Building Momentum: Planning a Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Needs
On September 25, SWACH hosted community partners at our Vancouver office to begin shaping the future of a coalition focused on immigrant and refugee needs in Southwest Washington. This planning session grew out of the Immigrant and Refugee Symposium held in August, which brought providers and advocates together to share resources and strengthen collaboration.
Why This Work Matters
At the symposium, partners heard from organizations such as the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), the Mexican Consulate, and a local immigration attorney, as well as health providers like Battle Ground Healthcare. Feedback was clear: there is real value in convening, and ongoing coordination is needed to better support immigrant and refugee families in our region.
Key Themes from the Planning Session
Partners identified several elements that will be essential for a strong coalition:
Safety, trust, and awareness as foundational values.
Community voice at the center, ensuring immigrant and refugee residents lead in shaping solutions.
Equity and inclusion through language access, cultural responsiveness, and representation.
Collaboration across sectors, including health, legal, and community organizations.
A balance between direct support and policy advocacy, with the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions.
There was also discussion about who will lead and hold this work. While SWACH is able to provide logistical support such as space and facilitation, partners emphasized the need for shared leadership and long-term sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The coalition is still in its early stages, but the energy and commitment in the room reflected the momentum coming out of the August symposium. The group will continue to meet in the coming months, with plans to refine its mission, vision, and values, and to determine a meeting cadence that works for partners and community members alike.
As one participant noted, “This is about creating a safe, supportive space where community voices are heard, trusted, and acted upon.”