Future of Us is launching a community campaign called “We Belong: Defending Our Rights, Empowering Our Community,” to fight the unprecedent threats facing Asian Minnesotans, from the unconstitutional and dangerous conduct of militarized federal immigration raids to attacks on birthright citizenship and voting rights. We have developed goals for two issues, one with national impact and one with local impact. Collectively, they tell the story of our most urgent challenges.

First, we are responding to federal immigration incursions by directly helping families in crisis, initially focusing on assisting 20 families; offering safe spaces and events for healing, and educating our community about ongoing threats. We plan to host a listening session where Asian youth harmed by federal immigration raids can share their stories with public officials to encourage understanding and urge accountability for the damage inflicted on the community.

Second, we will protect voting rights and citizenship rights for Asian Americans, especially as the 14th Amendment faces judicial review in the Supreme Court. We will offer informational content about the integrity of the election process and facts about birthright citizenship, among other topics in a Know Your Rights series. We also will offer phone canvassing training on how to galvanize Asian voters to go to the polls and host a Governor’s Candidate Forum on August 26.

Lastly, we remain committed to empowering Asian youth to become more civically engaged. We continue to invest in leadership development, ensuring young people become the changemakers shaping policy and narrative. We are offering such events as “Claim Your Power,” a youth empowerment day at the state Capitol, where high school students will receive advocacy training and learn how elected officials and public policy affect our day-to-day lives, and an annual Asian Youth Justice Summit, where youth learn advocacy, organizing and leadership skills.

We offer a variety of workshops, including “Politics: Make it Make Sense,” an interactive, entry-level look that demystifies politics and helps youth discover how to get involved in the democratic process, and “Ready, Set, Mobilize,” which offers training on building an organizing action plan and making an impact in the community.

Future of Us launches campaign to respond
to threats to Asian Minnesota community

Here’s what is at stake

We're making space for you if you want to share your story

We want to hear from you: If you have been affected by the ICE operations and are willing to share your story, please contact us at info@futureofusmn.org or provide your information in the form linked below. We want to know your story so we can better meet the needs of our community. We also know that it is a scary time to step forward and we will honor your wishes if you want to share your story privately with us.