Overview
Amplifier’s “We the Future” campaign seeks to tell a new story about the future of America by showcasing ten young leaders representing ten diverse movements, in partnership with more than 20,000 educators around this country this academic year. One of the ten activists is Oxfam’s Refugee Campaign Lead, Isra Chaker, who fights for the rights of refugees every day. Oxfam believes that we all we must open our minds, hearts, and borders to vulnerable refugees fleeing violence and persecution.
As you and your students embark on this journey about refugee experiences, we encourage you and your students to post on social media about your personal reflections and learnings. Below are some resources that we hope you find useful.
Follow us on social media and please encourage your students to do the same! If you tag us, we will try to amplify your message through a like, retweet, or repost.
- Twitter: @OxfamAmerica @IsraSpeaks @amplifierart
- Instagram: @OxfamAmerica @israspeaks @amplifierart
- Facebook: Oxfam America; Isra Chaker; Amplifier Art
- Hashtags: #RefugeesWelcome #NoBanNoWall #RepealtheBan
Who are refugees?
Under international law, a refugee is a person located outside the country of his or her nationality who has a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Key Facts
- 68.5 million people are currently displaced by persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations
- More than 50% of refugees are children
- 30 people are forced to flee their homes every 30 minutes
- 1 in 100 people worldwide are now displaced - the highest recorded since WWII
- Less than 1% of the global refugee population is resettled
- There are more refugees around the world than ever before but the six richest countries in the world, including the US, take in less than 9% of the world refugees while the overwhelming majority of refugees find shelter in poorer countries that struggle to support them
Sample Social Media
Tweets
I’m teaming up with @IsraSpeaks from @OxfamAmerica and @amplifierart to inspire my students to create powerful change. Check out Isra’s story on what inspired her to be a social justice activist: https://bit.ly/2U0LwQm #RefugeesWelcome
.@Amplifier @OxfamAmerica @IsraSpeaks are inspiring the next generation to use their voices for social change through classroom curriculum: https://bit.ly/2uNTGRZ #RefugeesWelcome
More people are displaced now than at any time in recorded history. During the worst refugee crisis of our time, America must continue our tradition of welcoming refugees: oxf.am/refugeepetition #RefugeesWelcome
Around the world, more than 65 million people have been forced to flee their homes because of violence, persecution, and war. I stand with #refugees and welcome them into my community: oxf.am/refugeepetition #RefugeesWelcome
No family or community should be separated because of where they came from or their religion, but the current #MuslimBan is doing just that. Sign @OxfamAmerica's petition to #repealtheban: oxf.am/muslimban
#FACT: Did you know the US refugee resettlement program is already the world’s safest? The rigorous screening process can take up to two years for a refugee to be relocated into our communities. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2YTXizC #RefugeesWelcome
The world is currently seeing the largest refugee crisis since WWII, with more than 65 million people forced to flee their homes. Refugees are human beings who were students, friends, and neighbors just like you and I, until their lives were torn apart by war. @OxfamAmerica’s @IsraChaker works to reunite families and advocates for vulnerable people, including those impacted by the Muslim Ban. She’s teamed up with @Amplifier to help youth understand the refugee experience and inspire them to create social change. You can use your voice to fight for refugee rights, too. Check out @OxfamAmerica and @Amplifier's website to learn more.
Inspiring our youth to build social movements and understanding social justice issues is so important to build a brighter future for our communities. @Amplifier and @OxfamAmerica @IsraSpeaks team up to develop an interactive classroom lesson plan around understanding the refugee experience and Muslim Ban through artwork and storytelling. If you want to incorporate the learnings into your classroom, request the curriculum here: https://amplifier.org/campaigns/we-the-future/ #RefugeesWelcome
Right now, 30 people are forced to flee their homes every 30 minutes due to violence, persecution and war. The US is a nation of immigrants and for decades we’ve provided a safe haven to families who have nowhere else to turn. The recent US Muslim Ban only separates families and discriminates against many seeking safety and opportunity legally. @OxfamAmerica’s @IsraChaker and social justice activist works to advocate to uphold policies and laws that protect refugees here at home. We can all stand with refugees and fight for fairer rights. oxf.am/refugeepetition #RefugeesWelcome
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