Join us in Solidarity: World Refugee Day 2025

Solidarity. 

Dictionary.com tells us it’s a “union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc…” 

Today is World Refugee Day: an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. And this year, the focus is “Solidarity with Refugees”. UNHCR describes it as:

Solidarity means honouring refugees not just with words but with actions. It means listening to them and making space for their stories. It means defending their right to seek safety and finding solutions to their plight, ending conflicts so they can return home in safety.

It means ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that have welcomed them and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees.

But above all, solidarity means saying, clearly and courageously, that refugees are not alone and that we will not turn our backs

Today, June 20th, we join with voices from around the world to proclaim just that! 

We have been overwhelmed in all the best ways by how our community continues to show solidarity to newcomers, and we gather together this World Refugee Day to “shine a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of those who have been forced to flee”.

Will you join us in showing solidarity today? 

City of Refuge is working hard to pave the way toward opportunity, support, and connection to resources and relationships – but we can’t do it alone. 

Here are a few ways you can show support locally:  

• Come to our Summer Market TONIGHT at 10 N. Garth Ave. This outdoor event will feature both refugee and local artisans, City Cuisine, and more! We’ll be there from 4-9pm and your presence is a way to communicate, “You are welcome, you are not alone… We support you.”

• Back to School Bash. Gather your people and help us support refugee youth as they head back to school this fall. You can do a supply drive OR plan to volunteer on August 11th. 

• Monthly Giving. Every dollar you give to City of Refuge is a way to make your voice count. For every donor, it’s another person in our community saying that our mission matters because people from all over the world matter. We are still looking for 850 more folks to commit to $50/month – could you be one? 

• Be an Ambassador. You can speak up on behalf of refugees worldwide in a myriad of ways. Share about our local efforts, have us present at your business, church, or community event, engage with your elected officials. Take a tour with us and learn how you can be another voice in our community. Your voice and your influence matter! 

These ☝️ are just a few ways to honor our friends – and all of it is rooted in being a community that is truly welcoming and hospitable. 

Above all, let’s be the kind of people that offer open arms to all. The type of community that loves our neighbor. 

Help us celebrate World Refugee Day today! 

Debbie Beal

Executive Director