Newsletter
2025 Q1 Newsletter

The Appleseed Network in 2025:
Working for Justice in Challenging Times

Dear Friends,

As we confront a deeply troubled political landscape, with expansive challenges to our core values of economic justice, racial justice, and inclusive democracy, Appleseed remains steadfast and determined in our work for our communities.

Appleseed justice centers across the Appleseed Network are rising to meet these challenges through bold advocacy and community engagement.  Below are some examples of our ongoing efforts to fight for justice across the U.S. and Mexico.

Fighting for Inclusive Communities

New York Appleseed is building on a blueprint they developed with the NYC Comptroller for inclusive, integrated school mergers that create racially integrated schools reflecting the city’s diverse population.

Texas Appleseed works with coalitions, community organizations, schools, teachers, and students from a policy perspective to foster safe and supportive environments where all students can thrive, regardless of race, income, background, or zip code. As part of their higher education work, they focus on diversity in the legal profession, working to ensure law school is accessible to all qualified students.

Oklahoma Appleseed advocates for fair and inclusive education policies, challenging efforts that undermine equity in the classroom. By calling out misconduct or harmful rhetoric in state leadership, they highlight how such actions can marginalize certain student groups. Their efforts aim to protect the rights of all students—ensuring every young person, regardless of background, feels welcome and supported in Oklahoma’s public schools.

Advocating for Immigrant Children and Families

Helping families protect their loved ones in case of deportation:  Deportation of a family member can be devastating, emotionally and financially, for their citizen loved ones.  Appleseed has developed a comprehensive manual to help these families make a plan to protect their children and their family’s finances.

Children at the Border: Children are taking dangerous journeys to escape violence in their hometowns. Appleseed is working for a comprehensive set of solutions to improve the treatment of unaccompanied Mexican children at the US-Mexico border. 

Building a Binational Vision for the Future: Leveraging the expertise of our US and Mexico Appleseed justice centers, we are developing a 50-year vision and plan for binational advocacy.  In May, the Appleseed Network will hold our annual all-network meeting in Mexico City to begin rolling out the first steps in that plan.

Building Health Resources for All

Arkansas Appleseed works to break down barriers to health care by addressing social determinants of health — like housing instability, poverty, and food insecurity — that disproportionately impact low-income communities. Through research, policy advocacy, and public education, Arkansas Appleseed is helping ensure families can access the support they need to lead healthier lives.

Nebraska Appleseed champions legislation and programs to expand healthcare access, including Medicaid, to working families and underserved communities. By actively engaging at the state legislature, Nebraska Appleseed is pushing for policies that promote preventative care, reduce overall healthcare costs, and improve well-being for all Nebraskans.

Nebraska Appleseed champions legislation and programs to expand healthcare access, including Medicaid, to working families and underserved communities. By actively engaging at the state legislature, Nebraska Appleseed is pushing for policies that promote preventative care, reduce overall healthcare costs, and improve well-being for all Nebraskans.

Hawai’i Appleseed underscores the link between nutrition and overall health, advocating for “food is medicine” policies that integrate healthy meals into healthcare strategies. Given Hawai’i’s high cost of living, Hawai’i Appleseed’s work ensures that vulnerable residents have access to nutritious food, reducing chronic disease and fostering a healthier population.

Thank you for all you do to support the communities we serve,

Benet