Donate to AWE

The people we support at AWE have not only fled injustice or tyranny; they have taken it upon themselves to change their lives. We commend the courage needed to step into a new, foreign land. That is why, through your donations, we seek to uphold these virtues of hope and faith.

We know it can sometimes feel like smoke and mirrors when donating to a nonprofit. At AWE, we show you exactly what your money goes towards with our new AWE Stretch Goals. Below, you can see specific goals we reach with total amount of money donated. With your help, we can reach milestones such as providing housing for more asylees and offering new classes. for them to take.

AWE looks towards tomorrow – a day we can help even more asylees with the utmost care and passion. We can only make this progress with your generous support. Join us in our quest, one dollar at a time.

AWE Stretch Goal- Asylee Apartment Housing

The asylees who flee their countries for better prospects are often doing so under heavy financial stress. To make matters worse, when they arrive in the United States, asylees must deal with a new currency and a new cost of living, all while adjusting to a new language.

AWE wants to cover the apartment rent of as many asylees as we can. If you donate today, your money will go directly to our above goals of housing families. With their rent covered, these individuals can better focus on creating a new life for themselves.

 

Rent estimates taken from:
Josephson, Amelia. “What is the Cost of Living in Maryland?” SmartAsset. N.p., 09 Aug. 2016. Web. 28 Apr. 2017.

A Day in the Life of an Asylum Seeker

A Day in the Life of an Asylum Seeker

Being an asylum seeker in America is complicated, and these women require help and compassion from others in order to have a chance at success. The following stories are fictionalized accounts of what the lives of asylum seekers receiving services at AWE look like from day to day. They are descriptions of how AWE has been able to make use of donations and volunteers in order to help the women of AWE get back on track.

*Disclaimer: The two asylum seekers described in these narratives, including names, are completely fictional. These narratives are based off of compilations of the experiences of many asylum seekers at AWE, and do not reflect any single asylum seeker. No identities of real asylum seekers have been used to preserve their privacy.*

*Asylee Seeker 1: Maria

Headline: Maria wakes up in an AWE provided housing unit. She prepares breakfast for her children and herself with food the center has given her.

In Depth Story: From the donations that AWE has received, AWE is able to provide safe housing for asylum seekers that they otherwise may not have been able to have. Since asylum seekers do not have arrangements made when they come to their hosting country, it is crucial that asylum seekers have  access to housing.

making-breakfast
Rima is making breakfast.

Maria is cooking for her children.

Dropbox

Headline: She gets her kids off to school coming down to the center to receive help with her resume

In Depth Story: AWE recipients come from many different backgrounds career wise. These women are doctors, lawyers, professors, cooks, seamstresses, etc. They have many skills to offer from their home countries, and should be able to carry over that experience to America in the form of a well-crafted resume. Help chronicling their work history will remind them of everything they have accomplished, and give them perspective on what they want to accomplish in their futures.

Maria gets help with her resume.  

Dropbox

woman-working-on-resume
Maria gets help with her resume.

Headline: After classes, Maria eats lunch with other AWE recipients.

In Depth Story: These women have endured traumatic circumstances that can make them feel isolated, alone, or like nobody else understands their struggle. Coming to a different country alone can be intimidating and lonely. With a daily lunch at the center, women can regain a sense of community and be social with one another. While their stories are different, they have all arrived seeking out the same resources. Furthermore, the women can share foods from their home country with one another and the volunteers. Allowing AWE to continue to host these lunches will continue to give women the sense of friendship they need.

Maria is having lunch with other AWE recipients

food-on-table
Maria is having lunch with other AWE recipients.

http://absfreepic.com/free-photos/abundant-meal-on-table.html

Headline: She concludes her day at the park with her children and another AWE family.

In Depth Story: AWE prides itself on being able to provide in-city field trips that allow for the women to get better acquainted with the city of Baltimore as well as take their minds off of the everyday stress of being asylum seekers. Trips include going to neighborhood parks, the Baltimore zoo, the Baltimore aquarium, and sporting events. These trips also help women bond with one another as well as form connections with others in the community at large. Donations help provide with organizing outings as well as providing transportation to and from events when needed.

yellow-flowers
Maria is being active at the park with her children.

Maria is being active at the park with her children.

Dropbox

*Asylee Seeker 2: Rima

Headline: Rima wakes up in her room provided to her by an AWE volunteer. She prepares breakfast alongside her volunteer host before they both head to the center.

In Depth Story: AWE provides housing to asylum seekers whenever they have the resources available to do so. However, because of limited housing resources not every asylum seeker is able to live in her own apartment. Volunteers help out by not only donating services while at the center, but also by hosting asylum seekers in their own homes. Since asylum seekers do not have arrangements made when they come to their hosting country, it is crucial that asylum seekers have access to housing.

woman-in kitchen
Maria is cooking for her children.

Dropbox

Headline: Rima heads down to the AWE center with her volunteer host to take beginner English classes.

In Depth Story: AWE provides English classes for asylum seekers that range from a beginning skill level all the way up to advanced English. Since these women are coming from other countries, it is imperative for their success to have a grasp of the English language. Some women come to America knowing just a bit of English, while others come to America speaking fluent English. Making sure communication barriers of asylum seekers are broken down at all levels is a thing that English teaching volunteers at are striving for. 

women-studying
Rima is working to improve her language skills.

Dropbox

Headline: After English class, Rima takes yoga class.  

In Depth Story: In addition to just educational classes, AWE provides other classes that allow for asylum seekers to have more of a sense of normalcy in America. AWE has volunteers come to offer their services for recreational classes with activities such as cooking, sewing, jewelry making and card making. Also, AWE will bring in masseuses from time to time to help them relieve whatever stress they have from the asylum seeking process.

woman-doing-yoga
Rima is taking yoga classes.

Dropbox

Headline: Rima ends the day with meeting with a lawyer working for AWE pro bono.

In Depth Story: AWE is able to provide services to asylum seekers that they otherwise might not have been able to access. One of the biggest hurdles asylum seekers will face is getting adequate legal representation in America. AWE is able to offer days where lawyers will offer services like filling out applications pro bono to asylum seekers.

love-strength-confidence-nevergiveup-photos
Rima looks to the inspiration wall to remind herself she is working towards reinventing her new life.

 

Transportation

Transportation in Baltimore

Transportation has been a major concern here at AWE. We want to make sure that you are able to navigate Baltimore efficiently as well as safely. This page features information regarding mass transit here in Baltimore. Information on the Metro, Light Rail and Bus systems is provided below, along with a some helpful tips.

Baltimore Light Rail and Metro Map

Baltimore Light Rail / MetroMap
Baltimore Light Rail / MetroMap

 

Light Rail

The light rail is an above ground, electric train that runs from BWI Airport, through the heart of Baltimore city, all the way into Hunt Valley. It also connects to Penn Station and several bus stops, making it a great primary source of public transportation. The route parallels highway I-83 and runs North to South. The train, runs on dedicated tracks allowing for it to often move faster than congested, rush hour traffic.

Stops are marked on charts above the train’s doors in a very basic order. A dot on a yellow line represents each stop the train will make, the operator will announce each stop as the train approaches it. It is important to pay attention to what stops are close by, or will be coming up since if you miss a stop, you’ll need to get off and catch another train going the opposite direction.

Each light rail station has tracks running in both north and south directions. Above the tracks there will be an automated display that features the estimated arrival times of approaching trains, as well as the direction that side of the tracks runs. Again, paying attention to North/South is important. The electronic signs also display the time, date, and stop name to help you keep your bearings on your location. Near the automated machines where tickets are purchased there is usually a large map of the light rail system with a helpful “you are here” circle to mark the location of the station you are nearest. This can also be helpful in planning your trips around the city.

Stations

Many of the stations have parking lots as well as bus stops allowing for easy connections and parking when journeying into the city. There will be automated machines near each station at which you select your trip options and pay for your ticket. You will want to use smaller bills and/or exact change to pay for your tickets to keep the process simple. You are able to move freely amongst the cars and can sit wherever there is space available, just remember that the sideways bench style seats, closest to the doors, are prioritized for the handicapped.

Light Rail Tracker Link
Link to Light Rail tracker here: http://mta.maryland.gov/LRTracker

Hours

Monday – Friday

5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Saturday

6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Sunday

11:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Metro

The Baltimore Metro serves as a connector from the Owings Mills area of Baltimore County to downtown Baltimore. The train runs both above and below ground, with stations above and below ground as well. Just like the light rail system, you will purchase your tickets at automated ticket booths positioned at each station. The turn styles near the tracks have a slot to accept and scan your ticket, allowing for entry.

Upcoming stops are announced over the intercom by the operator on board the train. Stations also usually feature display boards with instructions on connecting to other bus or light rail routes nearby.

Hours

Monday – Friday 5:00 am to 12:00 am

Saturday – Sunday 6:00 am to 12:00 am

Bus

Unlike the metro or light rail, you will not buy your bus ticket until you are on the bus itself. Bus stops are marked by blue and white signs on poles that stick out of the sidewalk, often but not always near intersections or busy roads. As you step up onto the bus you’ll insert your payment into machine that looks very similar to the ones you’ll see at a light rail or metro station. This machine is very close to the bus driver, who can help you if you have any problems. You will want to use smaller bills and/or exact change to pay for your ticket to keep the process simple and quick. Remember there will probably be people behind waiting to get on and pay as well. You’ll collect your change and then have a seat in an open spot.

Bus fares are the same prices as light rail or metro tickets. If a day pass is purchased, the rider can take as many rides as they want to, on any form of local transportation, making this a good option if a bus ride is combined with light rail or Metro usage.

One way trips are $1.70, a transferrable day pass is $4.00, a weekly pass is $22.00, a monthly pass is $68.00. Senior fares are slightly discounted at $0.70 one way, $2.00 for a day pass and $20.00 for a monthly pass.
A breakdown of prices for riding the bus, light rail or metro in Baltimore.

BWI

The BWI airport is a large airport south of Baltimore City. Various flights both nationally and internationally enter and exit through this major transportation hub. It is usually a good idea to try to arrive 3 hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. Due to its size, it may take you awhile to orient yourself appropriately once you are inside. You will want to make sure to enter the correct terminal, and then enter the line to begin being checked by security. Once past the security line, you can move about freely, just remember to keep track of the time so you do not miss your flight!

Transportation Connectivity

There are both light rail and bus stops at BWI to help you travel either to or from the airport from the surrounding areas. A taxi from the airport to downtown Baltimore is an estimated $35.00, while this is more expensive then a bus or light rail ticket, the direct route is certainly nice and taxi’s are usually waiting in lines outside of the terminals/entrances. An alternative to a taxi is the airport shuttle service. These shuttles are generally less expensive than the taxi, but are also less direct in their routes.

MARC Train/AMTRAK

The MARC Train system runs in and out of Penn Station in Mt. Royal. The light rail and bus both connect to this station, allowing for easy access to this system. For those looking to reach Baltimore from other east coast cities or commute further distances, the MARC train and AMTRAK provide many options.

Penn Station also can be easily accessed by light rail, bus or taxi.

https://mta.maryland.gov/marc-train

Bibliography

Alpert, Benjamin Joseph. “Measuring New York City Transit: A Brief Overview and Critique of MTA Metrics.” Civic Analytics & Urban Intelligence A graduate class at NYU’s Center for Urban Science & Progress — Fall 2016. N.p., 5 Dec. 2016. Web. 18 Apr. 2017. <https://medium.com/cusp-civic-analytics-urban-intelligence/measuring-new-york-city-transit-a-brief-overview-and-critique-of-mta-metrics-5444d7e3d98d>.

The author of this article is Benjamin Joseph Alpert, a graduate student of urban sciences in New York City. He discusses the pro’s and con’s of using mass transit in New York. The primary intended audience is people looking for feedback on mass transit.

The strengths of this article are the data he cites and the way in which he evaluates the quality and consistency of the transit system. Everything from delays to crowding is covered. For feedback on mass transit in general this could be a valuable resource.

Bose, Pablo. “Transportation, Equity, and Communities at Risk: Refugee Population and Transportation Accessibility in Vermont.” University of Vermont Transportation Research Center, Mar. 2011, pp. 1–67. Google, www.uvm.edu/~transctr/research/trc_reports/UVM-TRC-10-018.pdf. Accessed 20 Mar. 2017.

The author of this article is Pablo Bose, a professor at the University of Vermont. He has done a fairly large amount of research on helping refugees/asylees navigate a foreign country using mass transit. One of the primary intended audiences is the Vermont state government, but anyone looking to learn more or help with the problem is also targeted.

The strengths of this article are its suggestions, possibilities and analysis regarding the transportation problems refugees’ face. The information does support out project as many Vermont refugees face similar problems that are comparable to those working with AWE. This information is highly relevant to our topic.

“Maryland Transportation Resource Information Point | MDTrip.” Maryland Transportation Resource Information Point – MDTrip.org, www.mdtrip.org/. Accessed 20 March. 2017

The author of this article appears to be the Maryland Transit Association, they speak with authority as the site breaks down and explains how to use their own services. The primary intended audience is anyone looking to navigate Maryland using public transportation. The secondary audience would be someone looking to help others navigate Maryland’s transit system.

The strengths are mainly the amount of information regarding the MTA and how it works, as well as how to use it. The information does support our work with AWE as it would help asylees navigate the city. The material is relevant to our class project as it offers both maps and guides to navigating the greater Baltimore area.

Jones, David W. Mass Motorization + Mass Transit : An American History and Policy Analysis. Indiana University Press, 2008. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.stevenson.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=242096&site=eds-live&scope=site/Accessed 3 April, 2017.

The author of this article is David Jones, a researcher focusing on the social and economic forces surrounding mass transit, specifically in the United States. He explores the various legislative, economic and cultural aspects of mass transit, how these factors affect transit and how transit also affects these factors.

The strengths of this source are the details and lengths he went to in his research. The weakness is that it doesn’t relate specifically to Baltimore or the refugee crisis, it is more historical in its perspective. This lack of direct relation means that this may be a good source to fall back on, but it isn’t particularly relevant to our cause.

Who We Are

Our Mission

In 1980 Congress passed The Refugee Act— legislation which codified the U.S. commitment to protecting refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable immigrants. Over the last 30 years, new U.S. laws, policies, and practices have undermined the ability of asylum-seekers to obtain asylum protection. Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE), helps women seeking asylum to rebuild their lives and spirits by providing transitional housing, companionship, and community. Though our aim is to grow the asylees, we grow together.

Our Philosophy

“A person is a person through other people.”

From the asylees to our staff, everyone at AWE is a part of this community. We are all interconnected and we all learn from one another through this shared experience. Ubuntu is centralized around the idea that the successes and hardships of individuals within a community are shared. Collective interests within the community precede the interests of the individual in such a way that everyone is equal. Your experience is our experience.

Our Community

The seeds of AWE began in January 2011. It started as a collaboration between Catholic Sisters working together to provide housing and community to women seeking asylum. AWE is now a secular organization open to all asylum seekers and donors. We encourage you to become involved as an active participant in our community. A special thanks to the Sisters from the following communities who have been instrumental in developing AWE:

Whether you would like to donate goods, time, money, encouragement, or effort, we welcome you to become a part of our growing community. To find our more, visit our (donate link) page.

Our Services

Offices: 4500 Frankford Ave., Baltimore MD 21206

Phone: 443-850-0627

Email: info@asyleewomen.org

Media Inquiries Email: tnelms@asyleewomen.org

Don’t forget to add us on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr!

Save

Volunteer/Donate page

Two asylee seekers smiling and talking to a volunteerA volunteer helping an asylee seeker read a passage from a book

 

Donate Goods tab

Your donations are critical to the success of AWE. We are always in need of general food donations, and office donations. Below is a list of the most useful items, but we will accept other items that are not on the lists.

General items needed:

    • Powdered and condensed milk, cereal, frozen vegetables, cooking oil, spaghetti, rice, tuna, sardines, canned chicken, salt, garlic powder, butter, jelly, peanut butter, eggs, dried beans, potatoes, onions, honey, noodles, yogurt, cheese, flour (wheat, white, yucca, corn).

Office supplies needed:

    • Printer ink (HP Officejet Pro 8610), printer paper, post its, index cards, markers/crayons, colored paper,  large trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, pens, pencils.

If you don’t have these items just lying around and don’t have time to go out and shop, Walmart, Giant, Staples gift cards are also welcome donations.

Umbrellas are also needed for when AWE members go to events around the Baltimore area.

The Run With AWE section is for our annual fundraiser. We recruit people to run the Baltimore Running Festival and they must fundraise for AWE. Perhaps we can put “details coming soon” with the link to the festival? http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/  Date of the race is October 21, 2017.

AWE is also in need of clothing donations for our clients who have only the clothes on their back and those who are looking for jobs. To donate money or other goods or to arrange a tour they can contact info@asyleewomen.org

AWE also needs and accepts money donations. To learn more, visit our donate page. (link to Brian’s page)

Two shelving units with cans and other perishable items.  Two young adult volunteers shelving and organizing nonperishable donations.

 

Volunteer tab

We are always in need of volunteers to assist in the daily activities at AWE. If you are looking for a specific position that is not listed, contact Sr. Anne Hefner at ahefner@asyleewomen.org and we will be happy to match your skills, interest, and availability.

To volunteer they can contact Sr. Anne Hefner at ahefner@asyleewomen.org

Volunteer positions

    • Clothing Closet Assistant
      • Sort, wash, and hang donated clothing. Monitor the flow of clothing from donation to the clothing closet. Assist members with selecting the correct size and style appropriate for them.
      • Time commitment: Three hours, twice a week
      • Clothing Closet Assistant Details

A walk in closet with rows of brightly colored shirts

    • Community Activity Leader
      • Facilitate group activities for AWE members. Prepare the activity and gather necessary supplies before hand. Use the activity to help build connections to the community and to other members.
      • Time Commitment: Tuesdays 10 am- 12pm
      • Community Activity Leader Details

An activity leader explaining an activity to a volunteer and asylee seeker.

    • Community Connector
      • Develop a list of free activities and field trip activities in the Baltimore area. Update bulletin board with monthly free events.
      • Time Commitment: 1-2 hours a week, flexible date and times
      • Community Connector Details
    • Garden Caretaker
      • Care and maintain regular maintenance for the AWE Garden. Craft plans to help expand the garden spaces and research and apply for grants to do so. Identify materials needed to help the garden grow.
      • Time Commitment: Flexible hours and days, members are usually available to help on Tuesday mornings
      • Garden Caretaker Details

A young Asylee seeker working in a garden

    • Guest Speaker
      • Meet with the program director in advance to discuss your presentation topic. Prepare a 60-90 minute interactive and engaging presentation on the topic you wish to teach the AWE community members.
      • Time Commitment: 1-2 hours, flexible days and times, Tuesdays are usually best for members
      • Guest Speaker Details

A young man giving a presentation to a group of people

    • Lunch Chefs & Nutrition Promoters
      • Develop lunch menus based on donations received for 10-20 people. Prepare and cook lunches, keep an inventory of spices and needed products. Let the Program Director know when items get low. Open to cooking foods from other countries.
      • Time Commitment: Monday or Wednesday from 10am-12pm
      • Lunch Chefs & Nutrition Promoter Details

A woman’s hand putting greens into a bowl while a young boy helps.

    • Pantry Coordinator
      • Track and organize incoming donations. Assist community members with selecting food items each Tuesday and tracking what is taken. Maintain a tracking system for incoming and outgoing food.
      • Time Commitment: Tuesdays from 10am-12pm or 12:30am-2:30pm
      • Pantry Coordinator Details

Two volunteers restocking and organizing the pantry

The Run With AWE section is for our annual fundraiser. We recruit people to run the Baltimore Running Festival and they must fundraise for AWE. http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/  Date of the race is October 21, 2017. 

Baltimore Running Festival logo   Run with AWE team posing outside the Baltimore Ravens Stadium

 

 

Final – Programs

Programs

Asylee Women Enterprise specializes in creating activities that assist asylees with life skills that will aid them as they make their transition into life in the United States. These skills, while not necessarily marked as major events on the calendar, are still quite impactful to our asylees.

Each Monday and Wednesday women and men asylum seekers and asylees can participate in our Employment and Education Program and these sessions are held from 10 am – 2 pm with registration being required.

These activities include:

  • ESL (Beginner to Advanced Level Classes)
      • ESL (English as a Second Language) is extremely important to integration into the United States as it is the primary language in the country. Women are taught conversational English, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, writing, and vocabulary.
  • Resume Writing
      • AWE also teaches how to properly construct resumes. Many women making the transition from their former countries have work experience there but don’t know how to properly transfer their experiences into English or standard resume format. This works in conjunction with their ESL lessons.
  • Online Application Assistance
      • Once their English skills have improved and they’ve gained proficiency in resume writing, AWE also offers services to assist with online job applications.  
  • Interviewing Skills
      • No application will ever be good enough to completely negate people skills and etiquette. After helping asylees write tailor their resume to their skillset, AWE also prepares them to go on to the interview process. With instructions on body language and proper words to use, AWE ensures that asylees have developed the necessary skills to succeed in their interview.
  • Basic Driver Education
      • Another major facet of American society is driving. While many countries do have roadways and vehicular transit, the countries where many asylees are fleeing from either don’t have streetlights, lane dividers and the other signals that we do in the United States. So basic driving education gets asylees up to speed with the driving process in the United States, with an education on the various signs and signals.
  • Special Guest Speakers
    • AWE is in constant search for guest speakers on various topics from job opportunities to advice on American city life.

In addition, AWE offers Hospitality Hours on Tuesdays and Thursday (these sessions are held from 10am – 2pm and registration is required) where women asylum seekers and asylees can enjoy activities like:

  • Crafting & Sewing
      • Crafting and sewing allow for the asylees to stay connected to and pass on their cultural practices and creative customs. Things like pots, quilts, and blankets can be made.
  • Computer Time
      • AWE offers free computer time for the women to access the internet for recreational purposes which also greatly assists in improving their overall computer skills through practice.
  • Yoga
      • Yoga is a practice that calms and regulates the mind. With all of the displacement of refugees from their countries and the PTSD that follows, it is essential for refugees that learn ways to address these psychological issues with non-destructive hobbies.
  • Personal Story Writing Classes
    • Writing is a form of expression and many refugees may feel the desire to tell their life story prior to fleeing their countries. These classes can help to cultivate their English writing abilities.

AWE WEBPAGE PRESENTATION

Linda: Sewing Teacher and Community Outreach Volunteer 

[This is a video of a volunteer talking about sewing and her experiences with working at AWE]

Fran: Computer Technology and Job Search Volunteer

[This is a video of a volunteer talking about her experiences and skills working with AWE]

Tiffany: Executive Director of AWE

[This is a video of the executive director discussing the importance of AWE and volunteers]

Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE) is always looking for volunteers and individuals to help and get involved. These stories are just a small glimpse on the touching stories at AWE. Online donations are always welcomed, yet the experiences you get from hands-on help carry with you forever. AWE accepts all kinds of volunteers ranging from clothing closet assistant, a community connector, community activity leader, garden caretaker, guest speaker, lunch chef’s, pantry coordinator, teachers for english and skills, and much more. For more information go to our volunteer/donate page.

 

Final Project

Andrew Vetsch
ENG 256-01
Dr. Licastro

One of the biggest challenges facing a website is not only engaging the viewer, but also keeping the viewer interested so that it becomes easier to sell a product. One of the tactics advertisers use as they create a convincing advertisement is multimodal. Multimodal text is defined as the strategic use of ‘two or more communication modes’ to make meaning, for example image, gesture, music, spoken language, and written language’ (1). Multimodal text is defined by different aspects. One of those aspects is visual storytelling. Visual storytelling, for those who don’t know, is when an artist tells a story without spoken dialogue, it’s told through visual imagery such as the setting, and the characters’ emotions, rather than what they speak.

To attract more viewers for the Asylee Women Enterprise, me and Deandra Coleman have decided to create a Q&A slide-show to increase a viewer’s knowledge on the refugee issue. There will be a photo along with a question at the top. When the viewer clicks on the right arrow, the answer will be on the bottom-right of the photo. The questions could be seen as a test on the viewer’s knowledge, rather than ask personal questions such as where viewers see themselves five years from now. The questions and answers are based on studies found by the International Organization for Migration, or IOM, and the UN Refugee Agency, or the UNHCR. All numbers are estimate. The questions are aimed at visitors of the Asylee Women Enterprise website to make the website more interactive by making the viewer more knowledgeable on the refugee issue. By making the visitors of the website more knowledgeable, they feel the need to help the organization’s cause.

The first question will give the viewer an idea how many refugees the organization is looking to help:

How many migrants and refugees reached Europe via the Mediterranean route in 2015?

The answer is approximately 1 million. According to the UNHCR, in the year 2015, around 1 million migrants have crossed the sea from Turkey to Greece. About 150,000 reached Italy from Northern Africa.

The second question will aims to give the viewer how devastating this issue has turned out for some:

According to IOM and UNHCR, this is the number of dead-missing people who tried to cross the Mediterranean. About 20% were children.
The answer: Approximately 4,000

The third question will be the most mathematical, giving viewers an idea of the issue, percentage wise.

According to UNHCR Global Trends 2014, 232 out of every 1000 inhabitants are refugees of this country:
The answer is Lebanon.

The fourth question will on how big an issue this is:

On average, how many people in the world flee their homes due to violence, conflict and persecution?

The answer is 1 million.

The fifth question will be a follow up the last question:

How many people in the world flee their homes due to violence, conflict and persecution per minute?

The answer is 24.

The sixth question aims to delve into what is a refugee to the person taking the quiz,  

Who counts as a refugee?

The answer is a person who fled natural disaster or persecution.

The seventh question, much like the previous, aims to delve into what an immigrant is for the person taking the quiz

Who counts as an asylum seeker?

The answer is a person who has left their home country and seeks safety in a foreign country.

The eighth question, much like the last two, aims to delve into what an immigrant is for the person taking the quiz.

Who counts as an immigrant?

The answer is a person who moves to a foreign country.

The ninth question will focus on refugees that returned to their country of origin:

In 2015, how many refugees returned to their countries of origin?

The answer is 200,000.

The tenth question will focus on how many refugees the United States are hosting.

In 2015, UNHCR submitted 134,000 refugees for resettlement. How many did the United States accept?

The answer is 66,500. The correct answer will also state that that’s 49 percent of the refugees.

The ninth question will follow-up with how many refugees the United States is hosting

The answer is 2.5 million.

The tenth, and final, question will focus on how the refugee issue impacts children accompanying the refugees:

According to UNHCR, how many children were unaccompanied or separated:

The answer is 100,000.

These questions aim to increase the viewer’s knowledge on the refugee issue, which potentially increases chances of getting customers since they now know that the refugee issue is not something that has an easy answer, and that this is a big deal. The Q&A hopes to draw in customers by increasing their knowledge on the refugee issue.

Making an interactive Q&A is a great way to engage and convert customers. By delivering interactive, relevant content instead of simply asking website visitors to fill out a form, brands and organizations forge stronger relationships with their ideas and customers and deliver something of value before asking for information in return.

 

WORKS CITED

  1. “Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2015.” UNHCR: The UN Refugee Agency. UNHCR, 20 June 2016. Web. <http://www.unhcr.org/576408cd7.pdf>.

Asylum Seekers World Map ~Maureen & Chris

Image result for world map
The map will have all 10 countries listed above outlined. When the mouse hovers over the country, it will light up and you can click on the country taking you down the page where you will find information about refugees from that country.




Asylum seekers have to leave their homes for fear of their life and safety. That issue has spread across a wide swath of the world and has impacted and displaced millions.  This interactive map can be used to show you a range of facts about a global issue. While not every country could be included the map shows the most common countries that Asylee Women Enterprises asylum seekers come from.



Syria:

With the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, violence has raged throughout the country. Since its start, almost 400,000 people have been killed, including 14,000 children. Eleven million have been displaced, five million fleeing the country itself. While most Syrians stay in the Middle East, many flee to the United States to regain freedoms they have lost.

For more information:

https://www.worldvision.org/refugees-news-stories/syria-refugee-crisis-war-facts

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Afghanistan:

With the presence of a war and foreign armed forces, Afghanistan has been deteriorating. Fighting and drone strikes from these foreign nations occur far too often, killing countless civilians just for the possibility of destroying the Taliban and ISIS. More than 3,500 civilians were killed and more than 7,400 wounded in 2015. More than 2.5 million Afghans are living abroad as refugees. It is a fear of many that refugees coming to the United States are apart of ISIS, but that is who they are fleeing. The people are being oppressed and are seeking refuge in the land of the free.

For more information:

https://www.democracynow.org/2016/4/13/americas_afghan_refugee_crisis_15_years

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Congo:

From 1997 to 2003, the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced a violent civil war. Since then, the extreme level of violence and human rights abuse have caused thousands to flee the area to surrounding countries, many with the goal of resettlement in America. Many refugees suffer from a high degree of trauma from exposure to violence, torture and assault, and require professional medical attention.

For more information:

 https://borgenproject.org/facts-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-refugees/

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Nigeria:

Since the conflict in Nigeria has started, 2.6 million people have been displaced. The conflict has brought the country a lack of resources, which has led to more malnutrition and poor health.  More than 14 million Nigerians are in need of compassionate aid. With the unrest, about 200,000 refugees have fled to friendlier countries. While people have started to return to their homes, the overall social mood has changed. The conflict has deteriorated the economy, caused more social tensions, disregard for different people, and unease between different social classes and groups.

For more information:

http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/news/latest/2017/2/58b0168b4/unhcr-outlines-way-forward-nigeria-displacement.html

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Ethiopia:

Ethiopians are fleeing their homelands because of the massive human rights violations associated with forced relocation and the confiscation of their property. Their homes have been destroyed, their property taken by the state, religious persecutions and forced labor, and inhumane practices by the militia, such as rape and kidnapping. Their freedoms have been taken away so they are seeking refuge in a free land such as the U.S. among other surrounding African countries.

For more information:

https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/refugees-flee-ethiopian-collectivization

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Mexico:

Unrest in Mexico has taken a turn for the worst due to an aggressive war against drug cartels. This has caused the number of Mexicans trying to escape the war to flee to neighboring countries like the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S. Mexicans are the second largest group of asylum seekers but only have about a 9% chance of getting approved as an Asylum Seeker in the U.S. While getting to Canada now requires a visa to book an international flight to the country. Seekers can attempt to cross the border, but would then have to take shelter in the U.S. system over Canada’s immigration system. With the growing violence of the drug wars the problem does not seem to be resolving or growing better.

For more information:  

https://nacla.org/article/mexican-asylum-seekers-canada-door-closes

http://jmhs.cmsny.org/index.php/jmhs/article/view/40

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El Salvador:

El Salvador continues to be plagued by high levels of crime and violence that have made many communities extremely dangerous, especially for children and young adults. In 2016 alone, there were 5,728 murders registered, one of the highest since the end of the country’s civil war in 1992. This violence stems from many origins including drug smuggling and gang activity, especially in poorer areas. Getting away from this violence is important to many families and  seeking asylum in the U.S. is the way to do this.

For more information:

https://www.wola.org/analysis/people-leaving-central-americas-northern-triangle/

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Pakistan:

With the growing unrest in Pakistan more than 1.2 million Pakistanis have been disturbed and forced from their home by instability and violence.  While aid would normally be provided, Pakistan is not involved in an official war so many asylum seekers are disregarded at a global level. Asylum seekers flee Pakistan by crossing the border on foot and bus and then flee farther to Europe for protection. Even once the seekers have arrived, they face the danger of being detained or sent back to Pakistan. Pakistan’s nonexistent legislation concerning refugees means there is no local or nationwide protection for them.  The only governing documents on asylum seekers is the 1993 Cooperation Agreement, between the government of Pakistan and the United Nations Refugee Agency, which determines their eligibility.

For more information:

https://borgenproject.org/10-facts-pakistani-refugees/

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Russia:

Russian asylum seekers escape from Russia due to its civil tyranny, discrimination minorities, and unfair treatment of the LGBT community. While Russia does hold “free” elections by most accounts they are rigged and unfair. People who speak out against the ruling party, may end up being prosecuted or arrested. If convicted they can be sent to a Russian jail which has some of the worst living conditions on the globe. Free speech is limited by the government and is closely monitored and censored. These limitations, human rights violations and unfair elections has led many citizens to flee the country in hopes of a better and safer life. Many try to flee to other countries and more than 5,500 seekers crossed the border into Norway in hopes of escaping. Due to political tension more than a dozen people last year were sent back to Russia and faced unknown consensuses.

For more information:

 https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/02/03/norway/russia-dont-jeopardize-asylum-seekers

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Baltimore:

The American dream is a sought-after goal that very few have the advantage of achieving. For Asylum seekers that new iPhone or fancy car is not the American dream but the ability to be who they are (LGBT or a woman) without the fear of harassment, rape, judgment, or harm. The dream could also just be wanting a safe life away from war, violence, and political oppression. Thousands of  immigrate to the U.S. each year but the process once they are here can be a long and difficult one. Baltimore is a great intake city due to its diversity, position on the eastern seaboard, and many different opportunities. Baltimore’s central location, proximity to government resources, and transportation via multiple airports allow asylum seekers an easier time coming here. Asylee Women Enterprises (AWE) hopes to help rebuild these Asylum seekers lives one family at a time. Being one of only a handful of places that focus on Asylum seekers on the east coast AWE and Baltimore are a highly sought after destination for those fleeing. While this may be a global issue that needs a global response, there are opportunities in your own backyard to make a difference.

For more information:

https://www.rescue.org/united-states/baltimore-md

https://therefugeecenter.org/voices/refugees-are-contributing-members-of-the-american-society/

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Updated April 2017