Refugees are ​Changemakers. Tastemakers. Dream makers. And so much more.​

Wherever they come from, wherever they live, refugees are shaping policies, art, traditions, dreams and futures in ordinary—and extraordinary—ways.

Read a handful of stories about refugees we’ve met and the impact they've had on their communities and society at large. Then put on your imagination cap and reflect on the everyday ways you could support refugees.

Afghan Journalist and single mum Zahra looking out into the distance.

Meet Zahra

Refugee, newsmaker, mother

Imagine you’re a journalist in the United Kingdom at the BBC. A few weeks ago, you met a new freelance colleague named Zahra who is a refugee and a single working mother. As you learn more about her, you realize there are many ways you could support Zahra her and her family as they adapt to life in the UK.

 

How could you help refugees like Zahra?

Nelson in his home in Kampala, Uganda

Meet Nelson

Refugee, dream maker, hair stylist

Imagine you live in Kampala, Uganda and your new neighbor, Nelson, knocks on your door to let you know about his new hair-cutting business. You need a trim and want to support him, so you schedule an appointment. During your haircut, he opens up and shares that he fled his home in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after his uncle was killed for being a lawyer and their entire family was threatened.

 

How could you help refugees like Nelson?

Omaira, a Women’s Protection and Empowerment Advocate standing proudly outside of a building in Colombia.

Meet Omaira

Refugee, changemaker, advocate for women

She is a 39-year-old Colombian woman who has been displaced twice in her life. Being forced to start from scratch all over again hasn't stopped Omaira from becoming a community leader. Omaira is a Women’s Protection and Empowerment advocate with the IRC and is raising her daughters to continue her family's legacy of empowering women.

 

How could you help refugees like Omaira?

IRC client, Khrystyna, 32, with her son, Yaroslav, 4, in a park after picking up Yaroslav from preschool.

Meet Khrystyna

Refugee, small business owner, yoga instructor

Imagine you are visiting Athens, Greece and take a local yoga class. Your instructor is Khrystyna. You learn that she and her children arrived in Greece in March 2022 after fleeing Ukraine when the war escalated last year. Khrystyna’s husband remains in Ukraine.

 

How could you help refugees like Khrystyna?

Refugees are parents, business owners, activists, and so much more. They enrich our communities and cultures around the world. Let’s show our new neighbors they are welcome in our communities.

There are countless, everyday ways we can support refugees to recover and thrive. The ideas proposed in this activity are just a handful of possibilities.

Have other ideas for ways to support refugees in your community? Share them with us!

We invite individuals and organizations to partner with us to address today’s skyrocketing global needs for humanitarian assistance. Your support can help the IRC reach and serve people affected by conflict and disaster worldwide.

Ways you can support the people served by the IRC today

Donate

An immediate donation through your workplace giving platform or Rescue.org can help support families caught in humanitarian crises. By choosing to give monthly, your gift can be put to work throughout the year to help people rebuild their lives in more than 40 crisis-affected countries as well as the UK and U.S.

Host a Fundraiser

Set up a campaign for the IRC on Tiltify or another crowdfunding site and share with your network.

Stay Informed

Get the latest news, photos and videos shedding light on the world's worst humanitarian crises and how the IRC is helping people survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

Matching Gifts

Double the impact of your gift by requesting a matching gift from your employer through our website or your workplace giving platform.

Amplify

Demonstrate your commitment to standing in solidarity with refugees and other displaced communities by amplifying the IRC's voice on social media. Follow us and engage with our content on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Advocate

Join the thousands of U.S.-based IRC supporters who have mobilized to advocate for change nationally and in their communities.

Volunteer

Volunteers play a critical role in helping refugees and immigrants thrive in the U.S. In addition to opportunities coordinated through your employer, explore the current opportunities for individuals and apply today.

Thank you for joining with the IRC to support refugees and displaced people around the world. If you have any questions, please reach out to your main IRC contact or email partnerships@rescue.org.