Joining the Fray - Volume 2. Episode 2. -January 31, 2024
“When the frail of heart join the fray, the Hunter becomes the hunted.” – Dura
Move Your Feet to the Beat of Your Heart
Participaction is a way to join your cause and make a difference.
Immigrant communities face several challenges throughout their journeys. Some are cultural like making decisions about the freedom given to male children vs. female children. Some are financial like whether to pursue higher education and sacrifice present day earning potential in the hopes of a better economic future. Navigating these complex decisions can be difficult without the proper guidance especially in cases where there can be long term and legal ramifications like disclosing undocumented status or asking for help with something. Access to community-based supports can be an invaluable resource.
A “Community organization or community-based organization refers to organizations aimed at making desired improvements to a community's social health, well-being, and overall functioning. Community organization occurs in geographically, psychosocially, culturally, spiritually, and digitally bounded communities.
Community organization includes community work, community projects, community development, community empowerment, community building, and community mobilization. It is a commonly used model for organizing community within community projects, neighborhoods, organizations, voluntary associations, localities, and social networks, which may operate as ways to mobilize around geography, shared space, shared experience, interest, need, and/or concern.” ( Wikipedia Community Organization, 2024)
In this inaugural installment we feature community based organization IRIS. Founded in 1982, this nonprofit agency provides support to refugees and displaced people. They assist recent immigrants to establish their new lives and strengthen their hope. This organization is headquartered in the state of Connecticut which settles the greatest number of refugees in the nation.
In the Fray
CEO Nadine Huggins at the 2023 IRIS Refugee Run
IRIS’s annual Refugee Run aims to raise support and awareness for the immigrant communities they serve. For the past 5 years The Immigrant Experience CEO and founder makes their pilgrimage to New Haven, Connecticut to put their body where their heart is. Getting involved can be as simple as finding a space where your passions align with those you wish to support. An intersection of service and fitness can provide just the inspiration necessary to join the fray. This years run will take place on Sunday February 11th in New Haven, CT. Please consider joining me or donating to support the cause.
