A tragic regular fixture in the news has become reports on the Syrian refugee crisis. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the staggering statistics, and these war torn regions can often feel distant and leave U.S. citizens disconnected. People may want to help but are not sure how they can make a difference, especially when not in a position to provide financial donations. At the end of the day, many find themselves saying “I feel bad, but how can I help”?
The truth is there are many ways in which the average citizen can make a difference. In conjunction with the opening of the photography exhibition Where the Children Sleep, the American Swedish Historical Museum is hosting a “How Can I Help?” Fair on Saturday October 21st from 11am - 3pm. The fair will be a day of education and cooperation to promote broader awareness of the immediate needs of refugees in our area. Refugee aid groups from the greater Philadelphia region will be on site to meet with members of the public and let them know what their organization does and how people can get involved.
ASHM invites the public to experience the refugee story through speakers who will share their personal journeys, and a walk through a portable refugee ‘better shelter’ designed by an enterprise partnering with the IKEA Foundation and the UNHCR. Through these activities and learning opportunities, ASHM encourages the community to come out and discover how to support refugees through volunteer work, donations of goods or services, or activism. Every effort matters so join with others to learn how you can make a difference!