Love in a Time of State Violence

Part 1: Before We Act, We Learn

In moments of political urgency, the instinct is often to act quickly, but responsible action begins with learning.

In the first session, we ground ourselves in the historical and ongoing realities of state-sanctioned violence against immigrant families. We will uplift the experiences of those most impacted, situating today’s events within a longer history of family separation, detention, and policy-driven harm. 

Together, we will practice sitting with discomfort rather than rushing to fix, rescue, or distance ourselves from what we feel as we expand our capacity to witness harm without turning away. This session is an invitation into deeper learning, accountability, and care.

Watch in English here or above. 

Escucha la interpretación en español.

Don't Miss Part 2: Love Letters as Practice

Love is practiced.

In session two, our guests Drs. Tunette Powell, Xigrid Soto-Boykin and Darielle Blevins introduce their co-authored love letter and resource guide as tools for grounded, age-responsive support. We will explore how to have conversations with children about immigration, fear, safety, and belonging across developmental stages, including communicating with children with disabilities. 

Participants will leave with guidance for how parents, educators, and practitioners can show up thoughtfully for all children, while centering the dignity and lived realities of directly impacted families. This session moves us from witnessing to practice, without urgency, without performance and with care.

Escucha la interpretación en español

Related Resources from our guests  for this series

• Staying Whole and United: A Love Letter and Support Guide for Familiies Navigating Harmful Immigration Raids and Policies - Drs. Tunette Powell, Xigrid Soto-Boykin and Darielle Blevins are lead authors on this beautiful, helpful resource. Read it in English or Spanish.
• Children’s books to listen to about immigration
• Multilingual children and youth books about immigration
• Visual schedule for routines template
• Communication boards
• Visuals to explain ICE
• Social story–When Someone Has to Leave
• Social story-I am Save, I am Loved
• Safety Plan