Please join REFTRANS.ORG/FUNDRAISER on Oct 29, 7 pm PST.

“Home is not something I should have to earn. Humanity is not some box I should have to check.” —Jose Antonio Vargas, “Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen”

On Thursday, October 29th, 7 to 7:45 pm, join us for “World of Difference”, a virtual fundraising evening with Refugee & Immigrant Transitions. Admission is free. We are honored to welcome Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, as our keynote speaker.

When he was an eighth grader, Jose’s life was transformed by Toni Morrison: “one of the greatest writers in the English language, a Black woman whose grandfather lived in a time when it was illegal for African Americans to read.” Her books taught him the concept of “master narrative”, or dominant stories. In his own work, Jose has courageously challenged the unwelcoming storyline about immigration and undocumented Americans--by coming out as undocumented through NY Times magazine; bestselling memoir Dear America; and nonprofit Define American.

The work of Jose and Define American inspires all of us at Refugee & Immigrant Transitions. It’s especially relevant today, when the U.S. is closing its doors on those fleeing persecution, and devaluing the lives and contributions of immigrants. There’s a need for new narratives, those with welcome, dignity, justice, and learning at their core. These values inform and guide RIT programs.

Your support enables RIT to foster welcoming communities, deliver high-quality virtual education, and forge strong support networks. Today’s uncertainty and the acute social isolation caused by the pandemic has increased the urgency of our work.

If you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider supporting RIT today [CLICK HERE].

See what you support:

Thank you for the Sponsorship!

This year, we have named our sponsorship levels after historic trees. They symbolize endurance, resilience, and optimism--attributes commonly associated with the experiences, journey, and aspirations of immigrant communities. Trees are life-giving, majestic, and rejuvenating. They provide refuge, sanctuary and relief.

Sponsorship Level: “Sequoia” - SIERRA CIRCUITS

Sponsorship Level: "Redwood" - RIMON LAW

Sponsorship Level: "Ponderosa Pine" - MORLING FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Sponsorship Level: "Sitka Spruce" - NOSSAMAN LLP

BECOME OUR SPONSOR