It is our veteran staff member, Michael Collins’ last working day at Right to Remain today.
Michael joined Right to Remain when it was still known as the National Coalition of Anti Deportation Campaigns (NCADC). Together with another former staff member, Lisa Matthews, Michael managed the organisational transition from NCADC to Right to Remain.
Michael was involved in developing many of Right to Remain’s distinctive features. With Lisa, he created the iconic Right to Remain Toolkit more than 10 years ago, at a time when the idea of online-based resources was still unfamiliar to many. In fact, the focus of the original version of the Toolkit was campaigning – particularly anti-deportation campaigns. Again, the idea of sharing campaigning skills was an innovative idea. As we all know, the Toolkit continues to assist hundreds of grassroots groups and thousands of individuals on a daily basis; it is the bedrock of the migration justice movement.
Michael also led the development of These Walls Must Fall, our network of lived-experience campaigners that challenge the injustice of the asylum and immigration system. This was also a new and much-needed approach, which has since inspired many other groups to follow the same path. He encouraged and supported our These Walls Must Fall campaigners to take action to secure their own and others’ dignity, in the face of this relentless hostile environment.
Last but not least, many of Right to Remain’s distinctive and recognisable graphics were produced by Michael. They capture both warmth and power of solidarity and have become the hallmark of Right to Remain.
Maggy Moyo, who worked closely with Michael, says:
As a Campaigns and Community Organiser who has worked directly with Michael for five years, I deeply admire his profound knowledge of the migration sector and his unwavering compassion for people with lived experience. His exceptional people skills, attentive listening, and ability to bring communities together have been truly inspiring. Michael’s passion for fighting against injustices and influencing meaningful change has left an indelible mark on everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. The knowledge and teachings he has imparted to me will remain invaluable tools as I continue my work with determination and without fear.
Michael’s leadership in establishing the These Walls Must Fall campaign has been transformative for countless individuals, including myself and our team. His encouragement and belief in the power of lived-experience campaigners have empowered us to fight for justice and challenge the inhumanity of the immigration system. Myself and the These Walls Must Fall team wish Michael nothing but greater and greener pastures in his next chapter. May he continue to serve communities with the same passion, creativity, and drive that have defined his incredible journey.
We would like to thank Michael for all the work he has done for Right to Remain and our communities of people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants. We wish him a very successful future.
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