World Refugee Day
#WithRefugees
On June 20, 2021, the world will observe the United Nations' (UN) World Refugee Day. This event honors the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict, and violence. Commemorate this day by pledging, sharing, and learning.
The theme for 2021 is" together we heal, learn and shine."
Resources:
- Refugee Council USA - 2020 World Refugee Day Toolkit
- Celebrating Welcoming Week
- Project Welcome: Libraries and Community Anchors Planning for Resettlement and Integration of Refugees and Asylum Seekers
- UN Refugee Day website
UNHCR 2021 World Refugee Day Toolkit - USA for UNHCR - Refugees in America
- USA for UNHCR Refugee Facts
- Libraries Respond: Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers
- Refugee Council USA - 2020 World Refugee Day Toolkit
- Refugee Libraries
- New Americans
- Academic libraries serving refugees and asylum seekers
- American Libraries Article on public libraries serving immigrant and refugee populations at ALA Annual 2018
- Public Libraries Online op-ed article on resources to better support refugee populations
Join us for a webinar on June 18, 2021 at 12 p.m. Central.
Title: Library Services to Refugees during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Speakers: Julie Robinson, Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment Outreach Manager, The Kansas City Public Library; Elsa Ngan, Senior Services Specialist, Multicultural Services, Toronto Public Library; and Marcelo Rodríguez, Foreign, Comparative and International Law Librarian, Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library, University of Arizona
Moderator: Clara M. Chu, Director, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library
Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for communities worldwide and the libraries that serve them. Libraries have had to pivot to ensure the safety of their staff and users while continuing to provide accessible and safe services. How have libraries specifically responded to serve refugees and how are they planning to transition to offer welcoming spaces and services for refugees post-pandemic? The webinar will present the experiences of libraries in and outside the United States serving refugees, and policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic that have impacted the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers. The webinar addresses the 2021 World Refugee Day theme: Together we heal, learn and shine.
Co-sponsors: Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, ALA Office for Diversity, Literary and Outreach Services, and ALA International Relations Office
Hashtags:
- #WithRefugees
- #WorldRefugeeDay2021
- #LibrariesStandWithRefugees
- #RefugeesWelcome
What else can you do #WithRefugees?
- Host a book club or book display on a book written by a refugee
- Invite staff to learn about policies related to refugees and resettlement
- Learn about your local refugee communities
- Invite community organizers to partner on programming related to refugee communities
- Continue to celebrate and recognize the diversity in your community
