Make a donation.

As a concerned citizen of the world, one of the simplest ways you can make a positive impact in the life of refugees is through a charitable donation. These donations help aid groups and international agencies get humanitarian aid to those the most in need. Some of the organizations that could use your help are:

UNHCR:

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is a UN run organization dedicated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. They are deeply involved in the Syrian Conflict and have been making actions in the crisis for the past 5 years. Make a tax deductible donation to the UNHCR here.

Hope for Syria:

Hope for Syria will evenly divide donations among nine well-regarded nonprofits, all of which deal with different aspects of the crisis including resettlement. Make a donation here.

International Rescue Committee:

Roughly 2,000 of its workers are providing aid to displaced people inside Syria, as well as those in neighboring countries and in Greece. Beyond food and shelter, they also provide health care and protection services for vulnerable women and children, and programs to help develop long-term job skills. Make a tax deductible donation here.

Photo Credit: World Bank Photo Collection

Educate Others.

Due to the complicated nature of the conflict, it can be hard for those not directly involved to understand the refugee crisis. As an educated advocate, you have the power to help those around you learn about the conflict and take action. Some of the ways you can do this are:

Participate in World Refugee Day:

UNHCR recognizes June 20th as World Refugee Day each year. This day is used to bring to light the issues refugees face worldwide, as well as a way to educate and connect people with refugees here in the US. Attend an event or host your own by getting more information here.

Organize an Event:

Share your knowledge with those in your community by hosting a refugee based discussion, documentary viewing, or forum. Encourage participants to share what they learned with others, and create a ripple effect.

Use Your Voice:

Spread what you've learned and encourage your peers by sharing information on social media and other platforms. Link to resources like DISPLACED and have discussions with members of your community.

Volunteer.

Humanitarian efforts would be impossible without the help of thousands of volunteers, who give their time to help refugees while asking nothing in return. You can give your time to the cause in a variety of ways, sometimes without even leaving home.

Become a UN Volunteer:

The decision to serve as a UN Volunteer, at home or abroad, is based on a commitment to the United Nations and to the UN’s contribution to peace, development and human rights in support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). See if you fit the requirements and find an application here.

Volunteer Online:

Find a task that fits your expertise, an issue that you feel passionately about, and a region you want to impact and volunteer online through the UNHCR. Find a task that fits you and get more information here.

Volunteer in Your Community:

Organize a fundraiser, educational event, or awareness campaign in your own community.