“Kids Rising,” a chance to support immigrant children and families through writing and art

Press release from Indivisible Asheville:

On Saturday afternoon, August 24, the Auditorium at Pack Memorial Library in downtown Asheville will be transformed into a giant play space for “Kids Rising: Standing Up for Families at the Border,” a family-focused event with guided activities suitable for children of all ages, sponsored by Indivisible Asheville/WNC, Stronger Together WNC-North, and Madison County Indivisible.

“As a mom, I’m very aware of the unease, fueled by a sense of helplessness, that children experience when they overhear news about the mistreatment and separation of families at the border,” said Melissa Bertenthal of Indivisible Asheville/WNC. “Allowing kids to process their feelings through writing and art, and giving them a vehicle to address the President and other representatives, can help them transform that anxiety into constructive action.”
Activity stations will include CARD-WRITING TABLES, where children can write messages or draw pictures to send to the President; an ART STATION, where kids can make and take home their own Mexican paper flowers; COOPERATIVE GAMES, with structured play stations for small groups; and a READING NOOK featuring multi-age books that celebrate our diversity. Parents will also have an opportunity to write cards and letters to their Members of Congress, and adults without kids will have a separate space available for letter-writing if they prefer, with fact sheets, postcards, stationery and stamps provided.

Donations will be accepted at the event for Pisgah Legal Services’ “Justice For All” project, which serves immigrant children and families in Western North Carolina, as part of a special dollar-for-dollar matching challenge funded by an anonymous donor.

WHAT:    “Kids Rising: Standing Up for Families at the Border”
WHEN:    Saturday, August 24, 2019 * 2:30-4:40 pm
WHERE:  Lord Auditorium, Pack Memorial Library (downstairs), 67 Haywood St, Asheville, 28801
WHO:       For kids of all ages, families, and adults

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the event, email info@indivisibleavl.org or call 828-333-7228. For more on the presenting organizations, visit them online at IndivisibleAVL.org, StrongerTogetherWNCNorth.org, and MadisonCounty.Indivisible.blue. For more information about Pisgah Legal Services’ “Justice For All” project and special fundraising matching challenge, visit PisgahLegal.org/give.