Want to spread the word about making #RefugeesWelcome and also contribute more? There are various, creative ways to accomplish these goals simultaneously.

Contact your elected officials.

Reach out to your elected officials--at the local, state, and national level. Elected officials will base the decisions they make on what they are hearing from their constituents. Call, email, and send letters to your elected officials letting them know that you support refugees coming to your community and why. Please feel free to use the templates below.

Individual Supporters

Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name]:

I am writing to express my support for refugees and refugee resettlement to the United States. We are a nation of immigrants, and this country has a long and proud history of being a safe haven to the world’s most vulnerable. I have seen first-hand the lifesaving difference that U.S. protection has made for families who have been given the opportunity for a new life in my community, and I know my community is better for it.

I [support/volunteer with] refugees because I am proud of what this nation stands for – a place of opportunity, a beacon of hope, and a home for the persecuted. Refugee families have been through unimaginable horror, yet I have seen them show incredible resilience in their new home here. Just like you and I, these families want to work hard, send their children to school, and live life free of fear.

As this Congress wraps up its work, and as the new Congress and federal government begins its work ahead, I urge you to support refugees and funding for lifesaving refugee programs.

Thank you for your service.

 

Businesses

Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name]:

I am writing to express my support for refugees and refugee resettlement to the United States. The United States is a nation of immigrants, and this country has a long and proud history of being a safe haven to the world’s most vulnerable. I have seen first-hand the lifesaving difference that U.S. protection has made for families who have been given the opportunity for a new life here. I also have seen first-hand the benefits that refugees bring to my business and my community.

I support refugees because I am proud of what this nation stands for – a place of opportunity, a beacon of hope, and a home for the persecuted. Refugee families have been through unimaginable horror, yet I have seen them work hard and demonstrate incredible resilience in their new home here. [Business name] employees not because it is the right thing to do, but the smart thing for our bottom line.

As this Congress wraps up its work, and as the new Congress and federal government begins its work ahead, as a constituent, community stakeholder, and employer I urge you to support refugees and funding for lifesaving refugee programs.

Thank you for your service.

Raise money.

Invite your friends and family for dinner, tea, or a dance party and ask for a suggested donation at the door, making your guests aware ahead of time why you’re hosting this time around! 

Running a race this year or next? Ask your supporters to donate a dollar or ten for each mile you conquer! 

If you are a teacher or student, consider holding a "Change for Refugees" coin drive among your class(es) and donating the total raised to the IRC in Silver Spring.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Newsletter

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Social Media

Follow us on Facebook, and ask others to do the same! “Like” and share our posts and articles. Use the hashtag #RefugeesWelcome when sharing posts on your social media accounts about the refugee crisis and acknowledging that refugees are welcome in our community. Tag @International Rescue Committee - Silver Spring, MD on Facebook to link others to us, and also use the #IRCSilverSpring hashtag when sharing information about the IRC’s refugee resettlement efforts in Silver Spring.