On World Refugee Day - June 20, 2019, at Hellgate High School, in Missoula, Montana, 435 youth came together for a summer service-learning opportunity directed by TSOS Refugees.
Hundreds of youth assembled at the High School to attend six break-out sessions designed to build awareness of refugees, learn how to advocate for newcomers, and participate in service for the 350 refugee families who were recently resettled in the Missoula area. Under the direction of the IRC (International Rescue Committee), over 150 supply kits were assembled to welcome refugees in the area, and plastic mats were woven to be sent to refugee organizations helping refugees forced to live in tents under bridges, and other outdoor situations around the world.
The break-out sessions included:
- “Breaking Bread” - pancakes from 8 countries
- How to ask about someone’s story - becoming a friend
- Our roots in refugees
- Languages - overcoming communication barriers (ESL tricks)
- Presenting three qualities of a good friend from refugee story cards
- Learning how to honor and respect global religions
- How to become an “Ally”
Of all the activities, “Breaking Bread” was the most impactful. As we tasted and spoke of the many different and delicious ways pancakes appeared throughout the world, the youth seemed to appreciate the joy of trying new variations of an old favorite. In building the analogy from bread to people, we graduated to the traditions of hospitality associated with “breaking bread” with friends, strangers, and sometimes even enemies as an opportunity to listen to one another’s stories and build friendships over shared meals.
We heard from the youth, over and over, their determination to invite newcomers to share a meal, to sit with newcomers at lunch, and to listen carefully to the stories that make people unique, diverse contributors to the community.
Representatives from the IRC tearfully greeted the brigade of youth who came hauling welcome kits to fill the shelves with necessities for newly resettled refugees. More importantly, each of those youth seemed ready to seek out people different from themselves with the goal of listening to a new friend’s story.
World Refugee Day - Service Learning Opportunity
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.