Holidays at Refugees International

Last week was Refugees International's holiday party where we gathered at our Vice-President's home to spend some non-work time together. A few of us inevitably began to tell stories of the most dangerous places we'd been this year and how our families worry about us when we're overseas. One shared how she was in Beirut while it was being bombed during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict of August. My own family handled things pretty well when I was sent to Darfur in July, but my mom was a bit concerned when she saw that the organization is looking at launching missions to Iraq to continue our efforts for Iraqi refugees and promptly asked me if I'd be sent there. (Since I'm the Communications Manager here and especially unqualified to go, I won't be.)

I'm flying to California tomorrow to join my family for the holidays. Although many of Refugees International's staff will be out of town next week when our office is closed, our work doesn't stop. There are still 33 million refugees around the world who cannot go home for the holidays. Many have been forced to separate from their families.

I know we're all flooded with tons of emails, cards, letters and advertisements telling us to celebrate the season, buy a special gift for our loved ones, and remember those less fortunate by donating to our favorite charities. But I hope you will keep in mind the needs of refugees during this holiday season and beyond. Whether it's by donating to Refugees International , emailing President Bush and asking him to help Iraqi refugees, or blogging about us on your own blog, your actions do make a difference.