Church World Service Welcome Week: College Edition
Join Church World Service (CWS) from September 13-17 for Welcome Week: College Edition. Register for daily webinars to hear from inspiring experts and get the tools you need to welcome newcomers in your community.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 | REGISTER HERE.
Global Migration and Displacement
Join us to hear from Georgetown University and University of Michigan professors as they discuss global migration and displacement. In this session, Professor Sarah Miller will explore the causes of migration and discuss climate change, global conflict, violence, and loss of political freedoms as an impetus for those seeking refuge. Professor Melissa Borja will discuss the historical context behind forced migration and the ways in which the demographics of refugees have changed over the past half century.
Speakers:
- Dr. Sarah Miller, Georgetown University Adjunct Professor
- Dr. Melissa Borja, University of Michigan Professor
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | REGISTER HERE.
Refugee Resettlement in the United States: History, Statistics and Program Overview
Join us to discuss the history of refugee resettlement specifically in the context of the US. We will explore how resettlement has changed over the years, what sort of government processes exist for resettlement, how the US process compares to other countries’ processes, and what is the role of the resettlement NGO and different agencies in the US for those seeking refuge. We will introduce the efforts of major agencies in the US with a specific focus on CWS’s work in resettlement. Finally, attend to hear the stories of resilience from current college student refugees who resettled in the US during their high school years. Participants will learn the challenges young newcomers face when they resettle in a new country, and how our panelists have overcome these challenges.
Speakers:
- Kate Macom, Senior Director of Resettlement, CWS
- Dr. Elizabeth Ferris, Georgetown University Professor
- Cynthia Bukirwa, former refugee and current student at Dayton University
- Tiba Al-Khafaji, former refugee and current student at the University of Texas at Austin
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 | REGISTER HERE.
The U.S. Border: Asylum and Unaccompanied Children
Attend this webinar to hear about the current situation on the US/Mexico border. We will discuss asylum seekers and unaccompanied children at the border, including demographics, statuses, and reasons for seeking asylum. We will also explore some of the US agencies and NGOs at the border and end with a discussion of CWS’s work at the border with both asylum seekers and unaccompanied children.
Speakers:
- Dr. Yael Schacher, Senior U.S. Advocate at Refugees International
- Christine Lemonda, Director of Children’s Services at CWS
- Marielle Septen, CWS Border Shelter Network Coordinator
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 | REGISTER HERE.
Afghan SIVs and Allies
CWS has been welcoming Afghan refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders since 2009 and will continue to welcome our Afghan allies and their families in communities across the United States as individuals are evacuated from Afghanistan. Join this webinar to learn more about the current situation in the evacuation of Afghan SIVs and how we as Americans are working together to welcome our Allies. We will provide an update on the current needs of Afghan SIVs, how supporters can meet those needs and how to advocate on behalf of Afghans.
Speakers:
- Staff from Church World Service’s New York headquarters
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | REGISTER HERE.
Role of the Community and College Students in Welcoming Newcomers
Join us to hear about current efforts participants can take to welcome newcomers. Learners will hear from Princeton University’s community effort for refugees with their Religion and Resettlement Project and how religion and interfaith identity can play a role in the resettlement process. Listeners will also gain an understanding of community sponsorship programs and how community members can support CWS. We will explore the role that college students can play in helping resettle refugees. Finally, we will close with a brief discussion of the next steps that learners can take after this educational week.
Speakers:
- Dr. Katherine Clifton, Princeton University staff
- Dr. Todd Scribner, USCCB member
- Dr. Diya Abdo, Guilford College Professor and Founder and Director of Every Campus a Refuge
- Christine Baer, CWS Faith Community Organizer
- Elissa Diaz, CWS Policy and Advocacy Manager
- Allie Matthias, CWS intern and student at Princeton University
For more information, go to https://cwsglobal.org/welcome-week-college-edition/