MCFL wanted to build upon a pre-existing immigration support program and highlight local naturalization and English as a second language community success stories. The library also wanted to provide participants with a much-needed financial incentive and contracted with local Latinx photographers who had gained photography skills through a library program which taught photojournalism skills. Participants with a wide spectrum of skills were able to participate and contribute to this community work.

This project highlighted the voices and stories of new immigrants by honoring their journey to citizenship and naturalization. The medium of digital storytelling engaged new audiences, bridged a divide between the Latinx and Anglo communities, and helped MCFL promote and share information about our legal immigration support service, which is a unique program for libraries to offer.

The primary outcomes we hoped to achieve were to highlight the immigrant experience through digital storytelling, build empathy, engage new Americans in our community, and continue to bridge the connections between Anglo and Latinx communities in rural West Marin through the arts. We achieved this goal tenfold and changed our community for the better by sharing these stories.