ABOUT US:
I’m going to be a bit cliche here and start off with my favourite quote – your friendly neighbourhood organizer.
“Empires crumble, capitalism is not inevitable, gender is not biology, whiteness is not immutable, prisons are not inescapable, and borders are not natural law.”
— Harsha Walia, author, “Border and Rule”
Well now that we have that, scroll down to learn more about who we are, what we do, and all that jazz!
At the Migrant Action Centre We organize and educate migrants and allies on migrant rights and justice and join the call for full and permanent immigration status for all. We have weekly solidarity circles open to all migrants and supporters that function as a space we use to organize, and to talk and listen about people's experiences, provide support, and call for change.
We work to empower migrants, to let people know they are not alone and that it's okay to ask for rights, equity, and justice. A problem for one migrant, is a problem for all migrants and supporters.
We aim to build collective voice, collective power, and solidarity.
Hoomans behind the curtain
Adi (They/Them)
Adi (They/Them)
Mayar (She/Her)
Mayar (She/Her)
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Migrant Student Worker
Adi is a migrant worker and has been organizing migrants both provincially and nationally since 2020, and has organized students within the students' union. Adi has a strong research background in social justice, anti-oppression and systems of power, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and harm reduction.
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Permanent Resident
Mayar is a former migrant worker, a former migrant student, and a current permanent resident. She has a year-long experience in organizing migrant students in the province as the co-chair of Migrant Students United NL, and is passionate about healthcare rights, and status for all!
Mission Statement
At the Migrant Action Centre (MAC), our mission is to empower and unite migrants, allies, and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, organizing for migrant rights, and social justice. We are dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression and promoting equitable opportunities for all, regardless of status in Canada (or the lack thereof), occupation, nationality, ethnicity, or background.
We strive to:
Agitate for change by challenging unjust laws, policies, and practices that perpetuate migrant exploitation, discrimination, and marginalization in Canada, with a particular focus on Newfoundland and Labrador.
Educate migrants, allies, and the broader public about the intricacies of migration, labour rights, and social justice issues, raising awareness and inspiring collective action towards a just society.
Organize and mobilize migrants and supporters through grassroots initiatives, campaigns, and networks to amplify the voices of the marginalized and work together in dismantling oppressive structures.
Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and accessible platform for migrants to share their stories, experiences, and aspirations, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among diverse communities.
Collaborate with local, national, and international organizations to strengthen our collective impact and advance the cause of migrant justice on a global scale.
MAC envisions a future where all individuals have the freedom, dignity, and resources to thrive in a society that values equity, compassion, and justice. Together, we stand unwavering in our commitment to fight for migrant rights, uplift marginalized voices, and create lasting change in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and beyond.
Our Values
Solidarity
MAC emphasizes the importance of collective action and mutual support among migrants and their allies in order to create a strong, unified movement.
Empowerment
MAC aims to provide migrants with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to assert their rights and participate in the struggle for social justice.
Direct Action
MAC believes in the power of grassroots activism and supports the use of direct action to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression.
Environmental Justice
MAC recognizes the impact of environmental degradation on vulnerable communities, including migrants, and is committed to fighting for environmental justice and sustainability.
Horizontal Decision Making
MAC values decentralized, participatory processes where all members have an equal say in the organization's decisions. This fosters collective ownership and ensures that decisions are made with the best interests of the community in mind.
Direct Democracy
MAC supports the implementation of direct democracy, encouraging the active participation of all members in shaping the organization's goals and strategies. This fosters a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment within the movement.
Anti Authoritarianism
MAC opposes hierarchical structures and systems of domination, including state control and corporate power. The organization strives to create a society where power is distributed evenly and people are free from coercion and exploitation.
Equity and Social Justice
MAC advocates for dismantling systemic barriers and addressing historical and ongoing oppression faced by marginalized communities, including migrants. This approach acknowledges that equal treatment alone is insufficient, and that tailored solutions are needed to achieve true equity and social justice. MAC is committed to creating a society where all individuals, regardless of nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other form of identity, have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Self-Determination
MAC respects the autonomy of migrants and supports their right to make decisions about their lives, without external coercion or control.
Decolonization
MAC is dedicated to challenging and dismantling colonial structures and systems, which have historically contributed to migrant injustices and continue to do so today.
Education
MAC is committed to raising awareness about migrant injustices and promoting a deeper understanding of the root causes and potential solutions.
Community Building
MAC recognizes the importance of fostering strong, interconnected communities in order to create lasting change. The organization is committed to nurturing relationships among members and allies, and creating spaces for collaboration, learning, and growth.
Transformative Justice
MAC believes in addressing harm and conflict through transformative justice practices, which prioritize healing, dialogue, and systemic change over punitive measures. This approach fosters a culture of understanding, accountability, and deep-rooted transformation, addressing not only the immediate harm but also the underlying conditions and systems that contribute to it.
Inclusivity
MAC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes and values the voices of all individuals impacted by migration.
Intersectionality
MAC acknowledges the interconnected nature of oppression and strives to address the intersecting forms of discrimination faced by migrants and other marginalized groups.
Anti-Capitalism
MAC opposes capitalist systems that exploit workers and perpetuate inequality, and instead supports the development of alternative, cooperative economic models.
Transparency
MAC operates with openness and accountability, providing clear communication to its members and supporters about its goals, actions, and decision-making processes.
Mutual Aid
MAC promotes the practice of mutual aid, encouraging the sharing of resources, skills, and knowledge among members and allies. This helps to create self-sufficient, resilient communities and fosters solidarity among participants.
Cooperative Economics
MAC endorses economic models based on cooperation, collaboration, and shared ownership. The organization supports the development of worker-owned cooperatives, community-owned enterprises, and other alternatives to traditional capitalist systems.
Sustainability
MAC is committed to promoting sustainable practices and solutions that protect the environment, conserve resources, and respect the rights and needs of future generations.