What are the facts? What is happening on the ground in Central America? How can Norfolk, as a host community, support people’s right to stay in their home country while advocating for their safety and shelter when they arrive here? What can Norfolk and surrounding communities learn from those who are working with families and individuals on the ground in Central America?

Communities across Massachusetts are dealing with migration pressures and trying to figure out how to reconcile these challenges while sustaining their commitments to solidarity with people on the move. Now is the time to learn from those on the forefront of defending human rights and protecting families right to stay in their home country. This workshop will bring us together to advance knowledge, understanding, and commitment to the defense of human rights and the root causes of migration.

Cristosal is a United Nations recognized non-governmental organization that works in northern central america to protect people's right to stay in their home country. For over 20 years Cristosal has advocated for the most vulnerable. Cristosal's mission is to defend human rights and promote democratic rule of law in Central America. The right to safety and the right to stay in their home countries is at the forefront of Cristosal’s work.

Executive Director Noah Bullock sits on the Vice President’s civil society advisory board for the partnership for Central America. He will lead a workshop to help build capacity in Norfolk and beyond to work towards solutions on both ends of the migration spectrum and talk about what Norfolk and neighboring towns can do to tell the story of migration from Central America to Massachusetts.

Cristosal is on the other side of the migration continuum and has been assisting people displaced by violence and advocating for their right to stay in Central America for 20 years. Cristosal has conducted research and monitoring about displacement, security and threats to human rights as drivers of transnational immigration. The Cristosal team regularly consults with the department of state, members of congress and governors. Rep. Jim McGovern has been a champion of Cristosal and El Salvador and will be traveling in November to their offices in El Salvador. Similarly, Cristosal has provided guidance and information for other fellow governors like California Governor Gavin Newsom. To learn more about Cristosal visit Cristosal.org.

Norfolk Strong was started in 2024 by a group of Norfolk, Massachusetts neighbors who wanted to organize their voices, their skills, and their generosity to support the folks and families who are staying at the Bay State Temporary Shelter Facility. Since then, Norfolk Strong has come to realize that we are a group of “gap fillers.” Folks reach out when there is a need anywhere in the community and we try our best to meet it. We support our whole community - new, old, and guest.

Cristosal & Norfolk Strong: Making Sense of Migration