For our club, 2023 was a foundational year. We were formally
recognized within Rotary and began building a home for people committed to
standing with refugees and forced migrants. The milestone reflects a simple
belief: every person should be safe, welcomed, and able to thrive.
We envision communities where discrimination is dismantled, where cultural
diversity is a strength, and where families displaced by conflict or disaster
can find their footing again. Our growing membership affirms that this vision
is both necessary and achievable.
With gratitude for everyone who helped us reach this milestone, we step into
the future with renewed purpose and a deeper sense of belonging.
The Rotary Club of Global Action for Refugees and Forced
Migrants brings together humanitarians, professionals, community leaders, and
partners united by service. Across borders and time zones, we collaborate to
deliver practical support—skills training, mentorship, and resources that help
displaced families rebuild.
At our chartering celebration in Spokane, we gathered with
members and friends from around the world—including those joining virtually
from different time zones—to mark an important beginning. The evening featured
testimonies about the talents newcomers bring and the shared commitment to
creating opportunity for forcibly displaced people.
We were honored to explore collaboration with local organizations, including
prospective initiatives that align technical skills training with employment
readiness, so newcomers can contribute their skills as soon as they are
resettled. These partnerships deepen our impact and ensure that services remain
rooted in real pathways to work and belonging.
The celebration concluded with a shared resolve: to keep opening doors—through
training, mentoring, and community—so that everyone has a fair chance to build
a new life.
