The threat of losing basic rights and protections is real. In many communities, children, families, and providers face fear and uncertainty—from immigration practices that disregard due process to public funding threats tied to political disagreement or limits on speech.

In this session, grantee and community partners will share what this moment looks like in their communities: how families and providers are being impacted, who is responding and how, and where they are seeing progress, resilience, and movement to protect the rights of children, families, and caregivers.

The discussion will begin with a snapshot from Minnesota, where recent immigration enforcement actions have contributed to widespread fear, disruption, and economic harm for families and communities. This example will help ground the conversation in the real-time impacts of policy and enforcement decisions on children and those who care for them.

Speakers [Bios]

• Danielle Atkinson, Executive Director, Mothering Justice (Michigan)
• Alexandra C. Fitzsimmons, Esq., Senior Policy Director, Children's Defense Fund (Minnesota)
• Kelly Martinson, Communications Director, ISAIAH/Kids Count on Us (Minnesota)
• Amanda Schillinger, Director, Pumpkin Patch Child Care (Minnesota)
• Lenka Mendoza, Founder, Dreamer's Mother In Action (Virginia)
• (Moderator): Shayna Cook, Director, Early Childhood Systems, Bainum Family Foundation (DC area)