After attending the Intergenerational Spring Seminar April 5-7, 2018, the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office hopes that all participants will continue engagement with the office and with the issues discussed, such as supporting refugees and continuing to learn and teach others about the global migration crisis.

Our esteemed presenters have provided the following information and resources for continued engagement (grouped roughly based on topic). We're happy to add more - send additional resources to unitednations@uua.org and we can update this list!

Resources and Information

• Testing one's own understanding: Immigration Quiz (in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF) from the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights - quiz encouraged as a group activity & collective learning experience.
• Share the Seminar Statement with your congregation and discuss how to take action according to the commitments listed in the statement. You can also download a PDF to print and display at coffee hour.

Climate-Induced Displacement

• Watch the UN Web TV video of the Theme Panel "Confronting Climate Forced Displacement and the Global Migration Crisis" that took place in the United Nations' ECOSOC Chamber.
• Some of the speakers have graciously shared the text of their speeches: download and read the Theme Panel remarks from Roy Gutman (Word), Bruce Knotts (Word), and Teresa Blumenstein (Word).
• From Teresa: Download a Brochure on Climate-Induce Displacement (PDF) from the NGO Committee on Migration
• Climate Change + Self Determination Quiz from UUSC: Climate change has many dimensions. Take the quiz to learn about the impact it's having on communities around the world.

Asylum Seekers—Deeper Understanding

Understanding the Asylum Process

• The Waiting Game - The U.S. is supposed to be a safe haven for people fleeing persecution, but aslylum-seekers face years of uncertainty upon arrival. Play ProPublica and WNYC's experimental news game that captures their experience, allowing you to walk in the shoes of an asylum seeker, from the moment they choose to come to the U.S. to the final decision in the cases before and immigration judge.

Further Reading on LGBTQ Asylum Seekers:

• Book from Edafe Okporo "Bed 26: A Memoir of an African Man's Asylum in the United States" - follow Edafe on Instagram @okporoe to continue the conversation
• Report from Bobby Steggert at Queer Detainee Empowerment Project: "A World Report on the LGBT Immigrant Experience" (PDF)

Congregational Support for Refugees

• Lovingkindness Meditation for Refugees (PDF) for use during a worship service or other meditation time.

Canadian Resources

• Canadian Unitarians Welcoming Refugees presentation slides (PDF) from Vyda Ng
• Canadian Immigration, Refugee, & Citizenship Resources from Canadian Unitarian Council:
  • ​Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (PDF)
  • Settlement Preparation (PDF)
  • Managing expectations (PDF)
  • Settlement Service Provider Organizations
  • Important information “For new immigrants”
  • Government of Canada – “Benefits Finder”
  • The First Year and Beyond (PDF)
  • Planning for Month 13 (PDF)
  • Sponsorship breakdowns (PDF)

Resistance to Criminalization of Migrants

Resources from Arab American Association of New York

• Arab American Institute's Local Action Toolkit for How Communities Can Make a Difference
• ACLU's article on Trump's Refugee Vetting Rules

Faithful Resistance resources from Love Resists & Side With Love

• UUCSJ Study and Reflection Guide
• Love Resists - hub for resources on spiritual practices for justice work, sanctuary, expanded sanctuary & accompaniment networks, and more
• Side With Love's biweekly spiritual sustenance emails
• Fortification Podcast on Spiritual Sustenance for Movement Leadership (from Side With Love in partnership with Auburn Seminary)
• "Changing Systems, Changing Ourselves: Anti-Racist Practice for Sanctuary, Accompaniment, & Resistance" - a four-part monthly interactive e-course for groups to explore, reflect & act for social change. (Register by April 27th!)
• Facebook group "Sanctuary Matters" for Clergy navigating sanctuary/accompaniment work