World Refugee Day 2015

As we mark World Refugee Day on June 20, we invite you to join us in celebrating refugees’ courage in overcoming adversity and the many gifts they bring to our communities across the United States.

Refugee Community Advocacy Week: June 29- July 2
All Members of Congress will be in their states and local districts the week after World Refugee Day – June 29th – July 2nd.

This is a great opportunity to meet with them and their staff. Establishing close relationships with your Members of Congress is crucial to enacting policies that support successful refugee resettlement, and can make the difference in votes regarding refugee funding or specific bills that impact refugees. At these meetings, resettlement staff and clients can discuss the challenges and triumphs that new arrivals face, and how important it is for those who have fled violence and persecution to find a safe home.

For resources on how to carry out these advocacy action items and more advocacy ideas and tips, check out these resources:

Refugee Council USA 2015 Advocacy Toolkit

Church World Service: Refugee Resources

Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Services: Refugee Sunday Resources

Episcopal Church: Refugee Resources

US Conference of Catholic Bishops: Prayer for Migrant Families

USCCB: Migrant and Refugee Children Resource

USCCB: A Prayer for Migrant Children