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40 Ways to Help a Refugee

These individuals have undergone tremendous difficulties and are starting over in a new country and culture.  While there are organizations that help them with a place to live and may even offer basic necessities, what they need is a friend and ally who can help them acclimate.  Could you:

  • Be a sincere friend
  • Reach out to people on the periphery
  • Take a stand against intolerance
  • Promote compassion and understanding
  • Make a visit
  • Get to know first hand what is really needed; don’t assume
  • Learn about the food, holidays, and traditions of others
  • Share a meal
  • Celebrate a holiday together
  • Invite someone to join your family night
  • Teach a new skill
  • Learn a new skill
  • Make introductions
  • Ask questions
  • Exchange ideas and experiences
  • Highlight strengths in other cultures
  • Speak to your town council about needed services
  • Forgive ofenses or misunderstandings and try again
  • Shop at locally owned businesses
  • Welcome new people to the neighborhood
  • Volunteer to teach a language
  • Defend others from bigotry
  • Learn kids’ names
  • Learn a sport
  • Teach a sport
  • Offer employment to someone unexpected
  • Visit people who are ill
  • Teach each other songs and jokes
  • Extend an invitation to a cultural event
  • Offer to babysit
  • Give a ride
  • Practice interviewing for a job
  • Donate household goods
  • Help children study
  • Act as a grandma or grandpa to someone whose family is far away
  • Volunteer with a local organization whose work you admire
  • Be a mentor
  • Find local solutions rather than relying on bureaucratic programs or funds
  • Recognize that time and relationships are more valuable than things
  • Don’t hesitate to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit

Download PDF:  40 Ways to Help

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Compassionate Communication Workshop

Requested by participants in WC’s recent refugee speaker series, this participatory workshop is derived from one of America’s most successful courses in effective communication – whether among family members, professional colleagues, or volunteers reaching across cultural divides.

Link to Prezi Content

View the entire RSA Animate video of Dr. Brene Brown on The Power of Empathy, or check it out in the context of her conversation with TEDx Houston on The Power of Vulnerability.

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Chin Community Ministry – North Texas Day of Giving 2016

Here’s a summary of the activity provided by the Chin Community Ministry on the 2016 North Texas Day of Giving.  From the Q3 2016 Chin Community Ministry Newsletter.

CCM staff experienced its own form of First Day of School Monday, August 22, 2016 when it set a new record for number served in a day.  80 Chin people brought paperwork problems to our 4-person staff.   Here is a breakdown of the types of needs they brought to us.

We believe that CCM offers needed services, not just to the Chin community, but to the larger American -born community.  Please consider donating to CCM for North Texas Giving Day.

Download: PDF