What can you do to support the refugee community of Utica, NY?
Buy holiday gifts from refugee craftspeople. Local example: Re.Source Traditional Artisans.- Donate money or time to the Refugee Center.
- Eat at refugee-owned restaurants – see our map for details.
- Shop at Refugee-Owned Markets. See our map – there are dozens of ethnic and refugee markets in East Utica. Introduce yourself to the owners.
- Attend World Refugee Day events at the MVRCR in June.
- Read books by and about refugees. Local assistance: Utica Public Library.
- Watch films by and about refugees.
- Tell your story. Listen to other peoples’ stories.
- Visit a worship service in a different language or from a different religion. See our map for locations.
- Learn some phrases in a new language so you can greet our neighbors. Try Google Translate!
- Wear native clothing from a different culture, just for fun.
- Take a tour of the Refugee Center or Adult Learning Center when they are offered.
- Take an anthropology class.
- Go to a café and discuss art and ideas. Local example: Tramontane Café, Lincoln Ave.
- Take a tour of the Refugee Center or Adult Learning Center when they are offered.
- Look out for news about the upcoming release of the Starting Over book.
- Like us on Facebook for continuous news and updates; sign up for notifications.
How to get involved with the Refugees Starting Over Art Project:
- Save the Dates for all our events on your calendar.
- Submit photos of your life in Utica for our collage/art exhibit. Do you have personal or family photos that you would like to share with the community? Please email them to stamk@sunyit.edu using the highest quality or resolution versions you have OR upload to our Facebook page!
- Give us YOUR input on the following question and email us your answer: What was it like for you to start your life over again in Utica, NY?
