Photo courtesy of Lauren Meling of USA for UNHCR
This blog is dedicated to the 43 million refuges worldwide.
No one chooses to be a refugee. War, ethnic battles or political oppression determined their fate causing refugees to be separated from their homes, families and everything they’ve ever known. It’s a worldwide problem most of us will never experience.
The statistics are staggering (via UNHCR):
- There are more than 43 million refugees worldwide without a key to their own home. 43 million people around the world…that’s nearly the combined populations of New York and Texas!
- Women and girls represented 49% of all refugees and asylum seekers.
- Approximately 47% of the world’s refugees and asylum seekers are under 18.
How these refugees continue to fight for life and hope is beyond my understanding. We have the freedom to live where we want, to eat what we like, to have a paycheck and buy things we want but don’t need, etc. I’m too spoiled to understand what it’s like not to be able to eat pasta instead of a salad or drink water when I’m thirsty or have a key to my own home that I share with only my husband. So let’s do something we all sometimes forget to do: appreciate what we have and extend a helping hand to those in need.
USA for UNHCR is has launched the Blue Key campaign to give refugees a voice here in the states. Through social media marketing they are increasing awareness and raising financial support to help refugees worldwide. They’re doing it by selling Blue Key pins and pendants for just $5. Each key could help refugees get closer to a home. They will also help USA for UNHCR reach their goal of distributing 6,000 keys by December 2011 when they commemorate 60 years of working to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and internally displaced people.
Cision became aware of the Blue Key campaign through Shonali Burke, principal at Shonali Burke Consulting and publisher of the blog Waxing UnLyrical. She is using simple communication to make big changes in the world. When she asked Cision to become Blue Key Champions, we jumped at the chance. $5 doesn’t sound like much, but that little bit is all it takes to change a life forever.
How you can help:
- Buy a Blue Key for $5. Put it on your backpack, coat, briefcase strap, or anywhere everyone you come into contact with will see it. When they ask, tell them about the campaign.
- Blog about the issue and tell your network that you’re supporting refugees around the world by purchasing a Blue Key. Link to the Blue Key Campaign website to get them involved.
- Tell your network on Twitter about the campaign, share links to the suggestions above and use the hashtag #bluekey.
- Encourage your Facebook friends to get a Blue Key.
- Become a Blue Key Champion.
The Blue Keys are symbols for the security, stability and comfort of a home that refugees have left behind, but will one day regain. By buying a Blue Key, you’re telling the millions of refugees worldwide, they aren’t invisible and you’re also showing support for the 6,000+ UNHCR staffers working worldwide to bring them some relief.
