Hi neighbors,
On Thursday, August 28 from 6–8 PM, there's a special opportunity to learn how to protect the rights and dignity of our immigrant neighbors right here in Mountlake Terrace. There will be a training with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), the state's largest immigrant justice coalition.
WAISN works across faiths, languages, and cultures to protect and advance the rights of immigrant and refugee communities. One of their most impactful programs is Rapid Response, which trains volunteers to respond quickly when immigration enforcement activity is reported. These teams document what's happening, connect families with legal and community support, and ensure that rights are respected.
This training will prepare you to:
Recognize and safely document immigration enforcement actions
Connect impacted families with the WAISN Deportation Defense Hotline and legal aid
Work alongside others to respond quickly when every minute matters
Why does this matter here? Because even in Washington—where we have strong laws like the Keep Washington Working Act—federal immigration agencies still operate in our communities. Data-sharing, raids, and targeted enforcement have happened in towns like ours. The more of us who are trained, the faster and more effectively we can respond when something happens.
A few ways Rapid Response helps keep our community strong:
Protects rights in real time – Trained observers can deter misconduct simply by being present and documenting events.
Supports families under stress – Volunteers help connect people with legal aid, housing, and translation services.
Builds local resilience – When neighbors know what to do, we’re less vulnerable to fear and misinformation.
WAISN offers the training online, and several of us will be watching it as a group here in Mountlake Terrace. Having trained rapid responders in Mountlake Terrace is part of keeping our city safe and welcoming for everyone who calls it home. If you’ve ever wondered, “What could I actually do to help?”—this is one powerful answer.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, August 28
🕕 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Provided after registration (Mountlake Terrace)
How to Register:
Email [email protected]
Subject line: Register
Email body: Your first and last name
You’ll receive the address 1–2 days before the training.
Dustin
