Toolkit for Local Congressional Visits: Building Champions for Refugee Protection

& Resettlement

Table of Contents

The Need to Meet with Members of Congress ............................................1 Refugee Community Advocacy Week: June 27 - July 1.........………………2 Legislation that Would Impact Refugees......................................................3 Action Alert: Call Congress...........................................................................4 Sample Letter to Send your Members of Congress......................................5 Sample Invite to Policy Makers to Your World Refugee Day Event……......6 Change the Dialogue & Push for Change through Social Media..……..…...7 Civic Engagement: A Critical Part to Integration...........................................9 Appendix A: Sample World Refugee Day Advocacy Flyer…………....……12 Appendix B: Contact Information for Advocacy Staff..................................13

1

The Need to Meet with Members of Congress

Global Context & The Need for Advocacy 60 million people are displaced globally, the highest numbers since World War II. The Syrian conflict alone has left nearly 8 million Syrians internally displaced and caused nearly 5 million Syrian refugees to seek safety in the region and in Europe. While resettlement is not the solution to global conflicts, it is one of the most visible demonstrations of commitment to addressing this refugee crisis. It also shows clear support to Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and other countries that are hosting large numbers of refugees. Unfortunately, many policymakers do not understand the need for refugee protection, how the resettlement process works, or the contributions refugees bring to our communities. Congress is currently considering funding for Fiscal Year 2017, so now is a perfect time to share information about the refugee crisis and let your Senators and Representatives know that you care about displaced people overseas and refugees resettled in the United States.

Increased Funds Are Needed to Protect Refugees Internationally and Resettle Refugees in the U.S. President Obama announced that the United States will resettle 85,000 refugees from around the world in Fiscal Year 2016 and plans to resettle 100,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2017. While an improvement from the 70,000 refugees resettled in Fiscal Year 2015, this is proportionally a very small increase in the context of global need. We continue to call for the United States to do more in Fiscal Year 2017 by resettling more than 100,000 refugees. It is critical that even this relatively small increase in refugee admissions is accompanied by both increased international assistance and robust funds to ensure local communities in the U.S. have the resources they need to help welcome refugees and foster self-sufficiency and integration. The Office of Refugee Resettlement has been drastically underfunded for years, and an infusion of resources is needed to meet both the increase in refugee admissions and the need for all refugees to be adequately welcomed and provided the opportunity to succeed in their new communities.

Anti-Refugee Sentiment Utilizing anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric, individuals who oppose refugee resettlement are making their voices heard the loudest and most frequently to policymakers. Groups like Refugee Resettlement Watch are calling for an end to resettlement altogether, moratoriums on arrivals, and are fostering hostile atmospheres for newcomers. Some governors have opposed resettlement to their states and various state legislatures have proposed legislation that would enact harmful policies. It is critical that policy makers learn about the importance of resettlement from refugees themselves and supportive community members. We want policy makers to both support positive legislation and oppose proposals that would harm refugees or otherwise undo our strong heritage of providing welcome.

Positive Reforms to Help Refugees and Communities There are positive pieces of legislation that have been introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that would improve the U.S. refugee resettlement program. These bills, detailed on page 3 of this toolkit, would help refugees reunite with family members, better integrate into their communities, and succeed in their new lives. Many of these bills have had bipartisan support but can only pass if more Members of Congress are knowledgeable about resettlement and held accountable by constituents calling for change.

The Power of Advocacy Your story as a refugee, staff member, or supporter of refugee resettlement is your most important qualification as an advocate! Talk about the way your community welcomes refugees, the reasons refugees need more assistance, and the many and varied positive contributions refugees make to your community. Each resettlement office represents thousands of refugees, staff, and supportive community members who are constituents of Members of Congress who regularly make policy decisions that impact refugees. When policy makers know that their constituents care about refugees, they will increasingly vote for increased funding for refugee protection and resettlement, as well as productive policies that help refugees.

2

Refugee Community Advocacy Week: June 27- July 1 Most Members of Congress will be in their states and local offices the week after World Refugee Day—June 27-July 1. Calendars of in-district time can be found at majorityleader.gov/Calendar and www.senate.gov/legislative/resources/pdf/2016_calendar.pdf. These are great opportunities to meet with them and/or their staff. Establishing close relationships with your Members of Congress is crucial to enacting policies that support successful refugee resettlement, and can make the pivotal 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. Because the process of change takes time, advocacy visits should be viewed as part of a continuing process of gathering information, building relationships, and developing advocacy strategies. Schedules tend to fill up very quickly for these recess periods, so reach out as soon as possible. Steps to Prepare and Organize Your Meeting: 1. Create an advocacy team: An ideal team consists of different stakeholder voices such as refugees, case workers, faith leaders, business leaders, and community leaders who can all share in the planning, outreach, and coordination of advocacy actions and speak to the diversity of support for refugee resettlement. Convene in advance to discuss current relationships with policy makers, goals and ideas, and to plan the agenda for a successful meeting. 2. Learn about your Members of Congress: Are your Members of Congress on the Senate or House Appropriations Committees; Senate or House Judiciary Committees; Senate or House Homeland Security Committees; or Senate or House Foreign Relations Committees? If so, they have jurisdiction over various aspects of the refugee program. Even if they don't sit on these committees, their vote is still very important, and they can still be a champion for refugees by supporting positive legislation and speaking out in support of refugee protection and resettlement. 3. Have a plan: Before you enter an advocacy visit, meet with your group beforehand to assign roles:

The Facilitator will kick off the meeting by introducing your group, explaining the purpose for the meeting, and providing time for each person attending to briefly introduce themselves. Make sure each participant introduces the organization they represent or their connection to refugee issues. The facilitator will also jump in if the meeting goes off-track and redirect the conversation.

The Personal Story is key to every meeting. Someone should be present who is either a refugee him/herself or has worked closely with and been impacted by refugees. Telling this story will show how peoples’ lives and communities are enriched through refugee resettlement.

Specific Issue Points - It will be helpful to bring handouts on refugees, the U.S. resettlement program, and security checks to the meeting. One person can cover an overview of the program, another can cover security checks, positive legislation, etc.

The Ask is the critical part when you ask “Will you be a champion for refugees’ protection and resettlement? Will you help guard against anti-refugee proposals?” Will you support current pro-refugee legislation and increases in funding for refugee assistance abroad & resettlement in the U.S.? Will you oppose harmful legislation for refugees? Listen carefully and ask for clarification if their response is vague.

Suggested Leave-Behind Documents It will be helpful to bring the handouts found at www.rcusa.org/wrd2016 and www.interfaithimmigration.org. Contact your advocacy staff (see last page) for other materials.

3

4. Debrief: It’s important to debrief after the meeting. As a group, ask: what did we hear? Did we get what we wanted? How did we work together as a team? What are the next steps? Share your reflections with your organization's advocacy staff (see last page). 5. Follow-up: Make sure to send a thank you email to the staff after the meeting with any information they asked for and any other relevant information you think would be helpful. Inviting the staff and/or Member to an upcoming event to meet with refugees is an excellent next step!

Legislation that Would Impact Refugees

Support Pro-Refugee Legislation We urge you to co-sponsor legislation that would improve the refugee resettlement program: The Domestic Refugee Resettlement Reform and Modernization Act (H.R.2839 and S.1615) is a bipartisan bill that is zero cost and would improve the lives of refugees and the communities that welcome them. The bill would elevate the Office of Refugee Resettlement within HHS to improve stability and coordination; require an annual report on secondary migration and its impact on states; and improve data collection on the needs of refugees and their integration successes. Another bill, the Strengthening Refugee Resettlement Act (H.R.2798) would provide refugees with green cards upon arrival and increase resources for refugees, including Matching Grant slots. The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act (H.R.4646 and S.2540) would require the federal government to appoint counsel to unaccompanied children and other vulnerable individuals, such as those who are victims of abuse, torture, or violence. It would also ensure that the Department of Homeland Security makes legal orientation programs available at all detention centers, so that people know their rights and responsibilities under immigration law.

Increase Funding for Refugee Assistance Abroad & Resettlement in the U.S. The Refugee and Entrant Assistance (REA) account in the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) appropriations bill funds the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which helps states and local communities welcome and support refugees and other vulnerable migrants on their path to self-sufficiency and integration. In order to adequately serve refugees, asylees, SIV recipients, unaccompanied children, victims of torture and trafficking, and all of the populations within its mandate, we urge Congress to appropriate $2.95 billion for ORR in FY 2017. The Migration and Refugee Assistance (MRA) account in the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill funds the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), which provides overseas assistance to displaced refugees, supports refugee admissions, and funds lifesaving services in humanitarian emergencies. The crisis in Syria continues to escalate dramatically, adding strain to a program already addressing serious humanitarian needs in Iraq, Afghanistan, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. We urge Congress to fund the MRA account at $3.6 billion in FY 2017 to ensure that the U.S. can continue to serve currently displaced populations while responding to numerous emerging humanitarian crises.

4

Call Congress: Urge Them to Help & Welcome Refugees Background: As we grapple with increasingly heartbreaking reports of Syrian refugees seeking safety in the region and in Europe, representing only a fraction of the over 60 million people displaced worldwide, it is clear that the United States must respond with leadership. President Obama announced that the United States will resettle 85,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2016 and plans to resettle 100,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2017. It is critical that these and any other increases in refugee admissions are met with increased international assistance and robust funds to ensure local communities have the resources they need to help refugees integrate as they rebuild their lives. Congress is considering several pieces of legislation and funding decisions that would impact refugees, so now is a perfect time to let your Senators and Representatives know that you care about refugees. It is time for the United States to act with historic leadership and compassion and stand with those seeking safety and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Call your Senators and Representative: 1-866-940-2439 Urge them to welcome refugees, oppose anti-refugee legislation, and support increased funding for refugee protection and resettlement. (Remember to call 3 times to be connected with your Representative and

two Senators.)

Here’s a sample of what to say: “I’m a constituent from [City/State] and I urge the Senator / Representative to welcome refugees, oppose anti-refugee legislation, and support increased funding for refugee assistance, processing, and resettlement. The U.S. must demonstrate leadership during this global refugee crisis. Our communities are ready to welcome refugees.”

Tweet your Members of Congress and your network: .@Senator / Representative show that #AmericaWelcomes and support refugee resettlement! Our communities are ready to welcome. #RefugeesWelcome

Spread the word: Go to www.rcusa.org for helpful resources, “like” Refugee Council USA on Facebook, and follow @RCUSA_DC on Twitter for up-to-date alerts.

Below is additional information about refugee resettlement that might be helpful:

Refugees have fled their country because of a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, and/or political opinion.

Refugee resettlement is a last resort, considered only for the most vulnerable who cannot return home or safely integrate in a nearby country. Less than 1% of refugees are resettled.

The U.S. is a global leader in refugee protection and resettlement, which is critical to encouraging other countries to keep their doors open to refugees fleeing persecution.

Refugees are the most thoroughly vetted people in the U.S., undergoing rigorous screenings by the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Department of Defense, Department of State, and National Counterterrorism Center, including biometric checks, forensic document testing, medical screenings, and in-person interviews by highly trained DHS officers.

Refugees resettled in the U.S. successfully support their families, pay taxes, and contribute to their new communities. They work in industries ranging from hospitality, food service, teaching, engineering, nursing and medicine, and many start their own businesses. Albert Einstein and Sergey Brin, the founder of Google, are former refugees whose accomplishments demonstrate what the U.S. has to gain from welcoming refugees.

5

Sample Letter to Send to Your Members of Congress

[Date] The Honorable [Senator/Representative] (find this information at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov) [room number] [name of congressional office building] Washington, DC [20510/20515] Dear [Senator/Representative] [last name]: As your constituent, I urge you to support increased funding for refugee protection internationally and refugee resettlement in the United States. Sixty million people are displaced globally, the highest number since World War II. The Syrian conflict alone has left nearly 8 million Syrians internally displaced and nearly 5 million Syrian refugees seeking safety in the region and in Europe. As Congress works on federal spending bills for Fiscal Year 2017, it is critical that the United States demonstrate leadership by increasing international humanitarian assistance and ensuring that refugees resettled in the United States receive the welcome they need to thrive in their new communities. Refugees are of special humanitarian concern to the United States and are a testament to our nation’s long, proud history as a beacon of hope. To be admitted to the United States, refugees must demonstrate that they have a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, and must undergo rigorous security screenings, including biometric checks and interviews with specialized and well-trained Department of Homeland Security officers. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is a private/public partnership that is integral to U.S. foreign policy and national security. [Local agency name] helps refugees who have been resettled in [state] by providing them with the tools of self-reliance: housing, job placement and employment skills, English-language classes, and community orientation. Refugees are resilient, hard workers whose innovative skills have contributed greatly to our state. [Describe positive impacts refugees have on your community—can include examples of refugees creating jobs, starting businesses, opening restaurants, bringing cultural diversity, buying homes, paying taxes, etc.] President Obama announced that the United States will resettle 85,000 refugees from around the world in Fiscal Year 2016 and plans to resettle 100,000 refugees in Fiscal Year 2017. It is critical that these increases in refugee admissions are met with robust funds to ensure refugees and the communities that welcome them have the resources they need to foster self-sufficiency and set refugees on track to thrive. Private resources and volunteer support have expanded dramatically in recent months, but the government must also do its part. I urge you to stand with our community as we welcome refugees by increasing funds for the following accounts: Labor / Health and Human Services: Refugee and Entrant Assistance: $2.95 billion to ensure local communities have the resources to help refugees integrate and thrive as they rebuild their lives. State Department / Foreign Operations: Migration and Refugee Assistance: $3.6 billion to assist refugees abroad, and process and provide initial integration assistance to refugees resettled in the U.S. As an integral part of U.S. foreign policy that is rooted in communities, I urge you to reject anti-refugee legislation, support and co-sponsor legislation that would strengthen the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and better protect and serve refugees, and support increased funding for these accounts. I also encourage you to meet with refugees next time you are in your home office. Thank you for your public service, and please contact me if you have any questions. With Appreciation, [your name] [title, affiliation] [contact information]

6

Sample Invite to Policy Makers to Your World Refugee Day Event [Date] The Honorable [full name of Policy Maker] [Address] Dear Senator/Representative [last name]: I write to invite you to a celebration of World Refugee Day— [name of the event]. Our celebration of refugees will take place [date, time, location]. World Refugee Day, observed June 20 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. We want to invite you to celebrate the contributions of refugees in [city] with us. [Describe the event]. Every year, the United States welcomes refugees who are fleeing persecution due to their ethnicity, nationality, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. They cannot return to their home country and do not enjoy basic rights in the country where they initially sought refuge. Our organization, [agency name], helps refugees who are resettled in [state] integrate quickly into our community by providing them with the tools of self-reliance: housing, job placement and employment skills, clothing, medical attention, education, English-language classes, and community orientation. Our office in [city/state] has helped resettle [X number of] refugees in the past year alone. Since the office opened in [date], over [X number of] refugees from [X number of] countries have embarked on a path to reach their full potential and enjoy safety, security, and a second chance in life. The USRAP was established by an Act of Congress in 1980 and is an integral part of U.S. foreign policy that is rooted in communities. The program is a highly successful example of a public-private partnership, where federal assistance is augmented by funds raised by communities across the country. Refugees have opened businesses, revitalized towns, and become productive members of communities that welcomed them. Many become American citizens and see their children graduate from U.S. schools. We would be honored for you to attend our event to celebrate and share time with refugees resettled in our community, including many who are now U.S. citizens. Refugees are a testament to the United States’ long, proud history as a sanctuary for those who seek lives free from violence and oppression. Join us celebrating this great tradition! Regards, [your name] [title, affiliation] [contact information]

7

Change the Dialogue & Push for Change through Social Media Social media is a great way to spread the word about these issues and to get your friends, family, and other community members involved. Using popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we encourage you to post information and pictures of events utilizing the signs found at https://americawelcomes.us/, http://www.refugeesarewelcome.org/, and using #RefugeesWelcome. Twitter is one of the most used social media platforms for members of Congress. You can find your Senators' and Representatives' Twitter handles on their websites, or at https://twitter.com/cspan/lists/members-of-congress/members. See below for sample posts. Sample posts:

.@REPNAME stand with #refugee communities - up funds for refugee protection & resettlement!

#Refugees bring unique experiences, talents, and skills to our communities. @REPNAME, help protect &

resettle #refugees! #WelcomeWorld

The US can do more to resettle & protect #refugees. Tell your Representative/Senator to increase funds for

#refugee protection & resettlement! #WelcomeWorld (link to action alert)

#Refugees are some of the most resilient people in our community. @REPNAME, increase funds to help

#refugees integrate in our communities!

.@REPNAME - help protect Syrian and Iraqi #refugees facing persecution. Cosponsor H.R. [insert bill

number for pro-refugee bill listed above]!

Visited @REPNAME’s office to tell him/her to support policies that will welcome #refugees and assist their

new communities. #WelcomeTogether #RefugeesWelcome (picture)

[Organization name] stands with our neighbors of all faiths. @REPNAME, say NO to anti-Muslim rhetoric!

#WelcomeTogether (picture)

Our refugee brothers and sisters make our communities stronger. @REPNAME, vote NO on anti-refugee

legislation! #WelcomeTogether #RefugeesWelcome

This #WRD2016, we celebrate the diversity and resiliency #refugees bring to our communities!

#RefugeesWelcome

Facebook is another great way to show your support—you can modify the Tweets above for posting on Facebook. There is already an incredible awareness on social media around refugee issues. Starting in the fall of 2015, many international campaigns were launched to urge communities around the world to welcome refugees. Building off of those existing campaigns will allow us to connect with an already engaged audience and provide an established platform on which to issue new talking points, news clips, events, and social media graphics to further our message. Existing campaigns and hashtags include:

#RefugeesWelcome

#OpentoSyria

#WelcomeWorld

#refugeecrisis

#WithSyria

#WithRefugees

Creating a unique hashtag for our campaign will allow us to engage a new audience and track how many people are engaged online with our campaign specifically. Suggested unique hashtags for your campaign are:

#United4Refugees

#Together4Refugees/TogetherforRefugees

8

#WorkingtoWelcome

#LoveIsARefugeFromHate

Through the use of both unique and existing hashtags, our campaign can engage and mobilize both existing and new community partners. Additionally, providing a unique hashtag will provide members of the media to track our campaign’s online presence. Sample Refugees Welcome Graphics: Feel free to also use photos, videos, or graphics from other supporting organizations. See the example graphics below. It is important to receive permission of all individuals in a photo or video before posting. Please see a draft media release below, or use one from your organization if available.

9

Civic Engagement on World Refugee Day World Refugee Day is a great time to take one further step toward building welcoming communities that are inclusive and open to refugees, while also strengthening the ties within refugee communities. Integration is a key principle in our work and this special day is an excellent opportunity to support refugees in being further engaged in local and national decisions that impact their lives. Civic engagement through voter registration and voter education is a critical part of the integration trajectory, and World Refugee Day is a perfect opportunity to register refugees who have recently become naturalized citizens and sign up already registered voters on the early voting list. What is Civic Engagement Civic engagement refers to the ways in which individuals participate in the life of their communities. Many refugees and immigrants are very active in the civic life of their own community, but there is greater need for participation in broader civic institutions, voting, and the process of policy making. This includes voting, understanding policy issues that impact their lives, educating and encouraging other individuals to vote and make their voices heard, and even running for office. Civic engagement helps lift up the voices and power of refugees and immigrants in our communities, thus educating policy makers and building champions across party lines at local, state, and national levels. Civic engagement is a key component of integration: Voting and participating in civil society are key to the integration process. When immigrants and refugees become naturalized U.S. citizens and exercise their right to vote, they engage in an active process that goes beyond passive citizenship, empowering themselves to be full members of their new communities. Even immigrants and refugees who are not yet naturalized, and therefore cannot yet vote, can contribute meaningfully to issues important to their communities. They can do so by educating the public about the benefits that newcomers bring to their communities and helping with voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities. Civic engagement is part of our mission to build welcoming communities: Refugees, resettlement offices, and supportive community members know first-hand the impact that policies have on the lives of refugees and entire communities. It is critical for policy makers to meet refugees and understand both their struggles and the positive contributions that they make in communities. Civic engagement work can also energize volunteers and develop new leaders, as it brings communities together to engage with policy makers to build stronger communities. Civic engagement work is non-partisan, and does not endorse any candidate or political party: RCUSA members are 501(c)3 organizations that promote non-partisan civic engagement as part of our joint mission to lift up the voices of refugees and build stronger, more welcoming communities. Neither RCUSA nor its member organizations endorse any party or candidate. You should never mention a political party or candidate while registering people to vote. Voter Registration at Community Events for World Refugee Day World Refugee Day events are great opportunities to register naturalized citizens to vote. Have volunteers register new voters or distribute voter registration information or early voting cards. World Refugee Day events are also great opportunities for sharing stories about individuals who have not been able to vote in the past, or who are voting for the first time, which is a great way to motivate everyone to register to vote and show up on election day. Voter Registration Table Checklist Voter registration cards, absentee and early voting ballots, with relevant information on each Clip boards, a visual flow chart on voter registration, and sample scripts for volunteers (see next page) Commitment cards asking people to promise to vote on election day and a volunteer sign-up sheet State voter information from your Election Office, including a map of jurisdictions & polling places Signs: “Register to Vote Here!” & “Voter registration available without regard for the voter’s political preference” Tally sheet for reporting your activity at the end of the day Know Your State Voting Laws: The best resource on your state's voting laws will be your local county election board. There are Voter ID laws in 32 states, which can limit people’s access to voting. Each state also has their own early voting policies. It is important to know the laws in your state and communicate them in conversations with

10

new voters. If your State has a voting ID law, make sure you inform people so they can prepare to have the necessary identification when they vote. Use these links to customize information based on your state's requirements:

Voting ID laws by state: www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.aspx

Early & absentee voting by state: www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/absentee-and-early-

voting.aspx

Collaborate Locally: Registration forms and early voting applications can be picked up at your local board of elections office. Ask them if there are any rules about non-profits turning in registration cards or early ballot applications once they are filled out by new voters, as some election boards have deadlines or limits on the number of registration forms or applications turned in at once. Work with a local organization dedicated to voter registration so they can enter the information into the Voter Activation Network and follow up to ensure a successful voting experience for new voters.

Did you register to vote?

While you can't register to vote until you become a U.S. citizen, you can still be engaged. Would you like to sign up to volunteer on and leading

up to election day?

Y e s

No

Hello, I’m out registering people to vote today, my name is _____________ with (Organization's name). Voting is one of the most important ways to add our voices

to shape community and policy issues that impact our lives. Many refugees and immigrants first register at their naturalization ceremony.

Are you a U.S. citizen - have you had your ceremony yet?

11

Have you moved since you last voted? If so,

you will have to update your address if you did.

It’s simple to register to vote today, you just have to fill out this basic information with your name and

address.

(They fill out the form)

Thanks! I will turn this to the Election Board and they will mail you more

information.

Would you also like to sign up to volunteer to help get people to the polls on election day? (If so have

them sign up on the volunteer sign up sheet)

Y e s

No

Y e s

No

Have them fill out the registration form with their new address, then move to

the last step to the right!

Sometimes when people register they don’t actually make it out to vote, which is why

we're asking people to sign up on the early voting / vote by mail list. The percentage of voting is much higher because you can vote from home or go to the polls on the weekend, rather than a workday, since

elections are on a Tuesday. Fo you want to sign up for early voting?

Lastly, I would ask you to commit to voting today. One way you can do that is by filling out this commitment card, so that we can follow up with you and remind you to vote

as we get closer to the elections?

12

Appendix A: Sample Advocacy Flyer for World Refugee Day

WORLD REFUGEE DAY MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016

Today we celebrate refugees’ courage in overcoming adversity and the many gifts they bring to our communities. As refugees and friends of refugees, we know the challenges newcomers face and the need for improved policies to help refugees rebuild their lives in the United States. We also stand in solidarity with refugees all over the world who are in dire need of assistance, including more than 10 million Syrians who are internally and externally displaced, and children and families fleeing violence in Central America. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE by letting our Members of Congress know that we support protections for refugees and improvements to the U.S. refugee resettlement program. Both Chambers of Congress are making decisions about funding and policy proposals that would impact the lives of refugees both in the United States and internationally. Please call your Senators and Representatives and urge them to reflect the welcome you see in your community by supporting protection and resettlement for refugees from Syria, Central America, and all over the world.

Here’s a sample of what to say: “I’m a constituent from [City/State], and I urge the Senator / Representative to welcome refugees, oppose anti-refugee legislation, and support increased funding for refugee assistance, processing, and resettlement. The U.S. must demonstrate leadership during this global refugee crisis. Our communities are ready to welcome refugees.” Then tweet your Members of Congress and your network: “.@Senator / Representative show that #AmericaWelcomes and support refugee resettlement! Our communities are ready to welcome. #RefugeesWelcome” For questions and more information, contact [ORGANIZATION'S ADVOCACY STAFF]

Call your Senators and Representative: 1-866-940-2439 Urge them to welcome refugees, oppose anti-refugee legislation, and support

increased funding for refugee protection and resettlement. Please call 3 times to be connected with your Representative and two Senators

13

Appendix B: Contact Information for Advocacy Staff

Please feel free to contact the following advocacy staff who represent organizations working with refugees:

Church World Service: Jen Smyers, jsmyers@cwsglobal.org

Episcopal Migration Ministries: Lacy Broemel, lbroemel@episcopalchurch.org

HIAS: Liz Mandelman: elizabeth.mandelman@hias.org

International Rescue Committee: Kristen Aster, kristen.aster@rescue.org

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: Joanne Kelsey, JKelsey@lirs.org

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Matt Wilch, mwilch@usccb.org

U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants: Esmeralda Lopez, elopez@uscridc.org

Ethiopian Community Development Council: Lucy Negash - lnegash@ecdcus.org

World Relief: Jenny Yang, jgyang@worldrelief.org

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA: Giulia McPherson, gmcpherson@jesuits.org

Refugee Council USA: Shaina Ward, sward@rcusa.org