Our First Sunday collection recipient for June is Refugee and Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA). 

Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action (RIVA) is a grassroots coalition led by refugees and immigrants in Iowa. RIVA’s mission is to advance the lives of immigrants and refugees through collaborative action, advocacy, and leadership development.

RIVA plans to use the DMIEC donation to strengthen the grassroots communication network of trusted partners through targeted community-centered methods to increase ability to safely and effectively share and receive information.

Communication methods will include: multimedia content and social media posts in multiple languages; word of mouth through existing community networks, including immigrant-led and mainstream community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based groups, and immigrant-owned businesses; texting services and social media apps; a multilingual Helpline; and paid Community Navigators—recruited from within the community—who will facilitate listening sessions, respond to phone calls, texts, and messages, conduct case management for families in particular need, give presentations, and distribute information.

Communication topics will include Know Your Rights, family preparedness and planning in case individuals are detained, mental health care strategies, how to access legal advice, and where basic support services can be accessed safely. Other civic engagement activities will include mental health support groups and citizenship classes/trainings.

For more information about RIVA, visit www.rivaiowa.org

Write checks either to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line or to “Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action.” Checks should be placed in the June 8th Collection Basket or mailed to DMIEC, P.O. Box 30065, Des Moines, IA 50310

First Sunday checks must be received by DMIEC by June 20th; if you elect to contribute to the First Sunday recipient after that date, please mail your check (made payable to Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action with “DMIEC” in the memo line) directly to Refugee & Immigrant Voices in Action, 1111 Ninth Street, Suite 220, Des Moines, IA 50314.