Like many of you, I engage in my community on such a daily basis that I often take it for granted. I vote, attend local festivals, volunteer. But for many new Americans, it can be difficult to learn how to engage in their new community.
Here at LIRS, we strive to ensure that new Americans receive what we like to call the “long welcome,” that they are not only protected and have the necessities to survive, but also become participating community members.
To create greater community understanding and support for refugees, communities must hear and learn from refugees themselves. This Thursday, October 9, we are holding a webinar with Welcoming America entitled Fostering Refugee Engagement in Community Building Efforts. The webinar will focus on successful approaches ethnic based community organizations, community organizers, and refugee resettlement agencies are using to help refugees become civically engaged.
As Folabi Olagbaju, LIRS National Grassroots Director and host of the webinar says:
LIRS is committed to empowering migrants and refugees to play leadership roles in their communities and be strong advocates for issues affecting their communities. This webinar is another great opportunity to partner with Welcoming America in our collective work of defending refugee rights and ensuring the long welcome for migrants and refugees.
The webinar will last from 12 – 1 pm EST. Join and learn from refugees themselves, community organizers, and professionals on how to fully welcome and embrace new Americans. To register, click here.