Know Your Rights: A Board Member's Perspective

Project Libertad staff present at a recent Know Your Rights session.

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By Richard Simon, Esq., Board Member

Recently, I was invited to attend a Know Your Rights presentation where staff members from Project Libertad provided vital information to a classroom of immigrant students.

Project Libertad is a nonprofit organization located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and founded to provide legal, social and educational support to unaccompanied immigrant children. With the present political climate and hostility toward immigrants by many government officials, the mission of Project Libertad is more important than ever. 

Project Libertad Executive Director Rachel Rutter provided an overview of the rights that all immigrant young people have in this country.  She told the group that undocumented immigrants have many rights, including the right to an education and learning support as English language learners. She talked about what they should do if agents from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) come to their home or approach them on the street. Students were given information regarding the detention and immigration court process. Rachel provided a great deal of information in a way that was easy to understand.

Project Libertad staff present at a recent Know Your Rights session.

Project Libertad Case Managers Julie and Taina spoke to the students regarding mental health and the options for seeking help if they are experiencing stress that is negatively impacting their lives. Julie and Taina were very good at engaging the students in their part of the presentation.

The passion that Rachel, Taina, and Julie have for their work was very evident and made me more determined than ever to support their efforts.

Organizations like Project Libertad depend heavily on volunteers and are always looking for people to give of their time or finances to support the mission of the organization. If you are interested in helping, you can get more information here.

The author (right) at a recent storytelling training for Project Libertad Board members.