news article
Immigration Justice Cohort: Equipping justice-centered leaders in Upper New York
August 19, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney and Kristina Clark / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
United Methodists of Upper New York were awarded a $9,000 Action Fund Grant from the General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) to launch an Immigration Justice Cohort. This grant is made possible through the extraordinary generosity of United Methodist congregations around the world who faithfully participate in our shared giving.
The Immigration Justice Cohort is an initiative of Missional Excellence. It is a ten-month journey that will prepare six regional leaders (clergy and laity) to mobilize congregations and other leaders in their area to advocate for immigrants and engage in justice work at the intersection of immigration and racial equity. Through learning, reflection, community partnerships, and a national immigration immersion experience, leaders will gain the tools and support they need to put their faith into action. Applications are now open, and the cohort will launch in late September 2025. The majority of meetings will take place virtually, with one in-person gathering.
Cohort members will:
- Learn: Cohort members will explore the deep biblical mandate to welcome the stranger through the Vital Conversations on Immigration curriculum. This is a six-session series that provides theological grounding, challenges common misconceptions, and shares real-life stories to inspire action.
- Implement: Develop and implement a regional action plan. Through this grant, each cohort member will receive funding and coaching for an approved plan.
- Network: Together, the cohort will expand their perspective by journeying to the Arizona/Mexico border April 18 – 25, 2026. This intensive, week-long journey will connect cohort members to other justice-centered leaders and those impacted by current policies. You can read more about this journey here and here.
- Resource and Equip: At the conclusion of the cohort, members will join a network of justice-centered leaders that will continue to resource and mobilize their region for action.
This cohort is for leaders who:
- Have a desire to mobilize, resource, and equip their region for action both during the cohort and beyond.
- Have, at least, a basic understanding of immigration and a strong desire to deepen their perspective.
- Understand justice-centered ministries to be a vital tenant of their faith.
- Can commit a minimum of three hours a week to learning and implementation. Virtual cohort sessions will take place during the day and on a weekday.
- Can commit approximately $2,000 for the Immigration Immersion Journey in April 2026. Passport required. Each cohort member will receive a $500 scholarship for this experience. There are not any other out-of-pocket expenses for participation in the cohort.
How to Apply
Contact Georgia Whitney (georgiawhitney11@gmail.com) for an application. Applications are due by September 10.