ILAP’s 2022 Fall Gathering

Thank you for joining us for an evening of reconnecting and reimagining with fellow supporters of Maine’s immigrant justice movement!

On September 20, 2022, ILAP was delighted to bring our donors, volunteers, and partners together in-person for the first time in almost three years. We welcomed more than 100 supporters to build connections and imagine a society more fully rooted in shared humanity, compassion, dignity, and respect. And we hope guests walked away with new inspiration for advancing immigrant rights in Maine and creating a more welcoming and stronger state for all of us.

This annual appreciation event is our small way of saying thank you to everyone who makes our work possible, and is free to attend. If you weren’t able to join us, we hope to see you at a future event!

 

Photo credit: Hannah Cormier (@riptidephotographyhc)

 
 
 
 
A person in a black and grey hand wrap smiling while looking down at a lush bush of pink and yellow flowers

Inspiring Words

Executive Director Sue Roche welcomed us by sharing some ILAP accomplishments and plans for the future. Then Dr. Mariam Raqib of Afghanistan Samsortya shared her reflections on creating meaningful, lasting change through her work in eastern Afghanistan. And ILAP Advocacy & Outreach Attorney Lisa Parisio closed with an invitation to take action.

 
 

Local Art & Music

Portland favorite Bondeko, a musical collaboration between Ylli Brekofca, Namory Keita, and Orson Horchler, performed their engaging blend of musical and cultural traditions. And the Artists' Rapid Response Team (ARRT!) hosted an interactive banner-making project with guests adding words and images inspired by the theme “we stand with immigrants.”

 
 
Refreshing iced drink in an Apres glass surrounded by peaches and a white flower on a wooden table

Reconnecting

There was plenty of time for conversation and connection over craft Après beverages, an oyster bar generously donated by Maine Oyster Company, and delicious appetizers from Yardie Ting.

 

Event FAQ:

  • ILAP strives to host inclusive events that are accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible. We can arrange services, such as language and ASL interpretation or wheelchair assistance, based on needs and requests. If you have a preferred a service provider, we will do our best to work with you to reach out and coordinate. Please contact us at contact@ilapmaine.org or (207) 874-1317.

  • ILAP is committed to keeping our community healthy and safe. This event will take place in an indoor/outdoor space with air circulation, but social distancing may not always be possible. We encourage guests to mask during the event based on their comfort level and ask that you please stay home if you’re feeling unwell. We also encourage guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as recommended by the CDC.

    We may update this policy based on public health guidelines at the time of the event and will alert guests of any changes.

  • Come as you are!

  • Free parking is available on-site at Après. The parking lot is located behind the building and the entrance is on Anderson Street between Tandem Coffee (which will be on the left) and Après (which will be on the right). Drive in past the shipping containers and you're in the right place!

    There is also street parking and the Park & Ride on Marginal Way is a 6-minute walk.

  • Contact us at contact@ilapmaine.org or (207) 874-1317 at any time.

 

Special thanks to our generous event sponsor, Norway Savings Bank!