Action Center

Welcome to the LIRS Action Center

Every day, our community of volunteers, ambassadors, congregations, and communities from across the country dedicate their time to welcoming new neighbors and educating their communities on issues related to migration and refugees.

The work of LIRS would be impossible without this support. In the quickly-changing landscape of protocols and policies for refugees and asylum seekers, the LIRS network must ADAPT: Act, Donate, Advocate, Pray, and Teach.

While we encourage you to participate in all five components, we understand that not everyone can donate, but many can pray. Some might not be ready for advocacy, but they can educate themselves and teach others. In whatever ways you can, thank you for partnering with us in this work.

Act

Decide how you will join us in the work of protecting and welcoming vulnerable children and families through our Hope at the Southern Border toolkit.
Take concrete steps to prepare for changes to the United States immigration system under the new Biden Administration with our Hope Rising toolkit.
Sign up to be a pen pal to remind people in immigration detention that they are not alone or forgotten.
Join a local visitation ministry.
Take the deeper step in your involvement and volunteer with a local LIRS partner or affiliate. Volunteer opportunities vary depending on needs and some positions require applications and background checks to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations we serve.
Share LIRS’ social media posts with your network.
Experience the reality of the U.S. southern border first-hand through the Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey border immersion program.

Donate

Support the Neighbors in Need Fund to help refugee and immigrant families meet their basic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Give a monthly or one-time donation provide support to newly arrived refugees and to empower new Americans to become successful, contributing members of their communities.
Ask your congregation to support LIRS through a special offering.
Unite children with their families and ensure that they have what they need to begin their lives in the U.S.
Host a fundraising dinner party – LIRS can help with menu inspiration through our Culture Kitchen series!

Pray

Discern how God is calling your community to respond to the needs of immigrants and refugees through EMMAUS: Congregational Discernment.
Host a Transformed Community bible study to explore ideas of radical welcome
Share this Prayer for Migrant Children
Explore resources for congregations fractured by fear.
Engage with your community in a guided reflection on what it means to welcome immigrants and refugees with our Immigration Catechism.
Reflect on ministries of welcome in your context.
Consider joining or starting a Visitation Ministry.

Teach

Learn and share the history of conflict in Afghanistan, explore the culture through worship, food, and music, and learn more about LIRS’ work through the story of the Abdullah family in Gather: Afghanistan 2020
Grab some friends and start a book club with LIRS’ Virtual Book Series.
Test your knowledge on Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
Ask your family about their immigration story.
Host a screening of the Welcome Strangers film and learn about the work of LIRS partner Casa de Paz.
Request an expert speaker from LIRS for your panel, webinar, church service, or other event. Our speakers are immigration activists, foreign policy experts, thought leaders, and former refugees.
Visit our Climate Migration Resource Center to learn more about migrants who are forced to flee due to environmental changes.

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