From Fear to Action: How Canvassing is Bringing Our Community Together

I still remember the first night we gathered. Thirty people squeezed into a small community space, worried, restless, asking the same question over and over: What can we do? Families were hearing stories of raids, workers were being deported, and the fear in our community was growing. Under this new administration, the separation of families and the increase in deportations created a deep sense of despair. Even those with papers felt unsafe, unsure if they would be targeted next.

That’s how Canvassing was born—out of necessity and out of courage. We knew we couldn’t wait for someone else to solve our problems. We had to create a space where workers could speak openly, learn about their rights, and support one another.

Now, every week, small groups of us—sometimes seven, sometimes more—meet in homes and community spaces. We break into teams and go block by block, knocking on doors. We introduce ourselves as CATA, explain who we are, and ask people what they are experiencing. Some know us from Radio CATA, others are meeting us for the first time. We talk about what to do if immigration officials stop you on the street or come to your home. We share how to respond, how to stay safe, and most importantly, how to protect each other.

What’s powerful is not just the information, but the connection. Workers no longer feel alone—they feel supported, with allies by their side. I’ve seen people’s faces change when they realize their neighbors, volunteers, and even families from outside the immigrant community stand with them.

The conversations go beyond fear. We talk about finding legal help, keeping our families safe, and organizing for change. Already, participants are thinking of new ways to stay connected, to build a stronger network of support.

Canvassing has only just begun, but the vision is clear: expand to new streets, reach more families, and build the kind of community where no one feels isolated.

We can’t do it alone. To keep growing, we need allies and supporters—people willing to donate, volunteer, and walk with us. Together, we are proving that even in times of fear, our strength is in each other.

Ready to walk with us? Contact Jessica Culley, CATA’s General Coordinator, at jculley@cata-farmworkers.org to get involved or help host a canvass on your block. Together, we turn fear into action.