On Saturday, Natalie Winters on Substack posted an article about a program in Boston that is training illegal aliens to be community organizers and paying them if they complete the training. What could possibly go wrong?
The article reports:
Boston is offering immigrants—including people in the country illegally—$575 to complete a city-sponsored course in community organizing and advocacy.
The eligibility language on Boston’s own website is explicit:
“Interested applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their immigration status.”
Run through Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office for Immigrant Advancement, Immigrants Lead Boston teaches participants how to organize their communities, engage government officials and advocate for change. Its fall 2026 course runs from September 21 through December 5.
Boston calls the $575 completion payment a scholarship to make participation more accessible.
Participants must attend the sessions and complete outside civic activities. The city also promises introductions to key officials.
The published rules establish that undocumented immigrants can apply. They do not disclose how many have received payments.
The article notes:
In 2023, the city partnered with re:power to develop a “train the trainer” curriculum for 13 graduates. Alumni received additional instruction in organizing, meeting facilitation, public speaking and conflict management so they could train other immigrant leaders in additional languages.
Re:power, formerly Wellstone Action, describes its work as training and strategic support for the progressive movement. Its broader programs include developing political power through civic engagement and training elected officials.
One of its stated political principles is unmistakable:
“We must contest for power at all levels of government.”
Boston’s alumni page gives concrete examples of the advocacy participants wanted to pursue. Viera Andrea Ilse described helping neighbors obtain driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. Adelaida Carbajal Rosales wanted to expand her work with City Life and organizations campaigning for rent control.
Those statements describe participants’ plans, rather than verified paid assignments. The re:power partnership also concerned the earlier alumni course; Boston names a different partner for 2026.
I can’t image what Massachusetts will look like in five years. According to AI, in the 12 months ending July 1, 2025, the state lost over 33,000 residents to other states, contributing to a total loss of approximately 182,000 residents since 2020. I left in 2013. I was slightly ahead of the curve!