The global refugee crisis is surging as Ukrainians flee the violence of the Russian invasion. If you find yourself at a loss for how to help, we’ve put together a few general ideas to advocate for all refugee communities. In these times, it’s critical to keep all refugee communities in mind — Afghan, Syrian, Venezuelan, Sudanese, Eritrean — as our liberation is interlocking and our humanity shared.

1. Get (and stay) informed. Read books and articles, watch videos and documentaries, and listen to podcasts on the issues. Social media is another great way to stay up-to-date and hear firsthand accounts. Here are a few instagram account to follow: Parwana Amiri, Yousif Al Shewaili, Meet a Refugee, Rethinking Refugees
2. Listen to the communities. As you get informed, be sure to prioritize the voices and accounts of the community members themselves. No one else can explain what it is truly like on the ground besides refugees and displaced individuals.
3. Volunteer with organizations. In spending your time with an organization, not only will you demonstrate your support for the cause, you will learn a lot in the process. When you understand why an organization is providing a particular program or service, you can understand the problem the refugees are facing.
4. Speak up on the issues. Whether through conversation or social media, use your voice to spread the word. Starting a discussion often leads to broader interest and invested support in a cause. You never know what action your words can spark.
5. Take to the streets. There are protests and demonstrations in solidarity with refugee communities happening across the globe — try attending the closest one to you! Showing up is a great way to show your support.
6. Invest your money. Through donations as well as the support of refugee-led businesses.
7. Host an event. This is for the people who want to take their awareness and advocacy to their networks and have the capacity to do so. Planning an event for an organization and inviting your friends and neighbors helps build a deeper sense of connection with refugee communities across the world.

Please feel free to email us at karam@karamfoundation.org if you have any ideas to add to this list, or if you’re interested in hosting a fundraiser or event. Until then, we stand with refugee communities across the globe, fighting for their right to lives of dignity and opportunity.