Signage
Signs are a good way to let people know what kind of a space they are entering – addressing both those who should feel safe and agents whose undeclared presence endangers us. There are important signs and declarations you can post around your institution:
a/ Safe Space Entry Sign
b/ Sanctuary Logos – we recommend that Artspace Sanctuaries like other sanctuary spaces use these in their physical space as well as in their on-line and social media presence. Also, in protests. On Bodies.
c/ Lists & Maps of Sanctuary Spaces in NY – houses of worship, art spaces, educational organizations, and businesses like restaurants that have declared sanctuary on some level. It’s good to know where they are. Support these spaces.
Be a Sanctuary Hub
As a sanctuary space, you can be a hub for the dissemination of resources to citizens and non-citizens alike, and set up coalition-building programs and host trainings and other events. Here is a folder of materials you can print, hand out, or leave around:
New Sanctuary Coalition’s “Beyond Your Rights” brochure goes into strategies of mutual protection – Spanish here and English here
New Sanctuary Coalition’s Rights Card to hand out in case of a ‘situation’ – everyone should carry these
Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC) has info for restaurants that want to become part of its sanctuary network
NILC has legal resources for employers/employees on workers’ rights and workplace issues, and for schools and universities
United We Dream rights information in multiple languages
As a sanctuary hub you can also be part of the New Sanctuary Coalition (NSC) program called SanctuaryHood whose goal is to create protected and aware neighborhoods, through decentralized and intersectional events, programming, training, and mutual support. For more information, you can contact us.
Accompaniment Sanctuary
This is a crucial and effective aspect of sanctuary work in which citizens accompany non-citizens to court dates and ICE check-ins. Through this program, the New Sanctuary Coalition has extended the stay of multiple people, freed people from detention and been a good thorn in the side of the racist system. Accompaniment is Sanctuary and we hope you can join this program. To join or host an accompaniment training contact: sara@newsanctuarynyc.org
Institutional Training
For larger institutions, we have put together a key module for training staff on good sanctuary policies and strategies. If you are interested, please contact us.
Programming
Organize events and let us know by replying to this email.
Use #artspacesanctuary in your solidarity events.
There will be many more events and ideas as we move forward. Stay Tuned.
Spread the Word
Forward this email. Tell others to sign up in support of sanctuary. Please tell institutions to declare themselves sanctuary.