We are facing more and more draconian laws against refugees and migrants in the UK in the face of tragic deaths of migrants in the sea. We know that they want to tire us out - but we cannot be tired. We need to come together more than ever before.
The aim of the ‘Yorkshire Solidarity Summit’ is to start building on the communities of resistance that exist across Yorkshire and ensure we are working together effectively to create real change. The Summit is open to everyone that is organising for migrant rights and those who want to get involved in the network.
People across Yorkshire are already doing incredible work, but we are stronger together. Oftentimes we collaborate brilliantly on demos, events and campaigns and we are part of mailing lists that provide us with very useful information. However, it is not enough. We need to organise more effectively as part of an inclusive and diverse grassroots network that brings together a range of organisations, groups and organisers in the refugee and migrant sector, with the appropriate infrastructure support and resources. We aim to build on the connections from this event to take action; creating ways of working together that can produce long-term system change.
Organisers in Yorkshire have been part of the Solidarity Knows No Borders (SKNB) network for the past few years. SKNB is a community of 62 organisations and over 2,027 individuals across the UK, working in solidarity, to end hostility and racism against migrants and refugees. People in some areas like Merseyside are already organising successfully under the banner of SKNB - we will hear from them during this event.
The Summit is not a demo or a space to ask the government to give us something - it is a space for us to build our own power and mutual support - organising to face the hostile laws and fascism deployed on refugees and migrants. The day will include workshops, speeches, a dedicated networking slot, information stalls as well as food and music - as the main aim of the event is to build community. The workshops have been themed to discuss issues around the main pillars of the hostile environment including: housing, detention, deportation, immigration raids, telling our stories, migrant workers' rights, solidarity economy and mutual aid, surveillance, racist anti-refugee/anti-migrants laws, NHS charges.
We encourage you to nominate delegates to the Summit to help shape the future of the movement in Yorkshire. There is a place for everyone in this movement and this event is open to all groups that are organising, or would like to organise, against the hostile environment. However, due to the venue's capacity limits, you can nominate up to 6 representatives from your group/organisation. Please ensure your delegates register at the very latest by 30th March 2023, to help us plan for logistics. You are also welcome to help out in the planning/ running of the event.
What will you get out of the event? You will help shape a powerful democratic and diverse movement that will be fighting for real changes at regional and national levels. You will meet new people and sign up those interested in your campaign/organisation. Most importantly it will be a fun day and great spending time with people to figure out how to aggregate our power to tackle the numerous challenges facing refugees and migrants in the UK.
Event location: Victoria Hall, Norfolk St, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2JB.
Victoria Hall is centrally placed in Sheffield. The venue is accessible by bus, train and tram. There is no parking available at the venue. On street blue badge parking is available. The closest public car park is Arundel Gate car park (just opposite the venue). There are also park-and-ride sites across Sheffield.
Accessibility information: The venue is wheelchair accessible and has dedicated disabled toilets. If you require any more information or have any accessibility requirements please contact: Sarli sarli@migrantsorganise.org
