Stan Maclin is leading the way in Harrisonburg by fighting anti-immigrant legislation and encouraging diverse groups to come to the table, literally.

Recently, the Harrisonburg Virginia Organizing Chapter held its first Intercultural Potluck dinner to celebrate months of progress in bringing diverse communities together. Stan was no small part of this achievement. He has been integral in organizing bi-weekly community conversations designed to create more understanding among immigrants and other groups. The talks have created relationships among diverse community members that would have never existed if not for the work of Stan and other dedicated leaders.

“We have to continue to fight injustice in our communities. What happens to our neighbors, effects us,” said Maclin.

Stan is no stranger to organizing and has been a dedicated activist for most of his life. His experience and enthusiasm were a welcome addition to the Harrisonburg Chapter when he first connected with organizer Emily Riehl.

“I am concerned about the racial profiling aspects of the 287-G laws. I believe we can do better as a society,” added Maclin. “We can fight crime without trampling on human rights and resorting to discrimination. We owe it to our community to do better.”