Global Cleveland is proud to be a Community Partner with the City Club of Cleveland as it presents Anne C. Richards, United States Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, on February 12, 2016 at 12:00 at the City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Avenue.
The world has not experienced such a high number of refugees since the ending of World War II in 1945. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says that there are nearly 60 million people classified as refugees today. Though Central America has contributed to this crisis, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and Myanmar are also hotbeds of instability that have created an increase of displaced people.
Though Cleveland settles approximately 700 refugees per year, we can expect an increase to this number because of the worldwide crisis. There has been much national conversation about Syrian refugees. It is important to note that there has been a miniscule amount of Syrian refugees who have settled in the region. Because of that national discussion and the important work of the Refugee Services Collaborative of Greater Cleveland (RSC),which is also a co-Community partner for this City Club event, we think Assistant Secretary Richards’ presentation is important to hear. We hope that she will dispel many myths about refugees that circulate on social media and on certain news channels. We also hope that through this presentation and the Q&A that follows, our community will become a more welcoming one to individuals who have suffered unbearable and unbelievable strife in their lives.
As Greater Clevelanders, should or could we be doing more for refugees? Perhaps your temple, mosque, or synagogue could help in resettling a refugee family. Maybe your club or organization might be able to assist in some way, big or small. The RSC member organizations are always in need of good volunteers and will guide you into the kind of volunteer-work you may want to do.
Please consider joining the Global Cleveland staff and many others who are interested in this topic at the City Club on February 12th. You can purchase your ticket that includes the presentation and lunch at cityclub.org or by calling 216-621-0082. If you are unable to attend, you can hear Ms. Richards on the City Club’s live webcast on cityclub.org, or listen to her presentation on WCPN 90.3 FM at 12:30 pm on February 12th. Consult Ideastream’s online schedule for rebroadcasts of this special event.
So many options to educate yourself on this important topic, but I hope to meet you in person at the City Club on February 12th!
