Worldwide, there are more displaced people than we have ever witnessed before. The war in Syria, ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Somalia, political instability and the ever looming crisis of climate change have driven more than 65 million people from their homes. But New Zealand, with our proudly held reputation for friendliness and generosity, disappointingly comes in at the 116th country in the world for hosting refugees.
The first Social Change Collective event for 2018 focused on former refugees in New Zealand and what we can do to help.
We heard the stories of Rez Gardi, the 2017 Young New Zealander of the Year, lawyer and founder of Empower and Guled Mire, policy advisor and social and racial justice advocate. This was followed by the opportunity to meet and talk with some extraordinary people making a difference including Rez and Guled, but also Amnesty International New Zealand , New Zealand Red Cross and Wellington based social enterprises Pomegranate Kitchen and Nisa.
A C T I O N S
Amnesty International: Community Sponsorship Programme of Refugees
Back the pilot programme of community sponsorship of refugees: join Amnesty International New Zealand to learn more about the community sponsorship pilot programme, an international, community-led model that is being trialled this year in New Zealand:
Commitment: ONE-OFF, educational, potential for longer-term involvement
Social Media Expert - Changemakers Refugee Forum
Put the fact you’re a millennial to good use: SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT needed to develop a strategy to help Changemakers Refugee Forum to expand how they tell their story and determine who best to share their story with. More info here: https://helptank.nz/project/detail/2086
Commitment: 3 - 4 HOURS OVER 1 - 2 WEEKS
Design a Marketing Campaign - Changemakers Refugee Forum
Flex your creative muscles: DESIGN A MARKETING CAMPAIGN for Changemakers Refugee Forum, so that they can spread the word about their fundraising event. More info here: https://helptank.nz/project/detail/2170
Commitment: 8 - 10 HOURS OVER 1 - 2 WEEKS
Opportunity to carry your campaign through to fruition, going beyond just the design to managing implementation of the campaign
HR/Governance Experience - Changemakers Refugee Forum
Have HR or governance experience? Help Changemakers Refugee Forum SET SOME KPIs so that they can operate more efficiently when reporting to the Board. More info here: https://helptank.nz/project/detail/2169
Commitment: 4 - 6 HOURS OVER 2 - 3 WEEKS
Teach Former Refugees to Drive
If you have your full driver’s licence for more than 2 years, TEACH FORMER REFUGEES TO DRIVE here in Porirua for 2 one-hour sessions a week. The learners provide the car and they have had lessons with a driving instructor before they transfer to a volunteer. Contact info@crf.org.nz or call the Changemakers Refugee Forum on 04 801 5812 for more info.
Commitment: 2 X 1 HOURS A WEEK, MINIMUM 3 MONTHS
Or, if you’re a female over 25, there’s a specific need for you to pair with a woman from a refugee background to practice driving - this can mean teaching FROM WOE TO GO! Contact info@crf.org.nz or call 04 801 5812 for more info.
Commitment: 2 X 1 HOURS A WEEK, MINIMUM 3 MONTHS
Support Social Enterprises that Support Refugees
Support social enterprises SUPPORTING REFUGEES: get yourself some delicious baklava or a lunch roll made by former refugees here in Wellington (https://pomegranate.org.nz/) or gift yourself or a friend a comfy cute pair of organic cotton underwear also made here in Wellington by former refugees: (https://nisa.co.nz/).