#RefugeesWelcome Video Campaign

Tell U.S. Leaders: Veterans Welcome Refugees

June 20th is recognized as World Refugee Day by the United Nations, the United States, and many other countries. This year, help us tell U.S. politicians and policymakers that refugees are welcome in America. Join us, and the U.S. Mission the U.N., by recording and sharing a brief video in support of refugees. 

You can record yourself sending a brief message of support, or you can interview a friend who is also a refugee. Watch some examples here and here.

 

Here's how to participate:

1. Set yourself up to record a great video.

90 seconds is ideal, or up to 3 minutes if you're interviewing someone. Using your phone or computer's recording device is fine; if you use a phone, turn it horizontally. To get the best quality you can, ensure you're in a quiet place with good light and a plain background. If it's just you, look directly into the camera. If you're interviewing a friend, have a third person do the recording.

 

2. Get your message across.

If it's just you and the camera, introduce yourself, your branch of service and where you served. Then say something like, "I want U.S. leaders to know that protecting refugees, including our former wartime allies, is important to me because..." Feel free to share your experience with your interpreter, or your experience if you or members of your family are refugees, or how protecting refugees aligns with the values of your service. 

If you're interviewing a friend who is a refugee, first introduce yourselves. Then ask your friend these two questions, "What were the circumstances that brought you to the United States?" and "What would you like to tell the U.S. public about refugees?”

 

3. Share your video.

Post your video to your own social media platforms with the hashtags, #RefugeesWelcome and #VFAI.

Your video might be featured on our webpages and social media platforms, or on the U.S. Mission to the U.N.’s sites.

 

4. Invite your veteran friends to participate.

Tell them why you participated, and ask if they’ll participate too. And check out our YouTube page for messages from other Vets for American Ideals members and allies.