On Sunday, April 27, VIA (Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid) participated as a local speaker at We Resist: Immigration Justice in the Midst of Turmoil, an event organized by the Methodist Federation for Social Action of New York. The gathering took place at St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church, bringing together more than 15 organizations and members of the New York Annual Conference (NYAC) who are actively supporting immigrant communities during an increasingly challenging time.
Facilitated by Rev. Paul Fleck, CEO of Immigration Law & Justice New York, the panel offered a platform for organizations to share their experiences, strategies, and hopes in the face of the ongoing immigration crisis. VIA’s co-director, Niurka Meléndez, emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering immigrant communities through access to accurate and curated information.
“We don’t aim to be the first to say something—we aim to ensure what we say is correct and based on verified facts,” Meléndez noted during the discussion. “In the middle of this immigration crisis, where fear is being exploited, building trust through reliable information is essential. We want our community to be well-informed and to make decisions grounded in truth.”
Alongside Adama Bah, Executive Director of Afri-kana, VIA answered questions about their work helping communities navigate systemic challenges and combat misinformation. Both organizations shared insights into how delivering factual information helps safeguard immigrants from manipulation and empowers them to assert their rights.
The event concluded with a lively networking session, allowing participants to connect, share experiences, and strengthen the community bonds that are crucial for weathering the current immigration turmoil.
VIA’s co-director says that the organization “is grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside so many dedicated partners. It remains committed to advocating for the dignity, rights, and empowerment of immigrant communities throughout New York City”.
Meléndez also informed that VIA has been invited to participate in Welcoming Interactive 2025, taking place in Detroit, Michigan, from May 20 to 22, 2025. This biennial national conference brings together leaders and organizations from across the country to share successful practices and inspiring stories around immigrant inclusion.
“As a member of the Global Talent Leadership Network (GTLN), VIA will attend this gathering that brings together key voices in the field of immigrant inclusion to exchange best practices, strengthen national networks, and identify collaborative solutions to shared challenges”, mentioned Melendez who emphazised that the presence of VIA and other grassroots organizations at this event is critical to ensuring that the voices of migrant-led, community-based initiatives are part of the broader conversation on economic inclusion and equitable policy development. More details about the event can be found at welcomingamerica.org/initiatives/welcoming-interactive.