The Value of Advocating for our Values

When Reverend Edgar Helms founded what became Goodwill Industries at the turn of the century, many of the families he served in south Boston were immigrants. For decades, many local Goodwill organizations have supported immigrants as they integrate into their new communities.

As professional and social media across the country focused on families being separated at the U.S. border, President Trump signed an executive order that will instead detain parents seeking asylum with their children rather than separating them. Together, people raised their voices and again demonstrated that the public influences government leaders.

Goodwill strives to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by helping people reach their full potential through education, skills training and the power of work. But local Goodwill organizations nationwide offer more than a job – a career is just one piece of the puzzle people assemble to maintain a strong family and stable independence. Goodwill provides a welcoming place for people to engage in education, career preparation, personal and family support services that enable them to thrive.

The people who work at Goodwill organizations are passionate about connecting individuals to their communities – as program participants, shoppers, donors, partners, volunteers, and advocates. Their work to provide families – all families – with opportunity is based on trust, trust that disintegrates when people feel negatively singled out.

We are relieved that the executive order is halting the separation of parents from their children, and we remained concerned about the need to resolve the status of Dreamers.

Public advocacy led to the President reversing course on a disturbing policy after just a few days of media and grassroots advocacy pressure.  People from all walks of life – and political affiliations – came together to express their beliefs and values through advocacy.

Our communities and economy thrive when we respect all people because we are people.