Talking out the issues together; More than 100 discuss immigration, refugees at HRC forum

Published 10:22 am Friday, June 19, 2015

Laura Helle discusses immigration issues Thursday at the Austin Human Rights Commission’s Community Conversation event. More than 100 people attended to discuss immigration and refugee issues in Austin.  Trey Mewes/trey.mewes@austindailyherald.com

Laura Helle discusses immigration issues Thursday at the Austin Human Rights Commission’s Community Conversation event. More than 100 people attended to discuss immigration and refugee issues in Austin.
Trey Mewes/trey.mewes@austindailyherald.com

It’s tough to have a thoughtful conversation about immigration and refugee issues if you only have one perspective.

That’s what drove members of the Austin Human Rights Commission to organize the first in a series of talks on immigration issues Thursday, where more than 100 people came together at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to discuss their thoughts, feelings and opinions on immigration and refugee issues affecting Austin.

“Our mission is the creation, cultivation of a more diverse community,” Richard Lemons, HRC chairman, said.

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Lemons and other HRC members have planned to bring what they’re calling Community Conversations to Austin for months after the HRC realized more conversations about immigration were necessary.

HRC members and Christ Episcopal Church jointly sought grant funding from national Episcopal Church programs to put the series of events, run by the Diversity Council, together.

More than 100 people discussed immigration and refugee issues at the Austin Human Rights Committee’s Community Conversation Thursday night.  Trey Mewes/trey.mewes@austindailyherald.com

More than 100 people discussed immigration and refugee issues at the Austin Human Rights Committee’s Community Conversation Thursday night.
Trey Mewes/trey.mewes@austindailyherald.com

Dozens of residents bonded over an hour of discussing stereotypes, first impressions and general reactions to immigration issues in smaller groups before everyone shared their insights throughout the room.

One of the biggest challenges, according to HRC members, is to strip people of preconceived notions about immigrants in Austin.

“They bring character, hard work, family values and culture to our city,” Miguel Garate said. “They have a lot to offer to our community.”

The HRC plans to put on more Community Conversations throughout the year.