5 Ways To Help Refugees Using Intercultural Communications
By: Samantha Santana
Tags: Activism, Humanitarian, Donations, Refugees, Volunteering

I have researched and developed solutions to a global issue — refugees — as part of a global strategic communications curriculum I am enrolled in. Before the course, refugee was just a label. Just another word for migrant. Now, the word paints a story for me: the story of Emmanuel and his wife who escaped Burundi in the middle of the night with just a few of their belongings on their heads and their two young children on their backs.

Although World Refugee Day 2019 is almost around the corner, you can help today by utilizing some intercultural communications tactics I share below. These tools can help bring some relief to those forced to flee their countries, like Emmanuel and his family.

1. Stay informed

To solve any problem, having context is key. Having data and facts on hand will empower your discussions with other people. According to UNHCR, there are 68.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Did you know who the top refugee-hosting country is? Not the United States (hint: it’s Turkey).

There are many great sources out there to stay informed and relevant in today’s refugee crisis conversations. Some resources include:

· The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

· International Rescue Committee (IRC)

· The United Nations (UN)

· Justice for Immigrants

In addition, educating yourself on a specific refugee situation can give you an edge when the conversation calls for specific examples. On my blog, you can find an in-depth video explaining the Burundi refugee situation here.

2. Spread the word

You can help raise awareness of the refugee situation through a social media campaign. The International Rescue Committee suggests sharing their Facebook picture coupled with the #StandWithRefugees hashtag on Facebook and Twitter. Doing so will let the world know of your commitment and encourage friends and family to do the same.

Alternatively, feel free to use my easy-to-follow social media plan below. The plan utilizes hashtags — designed to increase your post’s audience reach. Increased audience reach means more people will see your post for maximum awareness.

3. Speak out

The refugee issue is a global problem and political involvement can help. Advocacy does not always have to mean protesting with signs — although it certainly can be like this one in Germany where thousands of people came together to protest the European Union’s refugee policy.

Alternatively, you can get your government leaders involved by writing your representatives a letter speaking out and meeting with Congress members.

· Download a sample letter here

· Find your members of Congress here and here

Pope Francis made history in 2015 as the first papal to address the U.S. Congress. During his hour-long speech, he asked Congress to accept immigrants as their own. Watch the inspirational video below.

Source: Pope Francis addresses Congress/CBS News via Youtube

4. Volunteer

Volunteering allows you to be proactive and get right to the source of the issue. Food shortage? Volunteer at a food drive. No shelters? Volunteer with UNHCR to help build safe and secure shelters for refugees. Not only is volunteering a great, proactive option, but it can also help you grow as a person through its cross-cultural experiences. Below, I have provided some organization names that are currently seeking volunteers.

· UNHCR

· International Rescue Committee

· United Nations

In addition, look for local resource groups and church programs. Oftentimes, local organizations put together donation drives and are in need of volunteers to transport items or help spearhead.

5. Donate

Just donate. If you are short on time (kids, work, life), consider donating. UNHCR has a great donation program in place. For those living in the United States, your donations are tax-deductible and processed securely. Donors receive updates on how your gift helps refugee families. Just $10 can help provide mattresses to families, $20 helps provide 15L buckets for fresh water transport, and $30 helps provide a basic kitchen set for two refugee families. You can donate at UNHCR donation page.

Thanks to people like you, Emmanuel and his family have a place to sleep, have food to eat, and their children are safe. However, there are thousands more who still need your help. Children in Tanzania need classrooms and books. Families in Burundi need food. Refugees need your help. Help today.