In this article for Bahaiteachings.org, Tahirih’s volunteer legal counsel Paul Glist—in consultation with Managing Attorney Anusce Sanai and Donor Relations Associate, Ron Lapitan—wrote about how their Baha’i faith is honored at the Tahirih Justice Center and what it means to work for a Baha’i-inspired nonprofit. 

The Tahirih Justice Center, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting immigrant survivors of gender-based violence, is pleased to celebrate its 25th anniversary at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City, Virginia on May 13th, 2022, at 7 p.m. It has been 25 years since Tahirih opened its doors and has served more than 31,000 immigrant survivors of gender-based violence ever since. This event, Journey to Justice: Progress and Perseverance, will be a celebration of the 25 years of service and impact that Tahirih’s staff, supporters, and partners, have had on immigrant survivors of gender-based violence seeking safety in the United States.

In honor of National Volunteer Month in April, Tahirih is shining a light on some of the incredible volunteers who help us support immigrant survivors. Today we’re introducing you to Joanne Gouaux, another dedicated Tahirih volunteer.

After 7 long years, Maryland has taken action to protect children by limiting child marriage in the state. House Bill 83 does not ban child marriage in the state of Maryland altogether, but it is a major step in the right direction and responds to many of the concerns raised by advocates and survivors. The new law passed with strong, bi-partisan majorities in both the House and Senate.

Like many nonprofit organizations, Tahirih relies on the support of not only our generous donors but also a committed group of volunteers who believe in our mission and the potential to build a world free from violence. In April, as we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we want to highlight some of the wonderful volunteers who make it possible for Tahirih to serve as many survivors as possible.

Today, the Biden administration announced it would end its use of Title 42 on May 23, 2022. For two years, Title 42 has been used to justify the rapid expulsion of migrants at the border and the denial of their right to seek asylum.

Tahirih’s policy work is rooted in our core values and in our specific theory of change. Inspired by the Bahá’í faith and grounded in our belief in the oneness of humanity, we reach for a society that embraces our diversity and guarantees everyone’s human rights. Our mission is to advance policies and laws that enable immigrant survivors of gender-based violence to pursue legal immigration status, live in safety, and forge their own paths. Everything we do is in service of that goal.

The immigration system is shattered. Survivors are denied access to safety because of policies and practices that could be fixed. The Tahirih Justice Center is prioritizing the following policy goals to immediately improve protections for immigrant survivors while simultaneously seeking long-term, systemic change.