Announcement
GenR: NY January 2017 Leadership Committee Meeting:
4 Key Take Aways to Know and Take Action On
Ever wonder what happens at a GenR Leadership Committee meeting? I attended my first meeting earlier this year and wanted to share some of the key takeaways with you. So much has happened since the GenR: NY Chapter had our first meeting of 2017. Even with the ban on immigrants and refugees from Syria and other Muslim countries suspended for the time being, the work discussed at this meeting is pressing.
While the country and the judicial system weigh in on this executive order, our work as GenR members must not only continue, but be strengthened by our humanitarian passions to help refugees around the world survive and rebuild their lives.
Here’s a recap of our New York leadership meeting with 4 key takeaways for you to know and take action on. As a GenR member, you have the opportunity to be involved and make an impact in the lives of the world’s neediest even when it feels as if hope is fleeting. If you’re like most GenR members, you’re asking, “What can I do?”
1. From February 21-28, there will be a digital membership drive urging people to join GenR.
- What can you do? Talk to family and friends about joining GenR! If you know someone who has talked about getting involved or would be a good fit, encourage them to join. Let them know about the digital membership drive and encourage them to visit the GenR Facebook page to learn more about other GenR members. If your GenR membership is up for renewal, look out for a reminder email and act swiftly to renew.
2. Leigh and Eric Fleet spoke about their visit to Lesvos, Greece. They shared their experiences meeting with refugees and reported about the IRC’s efforts on the ground.
- What can you do? Be a voice for the locals of Lesvos. The island’s 80k residents came to the aid of hundreds of thousands of refugees who came ashore in need of food, shelter, and medical care. Fishermen pulled people from the water while hotel owners allowed refugees into their rooms.
All of these efforts came in the midst of Greece’s own political and economic instability. The people of Lesvos reminded the world what fellow human beings can and should do for one another in times of crisis, despite country of origin, religion, or cultural differences. As a GenR member, speak up about and promote this level of kindness, compassion, and selflessness for refugees within your own social and professional communities.
3. Save the Date! The 7th Annual GenR Summer Party is Tuesday, July 18th, 2017 at Tribeca Rooftop.
- What can you do? Besides committing to joining in the summer fun, we still need GenR members to serve as summer party co-chairs and on the host committee. Responsibilities range from selling 5 tickets and promoting the Summer Party on social media to coordinating host committee meetings and helping secure donations and sponsorships. Reach out to Melody Westen at [email protected] for support and resources to help you share and promote the event with your network of family, friends, and contacts.
4. Do you know how many GenR chapters there are nationwide? In addition to welcoming new GenR Leadership Committee members in New York,GenR continues to expand to cities across the U.S. GenR now has 8 chapters in Dallas, New York, L.A., Charlottesville, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Miami, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
- What can you do? Do you have personal or professional contacts in these cities you can tell about local GenR chapters? Maybe you’re living in NYC but went to college or are originally from one of these cities. Reach out personally and share events and news about GenR chapters and members by liking and following the GenR Facebook Page. Use social media to support the actions GenR members take in their local communities. It may seem small, but we all know how powerful and reaffirming a share, like or comment can be as we protest and speak out for refugees causes.
We are #GenR members and GenR is a dedicated force for change. Now more than ever, we need to act on the commitment we made as humanitarians for refugees. What actions will you take?