“It is essential that we choose solidarity over tribalism. … We must choose community over chaos. Do not let them pit us against one another. Our freedoms and our destinies are tied. … This moment is not just for weathering the next 3 years. We are writing the next 100.”
— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Spring Into Action 2026
On March 13, 2026, advocates, organizers, coalition members, and community leaders gathered at Boston University for MIRA Coalition’s annual Spring Into Action Conference. The day brought together a thoughtful, committed group of people doing important work — and it showed in the quality of the conversations, the workshops, and the connections made throughout the day.
This year’s conference brought together member organizations and allies from across the immigrant rights space to sharpen our advocacy skills, align around our legislative priorities, and strengthen the relationships that make our work possible — all in preparation for Immigrants’ Day at the State House.
What We Heard from Attendees
Attendees shared that the day felt both engaging and grounding. Many pointed to the depth of workshop conversations, the sense of shared mission, and the value of connecting with peers who are navigating similar challenges. In a moment that can feel isolating, being in the same room — learning and strategizing together — made a real difference.
Feedback consistently reflected how meaningful it was to gather at this particular moment — and to leave with clearer direction for the advocacy work ahead. That’s the purpose of Spring Into Action.
Keynote Panel: Leading with Courage Over Fear
The afternoon opened with a keynote panel that framed the day’s themes around choosing courage over fear. We were joined by:
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, whose advocacy on behalf of immigrant and working-class communities speaks to the connections across our struggles;
Mufalo Chitam, Executive Director of the Maine Immigrants Rights Coalition, who brought deep organizing experience and a grounded perspective on coalition-building; and
Eréndira ‘Ere’ Rendón, of the Resurrection Project in Chicago, who offered a valuable national lens on the work of building immigrant power.
The panel grounded the day in the theme of choosing courage over fear — speaking honestly about the challenges ahead and what sustained, principled advocacy requires.
Immigrants’ Day at the State House: Our Coalition Priorities
Following the keynote, the conference turned to our advocacy priorities for Immigrants’ Day at the State House, in a session led by:
Laila Martin Garcia of the National Partnership for New Americans, who provided critical framing on the national landscape and how Massachusetts can lead; and
State Representative Manny Cruz, who offered an inside view of the legislative moment and what it will take to move our priorities forward on Beacon Hill.
Participants came away with a clearer picture of our coalition’s priorities and what effective advocacy looks like when they arrive at the State House.
Workshops: Sustaining the Movement
Across two tracks and eight workshops, participants engaged with topics ranging from organizational sustainability to movement building. The conversations were substantive and practical, with plenty of space for the kind of honest exchange that tends to happen when people in this work are in the same room.
Thank You to Our Speakers
We are grateful to all of our speakers, panelists and presenters for their time and contributions. To Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mufalo Chitam, Eréndira Rendón, Laila Martin Garcia, and State Representative Manny Cruz: thank you for showing up and for the thoughtfulness you brought to every conversation.
Thanks as well to the attendees, workshop facilitators, MIRA staff, and volunteers who made the day possible.
