Refugee and Immigration Support and Education Task Force
WE NEED YOUR HELP! This is such an exciting time in Bloomington as well as across the country as our federal government admits more and more refugees and allows Venezuelans and Afghans temporary legal status, so they can get jobs and become independent and contributing members of our society wherever they live in the U.S. Bloomington welcomes new refugees every month! There are so many volunteer opportunities. A big one is direct volunteering to support the family from Afghanistan that we have been sponsoring since December 2021 - a few current needs are transportation, English practice, and driving lessons and job leads for the mother of the family. We also work on educating ourselves and our community about the challenges that refugees face and what it takes to get on the path to citizenship. It's hard work and it takes time. What can we do to help? Check out this chart and see what opportunity calls to you. And then let Barb Backler know at bbackler@gmail.com. We are also seeking a new co-chair for the task force (more info below). It is an excellent time to get involved and take on a leadership role!
A short story from Heather, RISE volunteer:
I've been reading with the Fakherduin boys, Hussain and Hassan, for a couple of months. Saturday, as I was leaving, I asked them "How do you say 'Goodbye' in Dari?" The oldest boy said, "Khudaa hafiz." I repeated it to the best of my ability and waved. The boys were impressed and grinned from ear to ear. Then Hussain excitedly said, "Wait! Let me get my Mom. You have to say that to her. She will love it!" He called her into the room, and I said, "Khudaa hafiz!" and waved. He was right. She loved it, and walked me to the door with a big smile. I may learn a Dari greeting as well, on my own, as a surprise.
Leadership transitions for RISE
We have a new co-chair!!! Jenny Vessels, who is relatively new to UUCB has offered to put her wonderful organizational skills and passion for working with and for others to good use. Thank you, Jenny. Since she retired recently but still works part time as a consultant, she would love to see someone step up to be her co-chair.
Cindy Mosca is stepping down from her position of co-chair of RISE. She is going to work virtually on a project with the University in Hawassa, Ethiopia, working with the English Department to come up with ways to make the classes more interactive, so that more people can learn English. There are so many dialects in Ethiopia that people can't communicate with each other, so they have chosen to teach everyone English.
Our other current co-chair, Barb Backler, will continue to be involved with RISE but not in a leadership position after December.