Your Story Matters

Sharing the Reality Behind the Headlines

There is a narrative we hear far too often: “That’s all they had to do — just walk across.”

But immigration is rarely simple. It is rarely quick. And it is almost never easy.

Behind every journey is a series of decisions no family wants to make — decisions shaped by safety, survival, opportunity, and hope.

At Como Comunidad, we believe the public conversation about immigration is incomplete without the voices of the people who have actually lived it.

That is why we are inviting immigrants to share their stories.

Not for sympathy.
Not for sensationalism.
But for truth.

Because policies affect people.
And people deserve to be heard.

Why We’re Doing This

Our goal is simple: To replace assumptions with understanding. To replace myths with lived experience.

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Immigration conversations often happen in statistics and soundbites. But statistics alone cannot explain:

  • What it feels like to leave your home.
  • What it costs to start over.
  • How long legal processes can take.
  • The emotional toll of uncertainty.
  • The resilience required to rebuild.
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We are collecting real stories to help the broader public better understand:

  • The barriers within our immigration system.
  • The human impact of policy decisions.
  • The complexity behind migration journeys.
  • The strength and contributions of immigrant families.
These stories will be shared publicly on our website and social media platforms to raise awareness and inform advocacy efforts. In some cases, with specific written permission, excerpts may also be used in fundraising communications to support programs that serve immigrant families.

Your Safety and Anonymity Matter

We take privacy seriously.

Here is how we protect contributors:

✔ We will not use real names
✔ We will not publish faces or photographs
✔ We will edit out identifying details such as specific locations, employers, timelines, or other markers that could put someone at risk
✔ We will remove any information that could compromise safety

All contributors will be required to sign a release form before publication.

We will make every effort to send a final edited version to the contributor for review and feedback prior to public release. While final approval is not a requirement for publication, we deeply value collaboration and will work in good faith to ensure the story is represented with dignity and care.

If someone later requests content to be withdrawn, we will evaluate those requests on a case-by-case basis and make every reasonable effort to respond responsibly.

Your safety is more important than any story.

How Stories Can Be Shared

We are currently accepting:

  • Written submissions

  • Audio recordings

You can choose the format that feels most comfortable for you.

You are encouraged to share only what feels safe.
There is no expectation to share details that put you at risk.

Audio Recordings

We collect audio stories through interview-style recordings.

Interviews may take place:

  • In person
  • Virtually (Zoom or similar platform)

To schedule a recording, please contact us by:

We will coordinate a time that works for you and review the process before recording begins.

You are always encouraged to share only what feels safe.

Written Submissions

You may submit your story in writing by mailing it to our office.

4838 Meadow Lark Ln
Columbia, MO 65201

Please be sure to include:

  • Your name
  • A phone number and/or email address
  • The best way to reach you

We require contact information so we can confirm your submission, clarify any details if needed, and send you a release form before publication.

If there are details you do not want shared publicly, please clearly note that in your letter.

What Happens After You Submit

  • Our team will review your submission.
  • We may lightly edit it to remove identifying details and improve clarity.
  • You may be contacted for clarification if needed.
  • You will be asked to sign a release form before publication.
  • We will publish the story anonymously as part of our advocacy efforts.

Important Notes

  • We are not asking for your immigration status.
  • Sharing a story does not create a legal relationship.
  • This is not legal advice or representation.
  • You should only share what feels safe for you and your family.

If at any point you feel uncertain, you are encouraged to pause and reconsider what you are comfortable sharing.

Courage should never come at the cost of safety.