This in from the Hispanic League on the March 31st Photo ID Drive:

The Hispanic League held its first 2017 FaithAction ID Drive Friday, March 31st, at Iglesia Cristiana Sin Fronteras. This is the second year the Hispanic League has offered the community ID. We were pleased to have over 200 individuals attend and apply for the ID Card.  Representatives from both the Winston-Salem Police Department and the Forsyth County Sheriff Department were present, and interacted with the various participants. The primary goal of the ID Drive is to connect local law enforcement and other community agencies with the diverse newcomer community, to create intercultural trust, understanding, and cooperation, as well as create a safer, more unified community.

A special thank-you is dedicated to all the volunteers and members of the Iglesia Cristiana Sin Fronteras congregation and staff who helped to make this day a huge success; it simply would not have been possible without you!  Likewise, the representation by FaithHealth of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health/Forsyth Medical Center, along with many nonprofits (Cancer Services, United Health Center, Mi Casa, HOPE, Family Services, Legal Aid NC and Hispanic League) helped to educate those attending by sharing information about their respective services.

The functionality of the FaithAction ID Card is limited under the following circumstances:

• It is not a driver’s license, or a government-issued form of ID; it can not be used to vote.
• It will not stop prosecution if the cardholder is engaged in illegal activity.
• The card has no impact on present or future immigration status.
• According to HB 318, community IDs and consular IDs cannot be accepted by judge, clerk, magistrate, or “government official.”

However, the impact, based on a recent focus group of 100 people renewing their ID card (feedback from those renewing their ID Cards on Friday, March 31st) was that over 90% said they found the card useful with law enforcement, health centers, businesses, and schools, and the card made them feel safer and more a part of the community. Additionally, many felt more willing to contact police in a time of crisis, making our community safer for all.

A date has not been selected for the next ID Drive, but the Hispanic League will promote it through the e-newsletter, Facebook, and Spanish-language media when details are finalized.  For more information, contact Michelle Martínez, Hispanic League Community Service Coordinator, at: [email protected].