Celebrate Green Blog

by Lynn

Refugees flee their homes for many reasons, some of them environmental—famine and natural disaster being two.

When I saw the video, We are Refugees, it touched me deeply. I was lifted up and crushed at the same time. Once I had absorbed its power, I was moved to act.

Please watch it. Hopefully you too will want to do something to help. (See below for suggestions.)

Warning: This video contains some graphic images which may be disturbing.

10 simple ways to support refugees:

1. Support refugees financially through agencies like the International Rescue Committee, American Refugee Committee or the U.N.

2. Educate yourself and others about refugee issues via organizations like those above, then share your knowledge through your blog, Facebook page, Twitter, etc.

3. Seek out refugee organizations in your city or town and volunteer.

4. Help refugees establish a home in your community.

5. Help refugees learn English (assuming they are settled in the U.S.). My husband and I lead a Talk Time class at our local library.

6. Donate items that refugees need, which is everything from clothing to umbrellas.

7. Mentor refugees.

8. Volunteer to teach refugees a skill.

9. Volunteer as an interpreter if you can.

10. Give work.

Add your suggestions and/or experiences in the comment section.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.