Resources on welcoming Afghan refugees
As communities see an increase in Afghan arrivals and are looking for ways to support their resettlement, we have compiled the following resources for community leaders, organizations, and individuals to leverage in their work.
If you would like to add resources to this page, please email [email protected] for consideration.
For Community Leaders
Tips to Build & Sustain a Locally Welcoming Infrastructure
Welcoming America and a cadre of partners created this guide for municipal leaders looking to welcome Afghans and create sustainable infrastructure to support their wellbeing. It offers four key tips to create an equitable and welcoming environment, including mobilizing a multi-sector response group; creating a We Welcome Fund; sharing messages of welcome; and changing policy at the federal, state, and local levels. This guide was created in partnership with the National Partnership for New Americans, Cities for Action, Cities for Citizenship, Refugee Advocacy Lab, and We Are All America.
More resources for community leaders
How State and Local Legislators and Governors Can Support Afghan Refugees and Allies
Engaging Public Sector Stakeholders to Prepare for Welcoming More Refugees by Switchboard
Welcoming Refugees in Rural Communities: Promising Examples from the Field by Welcoming America
Video: Who are refugees and how do they arrive in the United States by Switchboard
For Organizations
Supporting Afghan Refugees Over the Long Term by Jackson Hole Economics
STAND TOGETHER: Messaging to Support Muslims and Refugees in Challenging Times by Welcoming America
Community Sponsorship Manual by CWS
Afghan Rapid Response Toolkit by We are All America
RCUSA Social Media Toolkit by RCUSA
Evacuate our Afghan Allies Social Media Toolkit with Graphics by Evacuate Our Allies Coalition
Social Media Toolkit by Evacuate Our Allies
Afghanistan Response Social Media Toolkit
Webinars: Resettlement Strategies: Learning from National Examples & Local Actors
For Individuals
Contact Your Officials: Help Afghanistan Now Sign-on Letter! By MobilizeByChange
Urge President Biden and Congress to Protect Afghan Allies by LIRS
President Biden must act swiftly to protect at-risk Afghans by International Rescue Committee
Print an “I’m a Welcomer” sign, take a photo, post it on social media and tag Welcoming America
Send a message with swag: purchase welcomer swag on our online store
Ask your mayor or city council member to adopt a Welcoming Resolution (download template)
Encourage your faith communities to support/sponsor an arriving family
Support Our Members
In recent years, funding streams for refugee resettlement were decimated, resulting in many resettlement agencies closing their doors. As communities now face a surge of Afghan refugees arriving to the U.S., one of the ways to help is to directly contribute to their work. Consider supporting financially these organizations in the Welcoming Network and their work in resettling refugees across the U.S.:
Welcome.US
Welcome.US is a new national effort — built across sectors, political parties, and all walks of life — to empower Americans to welcome and support our new Afghan neighbors. In partnership with local and national resettlement agencies, Afghan-American organizations and leaders, refugees, community sponsorship groups, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations, veterans, universities, and many others, Welcome.US will create a single point of entry for Americans who want to get involved and support the people starting new lives in the United States.