Across Washington, immigrant communities are facing increasing challenges and threats, but at the same time, we are witnessing everyday people step up to meet this moment with powerful acts of care, resistance, and solidarity.
Whether it’s providing accompaniment to community members navigating the legal system, taking an action in support of our policy platform, or someone making a donation of $5 a month to help bond people out of immigration detention, everyone has a place in this movement.
That’s why we’re excited to invite you on a journey: The Thriving Communities Giving Program. This is an invitation to move beyond giving and into doing. To transform your values into action, and your action into lasting, movement-building power. This multi-month political education program is for people looking to roll up their sleeves, fundraise, and build power for immigrant justice.
Thriving Communities is not a giving circle. It’s a community of practice designed for individuals who want to grow into changemakers grounded in authentic solidarity, shared responsibility, and tangible impact with and for immigrants.
By joining the program, you will:
- Deepen Your Understanding by gaining an in-depth look at WAISN’s Deportation Defense Program and learning how collective resources protect immigrant families, keep immigrant communities together, and support our communities to remain strong.
- Receive Dedicated Coaching and participate in workshops that build practical fundraising and organizing skills so that you can mobilize your own networks with confidence, clarity, and care.
- Join a Values-Aligned Community and connect with a committed cohort of peers who believe in taking collective action for immigrant justice, rather than relying solely on charity and isolation.
What participants are saying:
- “During my conversations with family and friends about donating to WAISN, I saw people leaning in—getting activated, sharing their own experiences and moments that have transformed them. These weren’t conversations about money; they were conversations about how we redirect the flow of our resources and energy into work that reflects our values.”
— Kari, Thriving Communities Program Alum - “I learned that all of our personal stories have a space and value to the movement, to strengthen it through inclusiveness in diversity. At the end of the day, the movement is larger than us, but our contributions are crucial to continue with the efforts, and asking for money is not a weakness but a new superpower that comes from the courage to care for something bigger, for a bigger WE.”
— Isabel, Thriving Communities Program Alum - “One of the really great things about this program was the opportunity to hear from many of the WAISN staff members. They explained their story and what they did for WAISN. All of this was framed within the organization’s 5 core values: solidarity, joy, caring, integrity, and accountability. For me, this created a connection between the very real difficulty I had asking people for money and my genuine respect for the people who make up WAISN and the work they do. While I still struggle asking for money, I have many concrete reasons to share with my community about why this organization deserves their continued support.”
— Brian, Thriving Communities Program Alum
This is an invitation to move beyond giving and into doing. To transform your values into action, and your action into lasting, movement-building power.
Applications are limited, and the deadline to apply is February 15, 2026
If you’re ready to grow alongside others, deepen your practice of solidarity, and support building thriving communities for all, we would love for you to join us. And if you have any questions, you can sign up for a 1:1 session with us by emailing development@waisn.org with the subject “Thriving Communities Questions.”
With gratitude and solidarity,
Débora Oliveira (she/they)
Donor Program Manager