A Guide for Community and Business Leaders Advocating for Refugees
Since its first day in office, the Trump administration has worked to dismantle every dimension of the American protection system, including indefinitely suspending the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program (USRAP). This unique public-private partnership has demonstrated the best of government leadership and community engagement to welcome refugees as they rebuild their lives in the United States.
As a result, tens of thousands of refugees are stranded overseas, families are separated, and resettled refugees already here are cut off from needed support to start their new lives. But community and business leaders are ready to serve as powerful champions of refugee resettlement and are seeking ways to contribute their perspective and position to support.
In response, this guide from the International Rescue Committee and the Refugee Advocacy Lab provides tools for grasstops leaders to engage their elected officials and publicly advocate for the immediate restart of the refugee resettlement program.
Leaders who will benefit from this guide are individuals, organizations, and groups who represent a range of sectors, have standing within the community, and whose voices resonate with elected leaders at the local, state and national levels. These distinct perspectives on USRAP reinforce and credential messaging resettlement agencies and partners are sharing.
Examples of leaders who could use this guide include:
Business leaders such as employer partners; chambers of commerce; small businesses within the community; and industry and trade associations.
Faith leaders.
Veterans and other national security or public safety officials.
This particular resource is uniquely crafted for grasstops community leaders. If you are looking for additional grassroots engagement resources, please consider these materials shared by partners from RCUSA:
