“The Tri-Cities Immigrant Coalition (TCIC) is a non-partisan community-based group working to build trust and understanding with our community about immigration issues.”

In the summer of 2017 Shalom UCC brought together a large and diverse group from all faiths,  ethnic backgrounds, professions and walks of life with the goal of identifying how to assist  immigrants and refugees in the Tri-Cities Area. The gathering was spearheaded by the Shalom United Church of Christ’s Mission and Social Action Committee. Members of Shalom UCC took leadership roles and nurtured and grew the coalition into the active organization that it is today.

TCIC Has Four Areas of Focus:

                •  Educate our community about immigration rights, laws and services.

                •  Engage and network with individuals, groups, and agencies working with immigrants and immigration issues.

                •  Advocate for immigrants and immigration reform at the local, state and federal level.

                •  Support immigrants in accessing community resources.

Members of Shalom continue to take leadership and support roles in the activities of TCIC. To learn more about their actions and community involvement go to our website:  tricitiesimmigrantcoaliton.com. 

“We believe every immigrant and refugee has inherent dignity and human rights. They should be able to live in safety, live without fear, and have access to basic necessities and opportunities.”

Faith Action Network (FAN) is a diverse multi faith coalition though which people from over 160 faith communities across Washington State partner for the common good.

Shalom is a member of FAN which provides resources for the MSA committee to guide the congregation in justice work. We address economic and criminal justice, immigrant rights, gun safety, climate change and more, primarily by asking our legislators to make a moral choice.

Faith communities help determine which issues to focus on by attending regional meetings with other members. “Together, we are a powerful voice of the faithful - building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.”

·         RJ Statement adopted by Shalom (2020) - includes an agreement to be educated and supportive

·         Anti-racism discussion held monthly which includes suggestion for action

·         We encourage participation in Tri-Cities Racial Equity & Social Justice organization and events

          meets online to diminish the East-West conference divide, “to bring our values into action by working together”.  Shalom encourages participation in these JWM teams:

·         Dismantling Racism - goal to take undoing institutional racism training and repeat annually; Poor People’s Campaign; Demonstrations

·         Racial Reparations - to address loss and inequities created by centuries of institutionalized racism.  Draft Reparations Recommendations. 

·         Environmental Justice- Advocate for legislation supported by Earth Ministry; assists the Environmental Voter Project. Pictured: 2019 PNC Fall Gathering at Shalom UCC in                        Richland  

·         Economic Justice- works to create a fairer, more just tax system in WA state, which has one of the most regressive (upside down) codes in the nation.

“We are a growing group of Muslims, Jews, Unitarian Universalists, and Christians who meet regularly to celebrate the differences of our similarities.” http://tri-citiesinterfaith.weebly.com/  

Shalom History after 9/11

Steve went to Jim and Wilbur (having their usual coffee at Sterlings) and they decided to do Interfaith event- rented Richland HS Auditorium, the biggest place they could get. Filled the auditorium. Reg ran music; Shalom people served as ushers, etc.

In parking lot afterwards, Steve and others strategized on how to have interfaith education series, each one with a different host.  Lasted awhile (1-2 years).

The Interfaith Potlucks started after the 2006 Synagogue shooting in Seattle (by man raised Muslim-converted to Pentecostal) Jews afraid of Muslims after that, and Muslims afraid. Called Steve to do intros, he went with Muslims to Synagogue, and they decided to start having potlucks. We have been meeting almost quarterly for potlucks and discussion at alternating faith houses since, except for the past year due to the pandemic.

In addition to several charities covered by the Shalom budget, the MSA committee provides opportunities to the congregation to support projects, financially and with other gifts:

·         New Horizon’s High School and New Directions transition projects.

·         Jefferson elementary school’s backpack program and Giving Tree at Christmas.   

·         Fair Trade sales with profit benefiting one of our charities. Fair Trade coffee is served Sunday morning.

·         Donation drives for the UCC Special offerings, disaster response, and others.