• PROTECT PEOPLE FIRST (December 4th)

The Washington Circle is a large group of committed, bi-partisan, sophisticated men and women leaders from many walks of life, who are interested in humanitarian issues.  Established in 2001, they meet twice a year, to contribute their individual abilities and support to strengthen the lifesaving work of Refugees International on behalf of millions of the world's most vulnerable populations. Events are focused on pressing humanitarian issues, and past speakers have included Her Majesty Queen Noor, author and activist Samantha Power, author and former child soldier Ishmael Beah, and Ugandan peace negotiator Betty Bigombe.

Washington Circles in 2009 included a special production of the critically acclaimed play, Betrayed, hosted by Matt Dillon and Sarah Jessica Parker at the Kennedy Center on January 12, 2009.  A talk-back followed the production, and featured writer and journalist George Packer on whose articles in The New Yorker the play is based, along with Director Pippin Parker, RI’s late President Ken Bacon, RI’s Iraq Expert Kristele Younes, and Kirk Johnson of The List Project.

Our Spring Circle was held at the residence of His Excellency, the Ambassador of Afghanistan, and Mrs. Said Tayeb Jawad on April 7, 2009, and featured a special briefing on Refugees International’s recent work in Afghanistan as well as a kick-off for our 30th Anniversary Gala.

The next Washington Circle will be held on December 4.  Please contact Ellie Stamatopoulos at (202) 828-0110 ext. 227 or ellie@refintl.org for more information.

And please save-the-date for our 31st Anniversary Dinner on Thursday, May 6, 2010.