An Update to Our Community

The physical, mental, and emotional impacts of the escalated operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) here in Maine continue to be felt throughout our Telling Room community. We know that this experience is impacting us all differently, but that we are united in our opposition to these actions.

The Telling Room was created to foster a space where voices can be shared and heard—no matter what our origin stories might be. Stories of hope, survival, and strength. Poems that illuminate identity and explore experience. Words that burn bright with the power of truth. Now is the time for us to continue to listen and share as we are called to, even in the face of censorship, disinformation, and fear. 

We are maintaining access to our programs, offering youth continuity, routine, and connection through their writing and community with one another. Grounded in holding the sanctity and safety of our space, we have been in close communication with our network of partners as we monitor the ongoing presence of ICE in Maine and update our programs and procedures accordingly to meet the needs of our community in this moment. We have been in touch with current and upcoming program students and families with details on program updates. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Below you will find Maine-based resources and organizations that both offer direct support and ways to support one another. Our community has already shown extraordinary resilience, empathy, and care these past few weeks, showing up for each other with unprecedented courage and compassion. We are immensely grateful to all of you, knowing that this work will continue in the days to come. 

If there is anything we can do to support the young people in your world at this time, please reach out to us. We are listening. 

In Solidarity,
The Telling Room
writers@tellingroom.org 
(207) 774-6064

Telling Room Updates

We have been in touch with students and families with details about changes to winter programs, so please refer to communications from our lead teachers for specific information about programs that you or your students are enrolled in.

We will continue to make further adjustments as necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your program’s lead teacher. 

If You Encounter ICE

Remember SALUTE:

Size: How many agents/vehicles?
Activity: What are they doing?
Location: Where is it happening?
Unit: What agency? (ICE, CBP, FBI, etc.)
Time: When did you see this?
Equipment: Vehicle description, clothing, badges

Community Resources

 

ACLU of Maine - Advocacy and legal support
Capitol Area New Mainers Project - A cross-cultural organization that welcomes refugees and works to build a thriving, integrated community in central Maine
Community Relief Fund - Mutual aid fund for legal fee support for those detained by ICE
Gather to Grow - Offering grocery drop offs for those sheltering in place
Hope Acts - Offers asylum seekers access to housing and basic needs, assistance in navigating complex immigration processes, and resources for learning English
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) - Advocacy and legal support
Khmer Maine - A nonpartisan, community organization working to improve the quality of life and the social and economic well-being of Cambodians in Maine
The Locker Project - Connects food-insecure children in Maine with nourishing food
Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC) - Hub of advocacy and support 
Maine Law, Refugee and Human Rights Clinic (RHRC) - Legal support
Mainers for Humane Immigration - Mutual aid organization with bond fund for those detained by ICE
Maine Needs - Collecting and delivering donations of household goods to those who are sheltering in place in their homes
Maine Association of New Americans (MANA) - Offering transportation, grocery drop-offs, and will go to appointments with anyone feeling anxious
Presente!Maine - A grassroots, mutual aid organization by and for displaced and dispossessed Afro/Indigenous-Latines in Maine
Project Relief Maine - Mutual aid organization providing funding for legal fee support, food, and other basic needs
The Solidarity Fund - Provides funding for legal fees, basic needs, and healthcare for impacted parties who live in Maine
Unified Asian Communities - Dedicated to serving our neighbors through community service and cultural support
Wabanaki Alliance - Advocates for legislation and policies that improve the lives of Wabanaki citizens and our neighbors around the state
Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness - Serves all Wabanaki people and other indigenous people who visit or call Maine home

Share Your Voice

Reach out to Maine's Congressional delegation to let them know your thoughts on ICE's presence in our community:

  •  Call Senator Angus King's office: (202) 224-5344

  •  Call Senator Susan Collins's office: (202) 224-2523

  •  Call Representative Chellie Pingree's office: (202) 225-6116

  •  Call Representative Jared Golden's office: (202) 225-6306

The Telling Room