Webinar: Mission and Advocacy to Support Refugees

MISSION & ADVOCACY
to
SUPPORT REFUGEES

M IS S IO N & A D V O C A C Y t o S U P P O RT R E F U G E E S
H o u s e k e e p i n g
• Webinar being recorded, will be posted to
www.vimeo.com/EMMRefugees
• Mute
• Live tweeting - via @EMMRefugees, @TheEPPN
• #RefugeesWelcome
• Use question function to submit questions; introduce yourself.
Submit throughout webinar; we will answer at the end. If
needed, post-webinar follow-up.
• Technical issues? Use chat function to contact Wendy Johnson
or email wjohnson@episcopalchurch.org.

Lacy Broemel is the Manager for
Communications and Operations in
the Episcopal Church’s Office of
Government Relations. Lacy was born
in Nashville, TN and received a
degree in history and women’s studies
from Sewanee. In her role in the
Office of Government Relations, Lacy
works most closely with the Episcopal
Public Policy Network, a grassroots
network of Episcopalians dedicated to
justice and peace.
I n t r o d u c t i o n s

Allison Duvall serves as the
Manager for Church Relations and
Engagement for Episcopal
Migration Ministries, the refugee
resettlement service of the Domestic
and Foreign Missionary Society. She
is responsible for supporting the
community engagement programs of
30 local resettlement partners, as
well as equipping Episcopalians
across the country to engage in this
ministry of welcome. She resides in
the Diocese of Lexington
(Kentucky) with her husband, Clay.

Wendy Johnson is the Communications
Manager for Episcopal Migration Ministries,
the refugee resettlement service of the
Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.
She is responsible for maintaining the online
presence for Episcopal Migration Ministries
and for supporting their network of 30 local
resettlement partners. She has a background
in nonprofit strategic communications and has
worked in a variety of capacities within The
Episcopal Church for more than 15 years. She
has a Master’s degree in political science
from The Ohio State University.

Patricia Kisare is an international policy
advocate, jointly serving the advocacy
ministry of The Episcopal Church and the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
In her work, she mainly focuses on anti-
poverty policies related to food security,
global health, economic participation of
women and girls, development and
humanitarian assistance.

Jen Smyers serves as the Director of
Policy and Advocacy for the Church
World Service Immigration and
Refugee Program, and has been with
CWS for nearly ten years. A
graduate of American University
with a B.A. in Law and Society, B.A.
in Public Communication, and
Masters in Public Policy, Ms.
Smyers has previously worked with
Border Action Network in Tucson,
Arizona and the Migration Policy
Institute in Washington, D.C.
Introductions

C o l l a b o r a t i v e P a r t n e r s h i p s

1. Objectives
2. Definitions: refugee, asylum-seeker, migrant, IDP
3. Global Refugee Crisis: Root Causes & Push Factors
4. Durable Solutions
5. Resettlement Countries
6. Coming to the United States
7. The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)
8. Episcopal Migration Ministries
A g e n d a a t a G l a n c e

10. How Can You Help? Advocacy
• Advocacy - Issues & Action
• The Episcopal Church's Ministry of Advocacy
11. How Can You Help? Mission and Service
• Gifts Discernment
• Services and Activities in Welcome & Integration
• Creating and Living into Your Mission Plan
12. How Can You Help? Give
13. Q&A
A g e n d a a t a G l a n c e

• Define refugee, asylum-seeker, internally displaced person;
understand international protections for refugees and asylum-
seekers
• Appreciate complexity of global refugee crisis, populations
effected, push factors, refugee-hosting and resettlement
countries
• Awareness of many actors – international, federal, NGO –
involved in refugee response abroad and resettlement
domestically, including Episcopal Migration Ministries
• Understand how to be involved in advocacy for refugees and
resettlement to your elected officials and how to join the
Episcopal Public Policy Network
• Have the tools to begin to explore how you – individually and
collectively – can be involved in the ministry of welcome
O b j e c t i v e s

D e f i n i t i o n s
Who is a refugee?

“Refugee” is a legal term used to define an individual who:
“...owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of
race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group
or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is
unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the
protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and
being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a
result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to
return to it.”

Refugee status conferred prima facie
Internally displaced persons (IDP’s)
Asylum-seekers
Migrants

C r i s i s b y t h e n u m b e r s
The Current Global Refugee Crisis
• Largest the world has known since World War II.
• Nearly 60 million people were forcibly displaced from their
homes at the end of 2014
• 19.5 million of whom were refugees
• Half of those refugees were children.
• More than 4 million are escaping the civil war in Syria, which will
soon enter its fifth year.

C r i s i s b y t h e n u m b e r s

Global Refugee Crisis:
Root Causes & Push Factors
G l o b a l R e f u g e e C r i s i s : R o o t C a u s e s & P u s h F a c t o r s

• Civil wars/conflicts
• Rampant violations of human rights i.e. extrajudicial killings,
sexual slavery, enforced labor
• Gang violence
Photo: Lynette Wilson

Photo: Ahcene Tighrine

Photo: Lynette Wilson

D u r a b l e S o l u t i o n s & R e s e t t l e m e n t C o u n t r i e s
Durable Solutions
• Repatriation
• Local integration
• Resettlement in a third country
Resettlement Countries
United States is the international leader. In addition, Australia,
Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Denmark, The
Netherlands are traditional resettlement countries.

C o m i n g t o t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s

U n i t e d S t a t e s R e f u g e e A d m i s s i o n s P r o g r a m
United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)

U n i t e d S t a t e s R e f u g e e A d m i s s i o n s P r o g r a m
Department of State, Bureau for Population, Refugees, and
Migration (PRM)
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)

E p i s c o p a l M i g r a t i o n M i n i s t r i e s

L o c a l R e s e t t l e m e n t A g e n c i e s

H o w C a n Yo u H e l p ?
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send; and who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I; send me.”
Isaiah 6:8
Photo: Wendy Johnson

How Can You Help?
Advocacy

• CWS represents 38 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox
denominations and communions
• CWS is one of 9 Refugee Resettlement agencies,
with 33 local offices and affiliates in 22 states
• Cooperation with Episcopal Migration Ministries
in resettlement and other services
• Collaboration with the Episcopal Church’s Office of
Government Relations
• “Tri-agency” partnership with Lutheran Immigration and
Refugee Service
A d v o c a c y I s s u e s & A c t i o n : C h u r c h Wo r l d S e r v i c e ( C W S )

• “It’s different when they’re here, in our back yard.”
• How we in the U.S. see migrant crisis in the U.K. is similar to
how people in the U.K. see migrant crises in the U.S.
• Refugees are often labeled “economic migrants” by nearby
countries
• Xenophobia, nationalism, Anti-Muslim sentiment
A d v o c a c y I s s u e s & A c t i o n : C h u r c h Wo r l d S e r v i c e ( C W S )
Perception: Hospitality v. Hostility

• It is legal to seek access to flee one’s country and seek access
to asylum and protection
• “Why are people coming this way?” usually can be answered,
in part, due to lack of access or a timely way to seek refuge
through current processes
• Refugees are not a burden, they are contributing members of
society
• Google, Intel, small businesses
• Doctors, lawyers, professionals
A d v o c a c y I s s u e s & A c t i o n
Reality v. Rhetoric

• All migration to US (including refugees and recent increases
from Central America) = 0.0009% of population
• Refugees arriving in Europe = 0.027% of population
• Could every U.S. School District accept 6 children who have
fled violence in Central America
• More funds are spent on deportation machinery ($13
billion/year) than on access to migration and integration
programs combined ($3 billion/year)
The Capacity Myth

• 4 million refugees, 8 million internally displaced
• Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan hosting 3 million refugees
• Germany pledged to welcome up to 1 million Syrians
• Interesting fact: If the US were to welcome Syrians at the
same rate proportionate to each country’s population, the
US would welcome 3 million Syrian refugees
• U.S. has only resettled 1,911 Syrian refugees
• White House pledged to resettle 10,000 Syrians in Fiscal Year
2016, were already planning to resettle 5-8,000
State of Play: Syrian Refugees

• Presidential Determination from 75,000 total refugees in 2015
to 85,000 in FY16 & 100,000 in FY17
• Interesting fact: Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The
US has shown leadership in resettling large numbers of
refugees after conflict, including airlifting more than
200,000 Vietnamese refugees in 1980 alone.
• Anti-immigrant / Anti-Muslim sentiment fueling Anti-Refugee
proposals
State of Play: Syrian Refugees

Resettle 200,000 refugees in FY 2016, including 100,000 Syrians
Increase funding for UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) to help Syrians abroad and refer more
Syrians to resettlement
Increase Department of Homeland Security (DHS) capacity to interview and process
Syrians
Parole in or designate a Priority 2 category Syrians with approved immigration petitions
awaiting their priority dates (approximately 20,000)
Expand the P3 family reunification program so that Syrian Americans can apply for their
family members - even if they themselves did not arrive in the US as refugees - and in
addition to the usual immediate relative family members.
Increase resources for the governmental agencies that identify, help, process and resettle
refugees
“we should take the Statue of Liberty and tear it down”
if the U.S. doesn’t accept more Syrian refugees
- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Funding Update
• Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government until
December 11
• They need to pass a longer-term funding bill for either CR or
“omnibus” package of all federal agencies’ budgets
• Opportunity for Administration to request more funds for State
Department-PRM, the Refugee Corps within Department of
Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Health and
Human Services-ORR
• Senators Graham and Leahy introduced $1 billion
supplemental to fund PRM for both overseas assistance
and resettlement

Positive Refugee Legislation
Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act, H.R. 1568
Rep. Vargas (D-CA-51) and Rooney (R-FL-17)
• Help Syrian and Iraqi refugees facing gender-based violence and religious and
ethnic minorities; open more processing entities, increase staff, streamline security
checks, expand video interviewing, improve accountability, transparency
Strengthening Refugee Resettlement Act, H.R. 2798 - Rep. Ellison (D-MN-5)
• Admit refugees as LPRs; expand MG, R&P, case management; domestic
resettlement emergency fund
Refugee Protection Act, S. 645 and H.R. 1375 (last year) - Sen. Leahy (D-VT) and Rep.
Lofgren (D-CA-14)
• Eliminate one-year filing deadline; protect refugee families; authority to designate
groups for resettlement (“Lautenberg”)
Domestic Refugee Resettlement Reform & ModernizationAct, S.1615 & H.R. 2839
Sen. Stabenow (D-MI) and Rep. Pascrell (D-NJ-9)
– Elevates ORR within the HHS bureaucracy; allows formula state
funding to include projected arrivals; helps with data collection
& assistance to secondary migrants

Negative Proposals
Resettlement Accountability National Security Act, H.R. 3314
Rep. Babin (R-TX-36) – Houston area
• Stop all U.S. resettlement until House and Senate pass resolution to re-
establish the resettlement program; study on how many refugees use benefits,
for how long, how many pay taxes during their first year in the U.S., various
costs to programs
The Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act, H.R. 3573
Rep. McCaul (TX-10)
• Would place U.S. resettlement on hold, or stop it altogether, if Senate &
House can’t pass joint resolution on refugee resettlement every year; would
mandate that for resettlement from Iraq and Syria, religious minorities should
be prioritized - aiming to prevent the resettlement of Muslim refugees.
Join religious leaders in opposing any proposal that would
prevent Muslim refugees from accessing resettlement.

Helpful Points
• Refugees are the most scrutinized and vetted individuals to enter the US.
• All refugees undergo thorough and rigorous security screenings.
• Multiple systems are in place to maintain the security of the refugee
resettlement program.
• Communities, schools, congregations, and employers welcome refugees.
• Refugees contribute to their new communities with their innovative skills,
dedicated work, and inspiring perseverance.
• Refugees provide substantial contributions to the workforce and to local
economic development.
• Many refugees are highly skilled and obtained high levels of education in
their home countries.
• Refugees are entrepreneurs, employers and employees, consumers,
tax-payers, and engaged citizens.

Current “Asks”
For the Administration:
• Increase refugee admissions to 200,000 per year, including 100,000 Syrians, and
encourage other countries to also increase their welcome of Syrians
• Reduce the length of time it takes to go through the U.S. admissions process
• Request increased funding for refugee protection, processing & resettlement to
meet needs
For Congress:
• Urge the Administration to admit 100,000 Syrian refugees, in addition to 100,000
refugees from all over the world
• Support H.R. 1568, The Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act,
to help Syrian refugees
• Affirm support for the life-saving, public-private partnership of refugee
resettlement for people of all faiths. Meet with refugees in your states and
districts.

E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h ’ s M i n i s t r y o f A d v o c a c y
How can we help refugees?
Join the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN)!

Answering the Call: Joining the EPPN
What is the EPPN? The EPPN is a grassroots network of
Episcopalians dedicated to striving for justice & peace.
Why should I join?
• Our Baptismal Covenant calls us to “strive for justice & peace”
and “respect the dignity of all human beings.”
• The time is now.
• Your faith voice makes a difference.
• A community of advocacy.

How does it work? Through our action center, you contact your
member of Congress directly via email.

Direct Advocacy
Meet with Senators & Representatives when they’re home Nov 9-13
& beyond. Use the RCUSA Congressional Visit Toolkit!

Tweet your opinion
Call the White House: 202-456-1111
“The U.S. must show leadership in responding to the global
refugee crisis, including in Syria. I urge President Obama to
increase refugee resettlement to 200,000 this coming year,
including 100,000 Syrian refugees.”
Urge your community members to call their Members of Congress
at 202-224-3121
Options for Advocacy

Spreading Awareness
• Write an editorial or letter to the editor of your local paper about
need to welcome refugees
• Host educational events in your community or church about the
global refugee crisis, the need for U.S. leadership, and how
resettlement works
• Share stories and photos of your community
extending welcome to refugees on social media
with #AmericaWelcomes, #RefugeesWelcome,
#WelcomeWorld

Resources
• Congressional Visit Toolkits
• Refugee Council USA Toolkit
• Interfaith Immigration Coalition Toolkit
• Information on Senators, Representatives, and Committees:
• Advocacy.episcopalchurch.org
• www.senate.gov
• www.house.gov
• Join quarterly National Refugee Advocacy Calls with
RCUSA: Next call 12:00pm Eastern, Friday, November 7.

Join EPPN!
Sign up for EPPN action alerts: http://tinyurl.com/JoinEPPN
More info:
Lacy Broemel
lbroemel@episcopalchurch.org
202-547-7300

How Can You Help?
Mission & Service

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;
and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord;
and there are varieties of activities, but
it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
G i f t s D i s c e r n m e n t

• Asset-based approach vs. needs-based approach
• Greater understanding of your community of faith/group, of
yourself, of the unique way in which you can offer God’s love to
the world in mission
• Your “lens” is a theology of abundance
• Mission for the sake of equipping and empowering your partners
and those you serve; for the purpose of creating sustainable and
lasting positive change.

The place God calls you to is the place where your
deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.
Frederick Buechner

• Gifts Discernment Activities
• 10 Best Practices for Congregations Engaging in Refugee
Resettlement Ministry
• Checklist for Congregations
• Called to Transformation: www.calledtotransformation.org
Available by request – aduvall@episcopalchurch.org.
Resources to Discern, Prepare, and Plan

S e r v i c e s & A c t i v i t i e s i n We l c o m e & I n t e g r a t i o n
How do we welcome new Americans?
• Welcome begins before refugees arrive
• Arranging decent safe and sanitary housing
• Furniture (need not be new, but in good
condition), cleaning supplies, toiletries
• Seasonal clothing and clothing for work
• Welcome at arrival
• Greeting refugees at the airport
• Ready to eat and culturally appropriate
meal upon arrival
Welcome and orientation to their new community Photo: Exodus Refugee, Episcopal Migration Ministries
• Case management: Assistance applying for social security card, enrollment in
English language programs, employment services
• Ensure every refugee has health assessment within 30 days of arrival
• Transportation assistance
• Assistance with filing with family overseas

S e r v i c e s & A c t i v i t i e s i n We l c o m e & I n t e g r a t i o n
• Cultural Orientation, English, Citizenship classes
• Mentors for Vocational Pathways (New American Pathways, Atlanta)
• Young Adult Leadership
• Weaving, Sewing, and Art Therapy Circles
• Children’s Choirs
• Community Gardens
• Hosting classes, refugee community worship services, programming and
other agency activities in your building
• Inviting new Americans to community activities – introducing them to
festivals, museums, zoos, fairs
• Donation of church bus or other vehicles
• Offering low-cost housing options
• Existing Church/Diocesan Ministries: summer camps, literacy programs,
food pantries and clothing closets
Creative Programs and Partnerships

• Financial donations to local resettlement agencies
• Supplies – Welcome Baskets, winter coats, pantry items,
school supplies, pots & pans, sheets, blankets, etc.
• Time – volunteer
• Episcopal Relief & Development
H o w C a n Yo u H e l p ? G i v e
Photo: Felicity Handford

Q u e s t i o n s & R e s p o n s e
Post your questions
in the chat box
or #RefugeesWelcome

F o l l o w - U p
Patricia Kisare
Legislative Representative for International Policy
pkisare@episcopalchurch.org, (202) 599-8601
Lacy Broemel
Manager for Communications and Operations
lbroemel@episcopalchurch.org, (202) 547-7300
Allison Duvall
Manager for Church Relations & Engagement
aduvall@episcopalchurch.org, (212) 716-6027
Wendy Johnson
Manager for Communications
wjohnson@episcopalchurch.org, (212) 716-6143
Jen Smyers
Director of Policy and Advocacy
Church World Service Immigration & Refugee Program
jsmyers@cwsglobal.org

F o l l o w - U p
www.episcopalchurch.org
Episcopal Migration Ministries
www.episcopalchurch.org/emm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EMMRefugees
Twitter: @EMMRefugees
Video: www.vimeo.com/EMMRefugees
Episcopal Public Policy Network
www.advocacy.episcopalchurch.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheEPPN
Twitter: @TheEPPN

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