According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, there are currently over 60 million displaced persons in the world, most of them women and children. Less than one percent of the refugees worldwide are offered the opportunity to build new lives in another country. What does it mean to be a refugee? What do refugees experience before coming to the United States? Is it the responsibility of the United States and other developed nations to provide protection, safety and resources to individuals who are escaping conflict and persecution?
On Saturday May 20th, the Main Library will host “Rescued Lives, Transformed Communities: Refugee Resettlement in Arizona” presented by Lori Robinson, AZ State University School of Social Work, at 1:00 p.m. Learn about the history of refugee resettlement, the current overseas and domestic processing of refugees living in the United States, and the refugee resettlement programs in Arizona. Engage in dialogue about the complexity of the refugee experience, how refugees enrich our local communities, and how you can be more involved.
The Main Library is located at 2951 S 21st Drive. For more information, call (928) 782-1871.