senator about our journey to create a violence free society and pointed out our specific demands on immigrant friendly state where people are not afraid to seek help whenever needed.

Collaboration

Throughout the year, as part of CPEDV Policy Advisor Council, we advocated for increased funding for DV service providers, brainstormed new ways to help survivors and offer input on proposed legislation from different law makers based on survivors’ experiences. As part of Culturally Responsive Domestic Violence Network (CRDVN), we created a handout for service providers to help them become an ally to immigrant survivors. We continue to advocate for trauma informed care throughout Santa clara County as part of Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium (DVAC) and increased funding to shape the movement against violence in general. 

As we await the arrival of 2020, I am reminded of Tara who left her abusive spouse without knowing whats next for her. Only because of a community and support systems that cared enough we could help her reinvent herself in a new country. In 2020, We need look no further for inspiration than to read her words

“With doubts and fear, I am walking towards honor and freedom
Breaking this cage, I am going to live my own life
I am setting out to change this community with compassion and peace”