How to Support

What can you do to support the refugee community of Utica, NY?

  • artisansBuy 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:

  1. Save the Dates for all our events on your calendar.
  2. 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!
  3. 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?
Advertisements