Migrant Support Collective advocates for an end to detention through innovative programs that combine policy, storytelling, the arts, and mental health. Our unique approach promotes healing from the trauma of detention and offers LGBTQ+ migrants opportunities to advocate for freedom and systemic change.

This October, we are putting on an event series that uses the power of art and storytelling to raise awareness around the realities of ICE detention for LGBTQ+ migrants. Your sponsorship helps Migrant Support Collective keep these events free and accessible to the whole community.

Together, we will:

Fundraise $20,000 to sustain our work for the long-term
Build lasting relationships between MSC, the community, and people impacted by detention with art, storytelling, and shared experiences as the entry point
Transform awareness into action through art, storytelling, and genuine connection with the people most impacted by detention, equipping at least 100 attendees with concrete next steps

Throughout the month of October, the impact of your donation will be doubled!

An anonymous donor with a passion for creative and intellectual freedom is matching all donations to Migrant Support Collective's books fund up to $10,000. That means for every $1 you give, Migrant Support Collective will receive $2! When you give, your donation will automatically be routed to our books fund.

Books and journals offer detained migrants more than just a pastime—they create a crucial connection to the outside world. In an environment where freedom is restricted, the power of reading and writing becomes even more profound. These resources foster mental well-being, empower self-expression, and can be a lifeline of support during difficult times. To date, we have sent books to over 175 people in 24 detention centers across 18 states.

In the words of one of the first people who received books from us:

"A lot of people don’t understand how a book can make a difference to someone inside. They don’t know the hardship of just being in here. Receiving a book and knowing there are people out there that really care for other people, it just makes you feel special. It makes you feel like everything’s going to be better." - Carlos, a formerly detained migrant who has always loved romantic novels and happy endings. An openly gay man from Latin America, he dreams of getting married and having two kids of his own one day - what he calls his "American dream."

Sponsorship Tiers & Optional Benefits

We invite you to support the Collective’s work through a contribution at one of the below tiers. Benefits are optional. Thank you for building community with us!

Visionary: $5,000

Covers the full cost of books, mental health resources, and advocacy work for 20 detained LGBTQ+ migrants.

10 reserved tickets to our culminating event, Stories in Action
Name/logo placement on event communications
2 custom social media posts
Recognition during the events
Limited-edition MSC merch
Framed print of the guest artist’s creation

Catalyst: $2,500

Covers the full cost of books, mental health resources, and advocacy work for 10 detained LGBTQ+ migrants.

8 reserved tickets to our culminating event, Stories in Action
Name/logo on event communications
1 custom social media post
Recognition during the events
Limited-edition MSC merch

Steward: $1,000

Covers the full cost of books, mental health resources, and advocacy work for 4 detained LGBTQ+ migrants.

6 reserved tickets to our culminating event, Stories in Action
Name/logo on event webpage and signage
Recognition during the events
Limited-edition MSC merch

Advocate: $500

Covers the full cost of books, mental health resources, and advocacy work for 2 detained LGBTQ+ migrants.

4 reserved tickets to our culminating event, Stories in Action
Name/logo on event webpage and signage
Limited-edition MSC merch

Ally: $250

Covers the full cost of books, mental health resources, and advocacy work for 1 detained LGBTQ+ migrant.

2 reserved tickets to our culminating event, Stories in Action
Name/logo on event signage

Community Action Month Event Series

Imagining Collective Liberation: Why art matters for LGBTQ+ migrant rights

October 4 | 1-4pm | Center on Cottage Grove

Join Migrant Support Collective as we moderate a panel of local Chicago artists discussing their creative journeys and how art can be used as a form of advocacy. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase art from the panelists.

Create for a Cause: The Intersection of Health, Immigration, & Art as Advocacy

Time & date TBD | University of Chicago

Migrant Support Collective, University of Chicago Outpatient, and Southside Community Health Advocates will host a teach-in on immigration enforcement as a public health crisis, followed by an interactive workshop on how art can be used as a community healing and advocacy tool.

Stories in Action: A Community Gathering with Migrant Support Collective

October 24 | 2:30-6:30pm | Center on Halsted

Hosted at Center on Halsted – the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ+ community center – Migrant Support Collective will showcase art from detained members, share the stories of migrants impacted by ICE detention, and celebrate the resilience of our community.

Sponsor Migrant Support Collective's Community Action Month

This October, Migrant Support Collective invites you to imagine a liberated future.