1. What is Ambassadors of Dignity (AOD)?
AOD is a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to building bridges of compassion, understanding, and mutual respect with our immigrant neighbors. We equip individuals and churches to listen, serve, and advocate alongside immigrants in practical, relational, and hope-filled ways.

2. Are you a political organization?
No. AOD is a nonpartisan, faith-based organization. We are rooted in a biblical call to love our immigrant neighbors, especially the marginalized, regardless of immigration status or political context.

3. Is AOD a registered nonprofit?
Yes. Ambassadors of Dignity Inc. is a registered nonprofit in Kansas and is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our EIN is 33-3469071.

4. What kinds of support do you provide to immigrants?
We offer both immediate aid (like filling out immigration forms) and long-term relational support (like partnering with schools that serve immigrant families). See the Donate page for a scrolling list of financial needs met and the Looking Ahead page for a list of ways we serve the immigrant community.

5. How can I get involved as a volunteer?
There are many ways to serve—from reading with students at local schools, to helping host immigrant families, to joining a prayer or advocacy team. See the Get Involved page, the Volunteer page and the Ortiz Opportunities to learn more about volunteer opportunities.   

6. Can I donate to support your work?
Absolutely. We offer multiple giving options, including one-time or recurring donations by credit card, debit card, or check. We also accept stock gifts and qualified charitable contributions (QCDs). You can give securely through our Donate page. 

7. Do you have a Statement of Faith?
Yes. Ambassadors of Dignity affirms the historic Christian faith as expressed in the Statement of Faith as adopted by the National Association of Evangelicals. This statement grounds our work in the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus Christ.

8. Do you only work with Christian immigrants?
No. While our mission is rooted in the love of Christ, we joyfully welcome and serve immigrants of all faiths—or no faith at all. Every person we encounter is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, regardless of their religious background.

9. How do you protect the privacy of immigrants you serve or feature in stories?
We are committed to ethical storytelling. All stories are published with informed consent, and names or identifying details are changed unless the contributor specifically requests otherwise. We also follow strict data privacy practices.

10. How did AOD get started?
Our journey began with a series of personal encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border and in a local school in Wichita, Kansas. You can read more about our founding experiences and calling on the Our Story page.

11. Do I have to be a Christian to volunteer with AOD?
No. While Ambassadors of Dignity is a faith-based organization rooted in the teachings of Jesus, we welcome volunteers from all faith backgrounds—or none at all—who share our commitment to honoring the dignity of every person. We believe that compassion, justice, and neighborly love transcend religious boundaries, and we are grateful for anyone who wants to walk alongside immigrant communities in practical and respectful ways.

12. What does it mean to be an “ambassador of dignity”?
An ambassador of dignity is someone who chooses to stand with our immigrant neighbors—listening, serving, and advocating in ways that reflect the love of Christ and affirm the God-given value of every person. It’s about presence, compassion, justice and mutual flourishing.

13. Can my church or organization partner with AOD?
Absolutely. We love partnering with churches, schools, and like-minded organizations to support immigrant families and cultivate welcoming communities. Visit the Get Involved page for ideas of our needs and the Contact Us page to explore partnership opportunities.

14. How do you decide which immigrants and immigrant families to help?
We prioritize relationships. Most of the families we assist come through trusted referrals—schools, churches, nonprofits, and local leaders who know the families personally. We focus on listening to real needs and walking alongside in ways that foster long-term hope.

15. Do you offer legal services or immigration advice?
AOD is not a legal service provider. However, we partner with licensed immigration attorneys and accredited nonprofit organizations to help individuals access trustworthy legal guidance.

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16. What kinds of stories do you collect and share?
We share Immigrant Stories, Ambassador Stories, and Transformation Stories that inspire empathy and reveal the beauty and complexity of the immigrant experience. We follow ethical storytelling practices, always prioritizing the safety, consent, and dignity of the people we feature. These stories will be coming soon to the website. 

17. Do you offer resources to help churches engage with immigration?
Yes. Our website will (coming soon) offer many ways to better understand and engage with issues surrounding immigration. We aim to equip churches to respond biblically and compassionately to immigration in today’s world. Also, we are developing a two-day workshop on "Building Bridges versus Erecting Barriers." 

18. How can I stay updated on AOD’s work?
You can subscribe to our newsletter and check our blog (coming soon) for the latest updates, stories, and reflections. We post upcoming events and opportunities on the Get Involved page.

19. How do you use donations?
We work hard to keep overhead costs low so that the vast majority of every donation directly supports immigrant families. Your gifts help meet urgent needs, pay for immigration forms, create resources, build partnerships, pay for paralegal services, and equip volunteers—all with a focus on walking alongside our immigrant neighbors. We are committed to financial transparency and faithful stewardship.

20. Do you take sides on political issues?
No. Ambassadors of Dignity does not align with any political party or platform. While immigration is often politicized, we see it first and foremost as a human and spiritual concern. Our focus is not on winning arguments but on cultivating open hearts—hearts that reflect the love of Jesus, seek justice, and honor the God-given dignity of every person. We believe that lasting change begins with compassion, not partisanship.

21. Does AOD support open borders?
No. Ambassadors of Dignity does not advocate for open borders. We believe that nations have the right and responsibility to maintain secure and orderly immigration systems. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that these systems are humane, just, and reflect the dignity of every person. Our focus is not on border policy debates, but on cultivating open hearts—welcoming the stranger, serving those in need, and building bridges of compassion in our communities. See Our DNA page for more information. 

22. Does AOD advocate for immigrants?
Yes. Ambassadors of Dignity exists to stand with our immigrant neighbors—supporting them in both practical and relational ways. Advocacy is part of that calling. We speak up for policies and practices that reflect compassion, fairness, and dignity, especially when immigrants face injustice or unnecessary hardship. Our advocacy is grounded in Scripture and shaped by our commitment to open hearts, not political agendas. We also encourage individuals and churches to engage with their elected representatives—sharing their convictions, asking questions, and helping shape a more just and welcoming society.
 

We believe that for evangelical Christians, our approach to immigrants and immigration policy should be guided first and foremost by the Bible. The Evangelical Immigration Table offers a powerful video series titled Thinking Biblically about Immigrants and Immigration Reform, which explores how six key biblical principles can inform our understanding and advocacy. We invite you to watch and share the videos.

23. Does AOD prioritize restorative justice over respect for the rule of law?
We believe true justice includes both accountability and compassion. While we emphasize restorative justice—which seeks healing, dignity, and relationship—we also recognize the importance of lawful order in society. Governments are tasked with upholding the rule of law, but the Church has a different and distinct mission: to extend grace, seek reconciliation, and walk with the vulnerable. These roles are not at odds, but they are different. We advocate for immigration systems that are both just and humane, while focusing our efforts on cultivating open hearts and reflecting Christ’s love to those who are often overlooked or misunderstood. See Our DNA page for more information. 

24. How can I help if I’m not sure where I stand politically or theologically?
You don’t need all the answers to start. AOD invites people into a journey—of learning, listening, and loving. Whether you start by reading, praying, giving, or simply volunteering at a school event, there’s space for you to grow and engage at your own pace.

25. Why does AOD focus on partnering with urban public schools and in particular ones that serve large immigrant populations?
Urban public schools that serve a high number of immigrant families are often on the front lines of both opportunity and struggle in the immigrant community. These schools face significant challenges—limited resources, language barriers, and high levels of student need—but they are also places of resilience, diversity, and untapped potential. By coming alongside these schools, we build trust in the community, affirm the dignity of students and their families, and invest in long-term transformation. It’s one of the most strategic ways to support our immigrant neighbors—not just by meeting immediate needs, but by planting seeds of hope for the next generation. It's a mission that aims for mutual transformation and flourishing. 

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