(Jesuit Refugee Service)

Washington, DC, 11 January, 2018 – January 14 is the World Day of Migrants and Refugees – a day when the Catholic Church, called by Pope Francis’s leadership, comes together in recognition and support of refugees and migrants. On this day, Pope Francis’s message is that our shared responsibility is to welcome, to protect, to promote, and to integrate our brothers and sisters who have been forced to flee their homes. With more than 65 million displaced people worldwide, it can feel daunting to respond to this call.

At the Jesuit Refugee Service, we think that, no matter where you live there are ways that you can respond to today’s refugee crisis. Doing just one thing in your community or to advocate on behalf of refugees can help refugees and migrants.

…So, what is that one thing you can do? 

Experience – Use JRS/USA’s Walk a Mile in My Shoes Refugee Simulation and provide your community with an opportunity to pause and learn about the experience, the frustrations, disappointments and hopes that refugees around the world face.

Write – Send a message of hope and solidarity by writing a postcard to a refugees. Visit anyrefugee.org to learn more about how.

Advocate – Send a letter to your elected officials and urge change from foreign policy decision-makers about the importance of U.S. leadership on refugee issues.

Pray – Pray for protection for refugees as well as for personal transformation as we face the needs of refugees everywhere. Click here for a prayer for refugees.

Shop – Purchase refugee-made items. Click here to access to find vendors to buy from. By purchasing a product, you are helping families to sustain a tangible income and livelihood.

Volunteer – Find the local refugee resettlement agency offices near you (click here) and help a refugee in need of assistance learning a new language, meeting friends, or even finding employment and housing.

Fundraise – Gather your local community or parish and raise funds for refugees around the world. Click here to contact the JRS/USA development team to get started.

Share – Do you have stories of one thing you’ve done to welcome, promote, protect, and integrate refugees and migrants in your community? Let us know! Email communications@jrsusa.org or share on social media using #Do1thing

This week, to mark World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we’ll be sharing stories from our JRS/USA friends and supporters who have done 1 (or many) things to help refugees. And, JRS regions from around the world will be sharing their stories, as well. Check back for more inspiration all will and follow along on social media with #Do1Thing.