TATANKA = Shelter, Security, Safety

Asylum Policy:

TATANKA is unable to provide direct asylum assistance, but as a TATANKA employee, we can provide Work Visa Sponsorship for individuals, however, not families:

TATANKA offers work visas for asylum seekers to join our team, providing a pathway to legal entry and potential permanent residency.

TATANKA helps identify specific job openings within TATANKA (e.g., musicians, production staff, administrators) that can be filled by asylum seekers.

TATANKA is compliant with all U.S. labor laws, regulations and processes for sponsoring work visas, but is unable to provide application support, legal guidance, or financial support of any kind. Considering our 24/7 Live Steaming “Reality” video feed, security cannot be ensured, so we ask all applicants to review all options before applying. Other options are shared below to share all relevant information but again, we applicants who might seek asylum to examine your options and proceed accordingly.

TATANKA: A Beacon of Hope through Arts and Community

TATANKA is an extended family of families. Our performers and staff might want their loved ones with them at our facility, where all co-habitate, accommodated with private residential suites, apartments, cabins, or individual homes, depending on the site selection. The benefits to individuals and their loved ones are obvious, but additionally will benefit the larger tribe, TATANKA, in our efforts to reach our goals. Aligned to those goals, the ability to provide shelter, safety and security to those who might need it, is an option for any performer or staff member.

TATANKA is a social impact initiative that harnesses the power of arts and community to provide support and safety to those fleeing conflict, persecution, and danger. Our mission is to create a safe haven for individuals from nations suffering from conflict. There is no partiality. There are no sides other than the collective one. #OneLove means unity, true harmony, which we do not just say we support; we model it by action and policy.

We illustrate conflict resolution and amity via our performances, recordings, to show by example that peace is a matter of will . In fact, once groups in conflict converge to collaborate with art creation and performance, as in our case, it is an ideal method to understand that we all share more in common, and much less in contrast. TATANKA creates a pragmatic approach to increase awareness and education of all stakeholders, ultimately our audiences.

At TATANKA, we believe in the transformative power of arts and creativity. Below are some concrete methods and plans to help provide asylum, leveraging TATANKA’s specific and unique strengths. Our initiatives include many approaches and opportunities, including the following ten:

• Artist Protection Programs
  TATANKA collaborates with organizations like IIE’s Artist Protection Fund (APF) or Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) to develop programs for artists fleeing conflict or persecution.
  • TATANKA offers resources (e.g., performance spaces, networking opportunities) to support protected artists.
  • TATANKA provides mentorship, legal assistance, and psycho-social support to program participants.
    
• Cultural Exchange Programs
  TATANKA develops programs for individuals from target countries to participate in performances, workshops, or residencies in the U.S.
  • TATANKA partners with U.S.-based cultural institutions to host exchange participants.
  • TATANKA offers language training, cultural orientation, and logistical support to participants.
    
    
• Humanitarian Parole
  TATANKA identifies cases where humanitarian parole is a viable option and collaborates with legal experts to navigate the parole process when a viable option (e.g., imminent danger, family reunification).
  • TATANKA collaborates with legal experts to navigate the parole process.
  • TATANKA provides support and resources for individuals granted parole.
    
    
• Community-Based Initiatives
  TATANKA establishes partnerships with local organizations, churches, and community groups to provide support services.
  • TATANKA leverages a network of volunteer hosts, mentors, and language partners for asylum seekers.
  • TATANKA offers workshops on cultural adaptation, job readiness, and legal rights.
    
    
• Advocacy and Policy Engagement
  TATANKA collaborates with advocacy groups (e.g., Amnesty International, Refugees International) and policymakers to raise awareness and push for policy changes.
  • TATANKA engages with policymakers to push for policy changes supporting TATANKA’s mission.
  • TATANKA organizes public events, campaigns, and petitions to mobilize support.
    
    
• Education and Training Programs
  TATANKA offers workshops, courses, or certification programs for asylum seekers to gain skills in creative industries.
  • TATANKA partners with educational institutions to offer scholarships or tuition assistance.
  • TATANKA provides mentorship, internships, and job placement support.
    
    
• Creative Entrepreneurship
  TATANKA provides business training, mentorship, and resources for asylum seekers to develop their creative projects.
  • TATANKA provides access to funding opportunities, incubators, or accelerators.
  • TATANKA facilitates networking opportunities with industry professionals.
    
    
• Partnerships with Resettlement Agencies
  TATANKA collaborates with agencies (e.g., International Rescue Committee, HIAS) to provide comprehensive support and services.
  • TATANKA offers resources (e.g., performance spaces, networking opportunities) to support resettlement efforts.
  • TATANKA develops joint programs and services to address specific needs.
    
    
• Research and Development
  TATANKA continuously monitors policy changes, global conflicts, and emerging needs to refine our strategies, programs, and partnerships to stay up-to-date.
  

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Shelter and Asylum Services

At TATANKA, we believe in the power of safe refuge and compassionate care for those fleeing persecution. Our mission is to offer a secure, welcoming environment for asylum seekers and refugees as they navigate their journey to safety and freedom in the United States.

We understand that both safety and discretion are paramount. In collaboration with trusted legal counsel and community networks, we ensure that all our operations adhere to U.S. laws while providing a protective space for those in need. Each case is handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the identities of the individuals we serve.

Security Measures: To safeguard both our staff and asylum seekers, we employ a robust security system, which includes:

• Confidential Locations: All shelter locations are kept private to protect against potential threats.
• Secure Communications: We use encrypted communication channels to ensure that the privacy of asylum seekers remains intact.
• Safety Partnerships: Our partnerships with local law enforcement, when appropriate, provide additional layers of security. We also work with security professionals to develop protective protocols for high-risk situations.

Support Networks: We have cultivated strong relationships with local faith-based organizations, legal service providers, and advocacy groups. These partnerships enable us to provide comprehensive care that includes housing, legal representation, trauma counseling, and community support. We collaborate closely with organizations dedicated to promoting safe and humane treatment of asylum seekers, ensuring that no one faces this journey alone.

Our Commitment: We are committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and privacy of all individuals in our care. As an organization, we believe in the right to seek asylum and pledge to continue offering a sanctuary where asylum seekers can rebuild their lives in peace.

If you are in need of shelter or know someone who does, please reach out to us securely through our encrypted contact form:

If the form does not display correctly, here is the direct link to the secure form: https://form.jotform.com/242357894553165

Share our story and opportunites within your network, to spread the word about TATANKA’s Mission of Shelter