rapid response webinar on #refugeeswelcome
TRANSCRIPT
T H E D O M E S T I C A N D F O R E I G N M I S S I O N A R Y S O C I E T Y
SYRIAN REFUGEESRapid Response Webinar
Churchwide Webinar
November 23, 2015
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
H o u s e k e e p i n g
• Webinar being recorded, will be posted to www.vimeo.com/EMMRefugees
• Mute• Live tweeting - via @EMMRefugees, @TheEPPN
• #RefugeesWelcome• Use question function to submit questions; introduce yourself.
Submit throughout webinar; we will answer at the end. If needed, post-webinar follow-up.
• Technical issues? Use questions pane to contact Marc Mousky.
Lacy Broemel is the Manager for Communications and Operations in the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations. Lacy was born in Nashville, TN and received a degree in history and women’s studies from Sewanee. In her role in the Office of Government Relations, Lacy works most closely with the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians dedicated to justice and peace.
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
I n t r o d u c t i o n s
Allison Duvall serves as the Manager for Church Relations and Engagement for Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement service of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. She is responsible for supporting the community engagement programs of 30 local resettlement partners, as well as equipping Episcopalians across the country to engage in this ministry of welcome. She resides in the Diocese of Lexington (Kentucky) with her husband, Clay.
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
I n t r o d u c t i o n s
Wendy Johnson is the Communications Manager for Episcopal Migration Ministries, the refugee resettlement service of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. She is responsible for maintaining the online presence for Episcopal Migration Ministries and for supporting their network of 30 local resettlement partners. She has a background in nonprofit strategic communications and has worked in a variety of capacities within The Episcopal Church for more than 15 years. She has a Master’s degree in political science from The Ohio State University.
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
I n t r o d u c t i o n s
Marc Mousky is a Post-Arrival Program Associate for Episcopal Migration Ministries. He serves as one of the primary points of contact for EMM’s network of local resettlement partners for all post-arrival programs. Born and raised in New York City, his background is in international development and humanitarian assistance. He has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from The New School.
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
I n t r o d u c t i o n s
Deborah Stein is the Director of Episcopal Migration Ministries. Ms. Stein has over 20 years of professional experience working with refugees both domestically and internationally, and has been with EMM since 2000. Her career in refugee resettlement began in Tucson, Arizona where she worked for the local programs of the International Rescue Committee, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Church World Service and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and includes posts at overseas processing entities in Zagreb, Croatia and Skopje, Macedonia. She has also lived and worked in Russia teaching English at the Barnaul State Pedagogical University in the Altai. Ms. Stein holds a B.A. in History and Russian Area Studies from Northern Arizona University.
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
I n t r o d u c t i o n s
Sandra Squires is currently serving as the United Thank Offering Board President. She is from the Diocese of Nebraska where she is a retired professor from the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has served her diocese and province in the areas of youth work, women’s ministries, Daughters of the King, and has led a total of nine ministry trips in Nebraska, the United States, and Central America.
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
I n t r o d u c t i o n s
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
C o l l a b o r a t i v e P a r t n e r s h i p s
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
C o l l a b o r a t i v e P a r t n e r s h i p s
1. A Cultural Turning Point: Our Call to Action 2. Orientation – Global Refugee Situation
a. Definitions: refugee, asylum-seeker, migrant, IDP3. Syrian Refugee Crisis
a. Refugee Situation in the Middle East and Europeb. Why are refugee resettled?
4. United States Refugee Admissions Programa. Pre-Arrival: Multi-Agency Security Screening & Clearance
Processb. Post-Arrival: Services, Integration, Welcoming Our New
American Neighbors5. Episcopal Migration Ministries
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
A g e n d a a t a G l a n c e
6. How Can You Help? Advocacy• State of Play• Why Advocate? • How to Take Action
7. How Can You Help? Mission and Service • Supporting Local Agencies
8. How Can You Help? Give9. Remarks from EMM Director, Deborah Stein10. Q&A11. Resources
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
A g e n d a a t a G l a n c e
A Cultural Turning Point: Our Call to Action
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
A C u l t u r a l T u r n i n g P o i n t : O u r C a l l t o A c t i o n
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
D e f i n i t i o n s
Who is a refugee?
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
D e f i n i t i o n s
“Refugee” is a legal term used to define an individual who:
“...owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.”
Syrian Refugee Crisis:Situation in Middle East and Europe
Why are refugees resettled?
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
O r i e n t a t i o n
United States Refugee Admissions Program:
Pre-Arrival: Multi-Agency Security Screening & Clearances
Post-Arrival: Services, Integration, Welcoming Our New American Neighbors
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
O r i e n t a t i o n
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
U n i t e d S t a t e s R e f u g e e A d m i s s i o n s P r o g r a m
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l M i g r a t i o n M i n i s t r i e s
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l M i g r a t i o n M i n i s t r i e s
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l M i g r a t i o n M i n i s t r i e s
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l M i g r a t i o n M i n i s t r i e s
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l M i g r a t i o n M i n i s t r i e s
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l M i g r a t i o n M i n i s t r i e s
“Mission & Advocacy to Support Refugees”
• On-demand video• Audio• Slides• Follow-up resources
….all in your follow-up email, at the conclusion of tonight’s webinar.
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
H o w C a n Yo u H e l p ?
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,“Whom shall I send; and who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I; send me.”Isaiah 6:8
Photo: Wendy Johnson
How Can You Help?Advocacy
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
H o w C a n Yo u H e l p ?
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h ’ s M i n i s t r y o f A d v o c a c y
How can we help refugees? Join the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN)!
advocacy.episcopalchurch.org
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
C u r r e n t S t a t e o f P l a y
States where governors have expressed opposition and support to Syrian refugees. (as of 11/18)
Harmful legislation is being proposed in Congress. Your voice of compassion is needed.
H.R. 4038 - American SAFE Act of 2015(Rep. McCaul, R-TX, and Rep. Hudson, R-NC)
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
C u r r e n t S t a t e o f P l a y
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h ’ s M i n i s t r y o f A d v o c a c y
Answering the Call: Taking Action
As people of faith who are called to welcome the stranger, we must raise our voices in support of this long-standing and successful
refugee resettlement program. Now is a critical time for elected officials to hear from their
constituents that they support the life-giving ministry of refugee resettlement and, in particular, support Syrian refugees fleeing
unimaginable terror and persecution.
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h ’ s M i n i s t r y o f A d v o c a c y
You can take action right now by writing, calling, tweeting, and more!
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h ’ s M i n i s t r y o f A d v o c a c y
Tweet your opinion#RefugeesWelcome#AmericaWelcomes
Call your elected officials: Sample script: “I’m a constituent from [City] and I support the resettlement of Syrian refugees. I urge the Senator / Representative / Governor to represent me and other constituents who seek to welcome Syrian refugees. As an Episcopalian, my faith calls me to welcome the stranger. I am proud to live and work alongside refugees in my community every day.”
Find all avenues for advocacy at: http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/RefugeeAdvocacy
You can take action right now by writing, calling, tweeting, and more!
How Can You Help?Advocacy
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
H o w C a n Yo u H e l p ?
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
C u r r e n t S t a t e o f P l a y
States where governors have expressed opposition and support to Syrian refugees. (as of 11/18)
Orange = opposedGreen = supporting
Harmful legislation has passed in the House of Representatives. Your voice of compassion is needed as it moves to the Senate next week.
H.R. 4038 - American SAFE Act of 2015(Rep. McCaul, R-TX, and Rep. Hudson, R-NC)
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
C u r r e n t S t a t e o f P l a y
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h ’ s M i n i s t r y o f A d v o c a c y
You can take action right now by writing, calling, tweeting, and more!
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h ’ s M i n i s t r y o f A d v o c a c y
Calls are needed to your elected officials as decisions are being made that will impact the lives of refugees.
Find the number to dial to reach your members of Congress and your governor on our website.
Sample script: “I’m a constituent from [City] and I support the resettlement of Syrian refugees. I urge the Senator / Representative / Governor to represent me and other constituents who seek to welcome Syrian refugees. As an Episcopalian, my faith calls me to welcome the stranger. I am proud to live and work alongside refugees in my community every day.”
Find all avenues for advocacy at: http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/RefugeeAdvocacy
Call Your Elected Official
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h ’ s M i n i s t r y o f A d v o c a c y
Tweet#RefugeesWelcome#AmericaWelcomes
Follow@TheEPPN@EMMRefugees
Find all avenues for advocacy at: http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/RefugeeAdvocacy
Get Online
How Can You Help?Learn, Give, Speak Out in Support
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
H o w C a n Yo u H e l p ?
• Learn• “Mission and Advocacy to Support Refugees” tools• “How You Can Help,” “Backgrounder,” “Prayers of the People” • By special request: email Allison Duvall for resources for congregations –
[email protected] • Give
• Time – volunteer at local office• Talent – discern individual and collective gifts and resources you can bring
to the life-saving ministry of resettlement• Treasure – give to your local resettlement office; stay tuned.
• Speak Out, Step Up, Support• Host a public ritual/event – peace rally, “Welcome Our Neighbor” event,
prayer vigil; focus on ecumenical and interfaith partnerships • Advocacy• Letters to the Editor, blog posts, social media; find allies and stand with
them• Support local resettlement – even by simple gifts of kindness and
statements of support
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
H o w C a n Yo u H e l p ?
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
H o w C a n Yo u H e l p ?
Submit checks to:United Thank OfferingDFMS – Protestant Episcopal ChurchP.O. Box 958983St. Louis, MO 63195-8983Check notation: UTO-EMM
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
U n i t e d T h a n k O f f e r i n g C h a l l e n g e G r a n t
Submit checks to:United Thank OfferingThe Episcopal Church 815 Second AvenueNew York City, New York 10017Check notation: UTO-EMM
Online giving: https://episcopalchurch.thankyou4caring.org
Or donate by mailing a check to one of the addresses below:
United Thank Offering Special Challenge
Submit checks to:United Thank OfferingDFMS – Protestant Episcopal ChurchP.O. Box 958983St. Louis, MO 63195-8983Check notation: UTO-EMM
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
U n i t e d T h a n k O f f e r i n g C h a l l e n g e G r a n t
Submit checks to:United Thank OfferingThe Episcopal Church 815 Second AvenueNew York City, New York 11710Check notation: UTO-EMM
Online giving: https://episcopalchurch.thankyou4caring.org
Or donate by mailing a check to one of the addresses below:
United Thank Offering Special Challenge
Make sure to write in the comments section – “EMM-UTO Challenge”
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
C o n c l u d i n g T h o u g h t s
Photo: Wendy Johnson
Concluding Thoughts
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
Q u e s t i o n s & R e s p o n s e
Post your questions in the chat box
or #RefugeesWelcome
Photo: Wendy Johnson
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
R e s o u r c e s
Advocacy• Episcopal Public Policy Network• RCUSA Toolkit • USCRI Security Screening Fact Sheet
October 15 webinar, “Mission & Advocacy to Support Refugees”• On-Demand Video• Prayers of the People for Refugees• How You Can Help • Background on Refugee Crisis
Resources for Congregations, Available by Request• Gifts Discernment Activity• Best Practices for Congregations Engaging in Ministry of Welcome• Checklist for Congregations
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
F o l l o w - U p
Lacy BroemelManager for Communications and [email protected], (202) 547-7300
Allison DuvallManager for Church Relations & [email protected], (212) 716-6027
Wendy JohnsonManager for [email protected], (212) 716-6143
S Y R I A N R E F U G E E S : R a p i d R e s p o n s e W e b i n a r
F o l l o w - U p
www.episcopalchurch.org
Episcopal Migration Ministries www.episcopalchurch.org/emm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EMMRefugeesTwitter: @EMMRefugees
Video: www.vimeo.com/EMMRefugees
Episcopal Public Policy Network www.advocacy.episcopalchurch.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheEPPNTwitter: @TheEPPN