05-09-2016 Ithaca Welcomes Refugees Newsletter

[ithacawelcomesrefugees]

Hello,

Two weeks ago, IWR co-sponsored a gala that was organized by the Arab Student Association at Cornell. The gala was a huge success, bringing people together in support of refugee resettlement efforts in the United States, and a portion of the proceeds has gone to IWR. In general, people from many different communities in our area have been incredibly supportive of the work of IWR in terms of donations and time. Considering that IWR is completely comprised of volunteers and all funding goes toward refugee support and creating a welcoming community, the support of our diverse communities is invaluable.

Our next steps...

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming open meeting: 

Next Meeting: Sunday May 22nd, 2016 at 2:00pm for newcomers, meeting to start at 2:30 for all volunteers. The Annex 208 East Buffalo St. Ithaca, NY 14850

Training 

For a current list of goals and sub-committees, please see the documents available in the Google Drive Folder. We are currently developing training programs, to help gain the skills in our group to achieve our goals, incorporating input from our last meeting. if you have additional ideas or if you know of resources that could facilitate our learning, please email ithacawelco...@gmail.com. 

Public Relations Update: 

We have launched the IWR website! Thank you Ashley for your tireless efforts to build the site! Check us out at: www.ithacawelcomesrefugees.org.

We are also now on Twitter (@IWRefugees), and Instagram (@ithaca welcomes refugees.) At our next meeting we are hoping to take photos to add to our social media platforms so we can show our growing. Please feel free to pass the group's information to anyone who may want to join the group. If you are interested in working with photography (camera phone photographers welcome!), blogging, writing, graphic design, web design, social media, and/or poster design, please join her and the Public Relations subcommittee.

Finance update: 

IWR has a fiscal sponsor called Shared Journeys, and we are in need of a new bookkeeper. The position’s responsibility is entering donations, assisting with end of month reconciliation, and working with Shared Journeys to make sure we maintain financial compliance. If you, or someone you know may be interested, please contact 

Ithacawelco...@gmail.com. If you would like to find out more about Shared Journeys, please contact Eric Clay at weri...@aol.com.

Donations: 

We are collecting donations to go towards the creation of a discretionary fund that will assist refugees in need by helping to cover unforeseen expenses, especially upon their arrival in our area. If you would like to donate through PayPal, please click here If you would like to donate through Venmo, our contact name is @IthacaWelcomes-Refugees Checks may be written to IWR or Ithaca Welcomes Refugees, and can be sent to 832 N. Aurora St., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Letter writing campaign:

In his statement regarding the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States, Congressman Tom Reed said that “we need to stop the Syrian refugee program until the security measures are in place to guarantee our safety.” Many members of IWR have written letters to the congressman’s office expressing our concerns with this position and

highlighting the rigorous process in place for Syrian people to gain refugee status. We believe that the more letters Congressman Reed receives, the more likely he will be to reconsider of his position. There is a PDF letter written in our Google Group, as well as the mailing address for our congressman. Please feel to use the letter template and spread the

word to others who you think might appreciate it. 

IWR Events:

1. IthacaFest

When: Friday, June 3rd, Saturday June 4th, and Sunday June 5th, 12pm to 8pm

Where: The Commons (site TBD), Ithaca, New York 14850

Volunteers: We will need at least 4 people there at any time. If you are interested in volunteering at Ithacafest, please

sign up here.

We will be setting up a table to help with public awareness regarding the refugee crisis. As an activity we will have quilt

squares to be decorated. We will need volunteers to be at the tables.

2. Cultural Dinner and Silent Auction

When: Saturday June 25th 6:00pm – 9:30pm

Where: The Space @ GreenStar Co-op, west north, 700 W Buffalo St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Volunteers: We estimate we will need at least 10 volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at the dinner, please

sign up here.

This will be an Arab Culture buffet dinner, with a silent auction, and refugees telling their stories. If you know of any

fiscal or item sponsors for the event, the information would be greatly appreciated. We will need volunteers for set up,

event assistance, and breakdown. The schedule will be sent out soon.

You can purchase tickets here. Please share this with anyone who is interested.

Just a reminder that if you have any concerns please feel free to email David Rhodes at dovr...@hotmail.com

explaining those concerns, and if possible, suggesting a resolution. Also, any email correspondence will be confidential if

you wish. Please make sure to use "IWR Concerns" in the subject matter.

Thank you,

Walaa Maharem-Horan

David Rhodes

Our mission:

Ithaca Welcomes Refugees is a community initiative that fosters a welcoming and fair environment for refugees who

come to our region. Our work includes resource gathering, fundraising, resettlement assistance, and education and

awareness efforts. Our aim is to provide help for all refugees, with priority given to those bearing the additional burden

of hate and fear. Our hope is that these efforts will continue the development of Ithaca as a welcoming host community

in times of great global need.