Why I'll be back for CURB's next lobby day

Dear Supporter,

I’m an undocumented and unafraid organizer with the Immigrant Youth Coalition. A few weeks ago, I attended my first CURB lobby day, along with other immigrant community members impacted by incarceration, detention, and deportation.

It was so powerful to see community members from across the state coming together to share stories, advocate for care and not cages, and make elected officials aware of these issues. My uncle was incarcerated, detained in immigration detention, deported, and separated from his two little daughters.

I know the pain that comes from having a loved one detained, and I want to thank those of you who were at CURB’s Care Not Cages 2016 statewide lobby day for making it so special.

More than 50 people came out to tell legislators to stop prioritizing jails over people and to start investing in our communities. Seeing the familiar — and new — faces of CURB members fill the halls of the Capitol was a powerful demonstration of the capacity of our coalition. (Check out the photos on our Facebook page!)

And we aren’t done. With just a few clicks, you can take part in CURB’s next step –a Thunderclap to synchronize our message for #NoMoreJails and #CareNotCages on social media, amplifying our voices so we can break through and be heard.

Through May and June, the legislature and governor will continue finalizing the budget. They heard us loud and clear on April 7, and we’ll need to keep the pressure on to make sure they stop pouring more money into jails and prisons.

Will you sign up for this Thunderclap to spread the word that we want to invest in are and communities, not cages?

We know that we couldn’t do this work without you, and we want to thank you for your dedication. Help us spread a message on the budget that can’t be ignored!

In solidarity,

Marcela Hernandez