Tip #5

Office Schedule until December 14th

We have awesome shirts!

   One of the best parts about tabling at EWU was getting to show off our new t-shirts! Here’s Kayla, a delighted customer with her great new t-shirt:

We’re selling these shirts for $10, so if you’re interested you should email john@global-neighborhood.org with your size, and we can hook you up!

 J.R.

Tabling at EWU

   A delightful group of EWU seniors stopped by two weeks ago to get the low-down on Global Neighborhood, with the goal of… supporting Global Neighborhood! Right now they have a table set up in EWU’s PUB, where they’re selling Global Neighborhood t-shirts and sharing information about the organization as well as the needs of refugees in our area.

   If you’re in the area, you should stop by and say "Hello!" to them—you could even buy a t-shirt and show your support. I understand they’re selling them for $10 apiece.

   And, if you stop by tomorrow between 9am and 11am, then you and I can chat as well! I look forward to seeing you.

J.R.

Tip #4

Winter is coming, and the cold can feel even colder to people who are coming from warm climates. Take time to bring your family to the Global Neighborhood offices to pick out a winter coat (we have an abundance of women's and little girl's coats), blankets, gloves, and/or scarves. Or, make a winter clothing trip to Classy Rack. If you have extra winter clothing items at your own house, feel free to give these to your family, as long as they are in good condition and fit properly

Global citizens

   I have always thought of refugees as global citizens, but I didn’t realize the extent to which they were until recently. And it amazes me: in the past, I have struggled and failed at several long-distance relationships. But several refugees I know maintain long distance relationships that flourish in circumstances where I would have long since given up.

   I know one refugee who has relatives in three different countries, and a relative buried in a fourth. Another refugee who is a good friend of mine has a wife who remains in a refugee camp on the other side of the world. They talk on the phone daily, despite the fees.

   Would we be able to demonstrate the same level of stamina and commitment? I do not know, but I do know this: anybody who can and does demonstrate that level of commitment is certainly someone that we desperately want to have in our community here in Spokane. So, welcome the refugees who are joining us in our beautiful city! See if you can help provide them with a support structure, so that their long-distance relationships have every chance of succeeding. Because you would want nothing less than the same for yourself. Volunteer with Global Neighborhood.

J.R.

Tip #3

In a larger context: Washington’s Refugees, 2009

   We’ve considered refugee numbers from 2008, but now we have some new numbers. In 2009, 341 more refugees came to Washington State than came in 2008. Those 2588 refugees have come from all over the world! Here are some specific numbers:

    Interestingly, Spokane has just about 20% of the totals for Washington. We’re in a fairly cool state.

J.R.

*This information came from the Department of State, Worldwide Refugee Processing System (WRAPS), via DSHS

U.S. Census Gives a Voice to Refugees

 Whether reading about Caesar Augustus’ decree for a Census-taking, or receiving a U.S. Census form in the mail, most people know what a Census is. However, the immeasurable importance of the U.S. Census is something oftentimes overlooked by the American people. The U.S. Census Bureau states "we can’t move forward until you mail it back." Census data is the driving force behind social, political, and social change in communities all over the U.S.

The number of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives, the kinds of causes your community can advocate effectively for, the prevention of disease, and the building of infrastructures are a few of the many factors census information directly affects. $400 billion dollars are allocated for projects and movements indicating need as a result of Census data. Without the collection of this data, cities, regions, and states are unable to receive adequete funding to work towards the betterment of people. Robert Groves, the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau writes, "Just like we can’t survive without roads and bridges, the country doesn’t function well without an updated Census to distribute funds to areas that most need them and to support community decision about their own future."

So how does this relate to refugees and the work of Global Neighborhood, you ask? Refugees are a widely underrepresented population in many Censuses. Most refugees come from a history of a corrupt goverment and police force, resulting in a lot of distrust and fear of both of these institutions. Having the government take your personal information for the Census may be something that would evoke a lot of fear in refugee families. What are they going to do with this information? Is this going to keep me from getting my green card? Did I get this because I am a refugee?

This is where Global Neighborhood comes in. After being contacted by the U.S. Census Bureau, we are establishing a partnership in order to get accurate and sizable amounts of data for the Census about refugees. With our volunteers to explain the U.S. Census to refugee families, refugees can see the benefits to giving this information. Each person in Spokane will be allocated a little over $1,000 based on the Census data collected. When minority populations, such as refugees, have data to show their significant numbers, they can then work to present proposals to the City Council to build community centers, and provide better and more effective resources to their community. The U.S. Census data highlights real needs, and gives people the information and support they need to voice their concerns and desires. Along with this, the 2010 Census form has included a new section on Race, where among the usual options of White, Black, and American Indian, they have allowed a space where people can enter their own race in. Now, people from African (not African Americans), and Iraqi (not Caucasian or Asian), can be free to know their Race is being fairly represented. Hallelujah!

Thank you, U.S. Census Bureau. Your work continues to help those without a voice gain respect, honor, and recognition in communities across the U.S.

Check out the new 2010 Census form, along with other information on the U.S. Census Bureau website at: 2010 Census

Spokane’s Refugees, 2009

   In 2009, Spokane received 450 refugees (67 more than last year). Here is a specific breakdown of where those refugees came from:

   It’s a very surreal experience to look at these numbers and realize that we know every person in that people group. For example, there were four refugees from Viet Nam last year… and that family stayed with me for a few days, immediately before I traveled to Viet Nam. It really changes these numbers from abstract representations into people—these are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, members of our community in a very real way. These numbers are a call to action, and I encourage you to reach out in the coming months: meet and befriend some refugees. Welcome them into your life and join them in their lives. Find out what it feels like to know somebody as more than just a statistic.

J.R.

*These numbers came from the Department of States, Worldwide Refugee Processing System (WRAPS) via Washington State DSHS