South Jersey Immigration Forum In Burlington County Nov. 20

Immigration issues are at the core of a rare collaboration that will take place next month in South Jersey. The South Jersey National Organization for Women (NOW), Medford Friends Meeting, and Medford Volunteer Center are co-hosting the South Jersey Immigration Forum to explore immigration issues in South Jersey, event organizers announced this week.

It will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Medford Friends Meeting, 14 Union Street in Medford. The event is free and open to the public. Registration information is at the bottom of this article.

“When refugees and other immigrants come to South Jersey, they have many needs,” Medford Volunteer Center Director Dory Dickson said. “Some need assistance with their legal status. Many need a chance to learn English. Almost all immigrants need help navigating in a new country. We are joining together to seek ways to help our immigrant neighbors.”

• Which immigrant groups make their homes in South Jersey?
• In addition to language barriers, what other challenges do many immigrants face?
• What local resources are currently available?
• Can volunteers work within existing programs?

“A recent survey of our chapter members indicated that one of our major concerns is the safety and well-being of immigrants,” South Jersey NOW Alice Paul Chapter President Judy Buckman said. “One of our National Action Campaigns is focused on protecting the rights of immigrants, and we wanted to do something close to home.”

Linda Matlack, president of the Peace & Social Concerns Committee of Medford Friends Meeting said that during an informative program about the American Friends Service Committee’s work assisting immigrants throughout New Jersey earlier this year, the group realized that they were not well-informed about their own immigrant neighbors.

Following the presentations and discussion, attendees are invited to visit information tables where local organizations will share their materials. Registration is requested by emailing medfordvolunteercenter@mail.com or through the post office to Medford Volunteer Center, P.O. Box 155, Medford, NJ 08055.

Adults and youth ages 14 and older are welcome to this free event. Students may earn community service hours. For further information, contact Medford Friends Meeting at 609-953-8914.