Keep Lansing Diverse Initiative: Refugee Services Mission Statement

Keep Lansing Diverse Initiative

The Keep Lansing Diverse Initiative was formed in response to the neo-Nazi rally planned for the Michigan State Capitol on April 22, 2006. In contemplating an effective and action oriented response to this national neo-Nazis rally taking place in our community, we contacted three hate experts in the United States who track pro-white groups and their tactics. We asked their advice on effective ways for communities to respond.

All three hate experts advised us to boycott the neo-Nazi rally. They explained that these rallies are staged to draw large protests, giving them a wider audience, much more media coverage, which allows them to get their message out to many more people. The presence of protestors also raises the potential to incite violence which is another goal of these rallies.

While discouraging direct protest, the hate experts did advise us to DO SOMETHING. A community response to hate groups is important and necessary, but there are ways to do so without aiding their cause.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, one of the most well know organizations to monitor pro-white organizations which has bankrupted several major Klan groups through lawsuits, gave us over 100 suggestions for how communities can respond to groups like the neo-Nazis.

The Keep Lansing Diverse Initiative is using one of these ideas. In response to the neo-Nazis hateful presence, we want to strengthen groups in our community who work for racial justice. Refugee Services is an excellent model of a community group that provides essential services to some of the most vulnerable, and ethnically diverse, people in our community.

Other cities have used this very effectively. In some cities, people pledged funds for each minute that the hate groups held their rallies, raising thousands of much needed dollars. When the hate groups left, the community was strengthened not diminished in their work to address injustice.

We want to take up the same constructive actions in Lansing. Please join us by making a pledge against hate and help fund Refugee Services. Window decals of the image found in the upper left will be distributed to those in support of this action, to be displayed prominently throughout the city, leading up to and on the day of the rally. For questions or to make a pledge, please Contact Us with your Name, phone number, address(optional) and pledge amount.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Refugee Services Mission Statement

Refugee Services has given second chances to over 12,000 people fleeing war and persecutionfor more than 20 years. For each conflict worldwide, RefugeeServices helps Lansing play a global humanitarian role with apartments, food, doctors, jobs and caring hands. From Vietnam to Somalia, the Persian Gulf to Kosovo, Refugee Services works with the community to make Lansing a safe haven for the world's distressed.

Refugee Services is the receiving agency for mid-Michigan, through which refugees are placed in new homes in cooperation with the community. Refugee Services assists in arranging needed health care, family reunification, permanent resident alien status, and citizenship. Services also include assessment of employment skills, job training, and placement.

Keep Lansing Diverse Initiative

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Refugee Services Mission Statement

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