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DR Congo and Iraq: Activism for Refugees on Capitol Hill
October 24, 2008 | Jake Kurtzer |
Over the past 3 weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to escort grassroots activists from around the country to meet with their elected officials and engage congressional staffers on the humanitarian crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq. On both a personal and professional level, working with the grassroots activists in forums like the Global Day of Action for Congo and the Iraq Advocacy Days is extremely encouraging and energizing.
Accompanying grassroots activists as they meet with the elected officials that represent them, affirms for me that the work we do is relevant not only to those of us here in Washington, but that the issues we are covering have resonance in all the corners of the country. It’s abundantly clear that the most effective way to affect real and meaningful change is when the citizens of the country, state or district become engaged in an issue and demand of their policy makers active responses to a concern. And so, I was honored to participate with the activists who took time out of their schedules, and paid out of their pockets for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of Congolese and Iraqi civilians.
The Congo lobbying forum was the first of what may become an annual forum to highlight the profound humanitarian needs in that region. Working with a representative of the organization Run for Congo Women from Arizona, I had the opportunity to meet with staff who work with the Arizona senators and one house member. It was discouraging that the staff had very little knowledge of the incredible crisis that is taking place in the Congo. At the same time, it was energizing to sit with a citizen who was deeply committed to alleviating the suffering of the Congolese, and educate the policy staff on the humanitarian needs. I am hopeful that the members we met with will take to heart that in their home states and districts, their constituents are not only concerned with the Congo, but will monitor what the Senators and Congressman are doing to respond.
This week, I was also fortunate to work with four Sisters of the Dominican order to meet with California officials about the needs of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced people. Because Iraq is a much more high profile issue, all the staff we met with knew of the crisis, and were prepared with the positions their bosses had on the various talking points we presented. Yet, it was still clear to me that the staffers were impressed by the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the sisters. These four women spent two full days walking nonstop around Capitol Hill to deliver messages that were deeply troubling, yet managed to keep smiles on their faces and an upbeat attitude to their work.
From a professional perspective, it was exciting for me to work with these activists, because I know it will make our work at Refugees International more effective now that the elected officials are hearing from their constituents. On a personal level, however, working with the constituents gave me even more motivation and energy to continue to work diligently to find meaningful and lasting solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, Congo and around the world.
--Jake Kurtzer
Sign the Humanitarian Pledge for Iraqi refugees and support the millions of Iraqis displaced within and outside Iraq.
Accompanying grassroots activists as they meet with the elected officials that represent them, affirms for me that the work we do is relevant not only to those of us here in Washington, but that the issues we are covering have resonance in all the corners of the country. It’s abundantly clear that the most effective way to affect real and meaningful change is when the citizens of the country, state or district become engaged in an issue and demand of their policy makers active responses to a concern. And so, I was honored to participate with the activists who took time out of their schedules, and paid out of their pockets for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of Congolese and Iraqi civilians.
The Congo lobbying forum was the first of what may become an annual forum to highlight the profound humanitarian needs in that region. Working with a representative of the organization Run for Congo Women from Arizona, I had the opportunity to meet with staff who work with the Arizona senators and one house member. It was discouraging that the staff had very little knowledge of the incredible crisis that is taking place in the Congo. At the same time, it was energizing to sit with a citizen who was deeply committed to alleviating the suffering of the Congolese, and educate the policy staff on the humanitarian needs. I am hopeful that the members we met with will take to heart that in their home states and districts, their constituents are not only concerned with the Congo, but will monitor what the Senators and Congressman are doing to respond.
This week, I was also fortunate to work with four Sisters of the Dominican order to meet with California officials about the needs of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced people. Because Iraq is a much more high profile issue, all the staff we met with knew of the crisis, and were prepared with the positions their bosses had on the various talking points we presented. Yet, it was still clear to me that the staffers were impressed by the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the sisters. These four women spent two full days walking nonstop around Capitol Hill to deliver messages that were deeply troubling, yet managed to keep smiles on their faces and an upbeat attitude to their work.
From a professional perspective, it was exciting for me to work with these activists, because I know it will make our work at Refugees International more effective now that the elected officials are hearing from their constituents. On a personal level, however, working with the constituents gave me even more motivation and energy to continue to work diligently to find meaningful and lasting solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, Congo and around the world.
--Jake Kurtzer
Sign the Humanitarian Pledge for Iraqi refugees and support the millions of Iraqis displaced within and outside Iraq.
