The Steering Committee provides overall stragetic programming and planning to the coalition.  For more information, contact Patrick Ness at nessp@archspm.org.

On the state level, the legislative committee develops pro-immigrant legislation, cultivates relationships with state legislators, and guides AFFIRM’s legislative priorities through the legislative process. On the federal level, AFFIRM maintains contact with national immigration networks and works on organizing strategies in Minnesota around federal immigration legislation.  For more information, contact Susie Brown at susie.brown@fcsmn.org.

The outreach committee is working to broaden AFFIRM membership by conducting outreach to immigrant rights organizations in Minnesota, especially immigrant-led groups.  The committee recently planned a successful new members meeting and is working on follow-up with interested organizations.  For more information, contact Barb Rose at sidebyside@mac.com.

The communications committee’s responsibility is to ensure the smooth running of AFFIRM communications, both internally and externally. The committee authors action alerts, develops messaging on issues, and works with relevant media to disseminate information to the general public.  For more information, contact Mary Turck at maryturck@visi.com.

The education committee educates both the immigrant and the wider community about immigration issues. They conduct outreach to immigrant communities about legislative initiatives, their rights, and other relevant topics. The committee seeks to educate the general public by highlighting the myths surrounding immigration and reality of immigrants’ contribution to society. In addition, the committee educates the general public about immigration legislation and other policy initiatives.  For more information, contact Ann Theisen at atheisen@mnadvocates.org.