9 Ways You Can Help Afghan Refugees Today
I believe with all my heart that even though our situations and talents and experiences are different, we can still find ways to help others — no matter where we are physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. Here are nine ways any of us can come to the aid of our Afghan sisters and brothers.
1. Pray
Pray for those who are suffering in Afghanistan. Pray for those across the world with relatives in Afghanistan who are worrying about their family members’ safety. Pray that as many people as possible can get to safety. Pray for those unable to get out. Pray for our government and governments across the world to act swiftly and compassionately. Pray for our communities to open their hearts and arms to welcome Afghan refugees.
2. Mourn
Mourning with those who are suffering is an incredibly sacred act. Mourn in prayer. Mourn instead of prayer. But take a moment to sit with the suffering. It is the first step toward healing.
3. Donate monetarily
Preemptive Love is offering IMMEDIATE aid to the Afghan people. It is a lovely organization. Immediate aid is absolutely necessary, but it isn’t the end. This is going to be the work of years. Consider donating to refugee resettlement agencies like LIRS, Catholic Charities, and IRC or to local nonprofits (I’m in the Phoenix area and recommend Gathering Humanity and the Welcome to America Project). If you don’t have much to spare financially, consider raising funds. I’ll be selling my granola to raise money.
4. Donate items
Resettlement agencies and local NGOs often have specific items they need, such as furniture, food, housewares, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, etc. Contact one near you to find out what their specific needs are now and what they foresee needing in the coming months as Afghan families and individuals begin to arrive here.
5. Set up a donation drive
Involve your community! Reach out to your congregations, neighborhoods, youth groups, book clubs, etc. Let them know what you are collecting and for whom, and offer to pick up or have people drop off items on your porch.
6. Prepare donation kits
Similar to setting up a donation drive, this offers an even more hands-on approach because you’ll need people to help assemble. This is great for younger folks who want to be involved.
7. Take political action.
I know. It sounds scary. But it’s not! MWEG is an organization I trust and volunteer with myself. Follow this link and you’ll be able to send messages to the Biden administration as well as your members of Congress. It sounds hard, but the link has information and prompts to guide you. It doesn’t have to be long! You can do it!
8. Share your personal experiences
We need communities to be ready with those open hearts and hands. The BEST way to do that is to share with others experiences you’ve had with refugees. Writing a letter to the editor or an op-ed may sound intimidating, but again, you can follow the link above for help. Here is a great example of a short and sweet letter that is going to reach many people because it was published publicly. If you just can’t bring yourself to write, talk to people you know about your experiences! Talk to your friends, family, neighbors, and those you interact with on social media.
9. Volunteer
Refugee nonprofits were decimated over the last few years. This means they need more funding to hire more people and provide more resources, but it also means they need your willing hands! I have volunteered with multiple nonprofits over the years doing jobs from social media posting to moving furniture into new apartments to being a friend and mentor.
I believe we can all find ways to use whatever time and talents we have. I know we can’t change the world, but — what am I saying? I don’t know that. Putting my practical accounting aside, I absolutely believe we can change the world. Even if it means changing one person or one family’s world. YOU can make that difference.
Christie Black is Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s engage director, focusing on immigration.
