I had the privilege over the last few days to join a delegation of Wisconsin citizens in advocating for passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act. As part of a national, week-long effort organized by Evacuate Our Allies (EOA), we held meetings with staff from both Wisconsin Senators and five congressional representatives. This was an opportunity to share our stories of helping Afghans resettle in Wisconsin and to explain from our varied backgrounds why this legislation is so important.

Our delegation included military veterans who spoke with trembling voices about the moral injury endured by so many who served alongside Afghan men and women and gave the assurance of our government that they would be protected. One man in our group said he is alive today because one such Afghan saved his life 14 years ago. That interpreter would not have been there at that moment if not for his trust in the promises of the US government. A promise that is yet to be fulfilled. For this veteran, it is not only a matter of honor and obligation, but one of national security. Will future veterans receive such support from allies in the future if the US fails to meet its obligation here? I learned from the veterans’ testimony that among those left behind there are estimated to be some 300,000 people with SIV applications in Afghanistan, hiding from the Taliban and certain retribution for their allegiance and support to the US mission over the last 20 years. They cannot move forward in their process without a required in-person interview at a US embassy in Kabul. No such embassy exists at present. The Afghan Adjustment Act would provide a solution.

Members of resettlement agencies spoke of their work and the extraordinary effort of their under-resourced staff and the generosity of community partners around the state to resettle 862 Afghan evacuees, in addition to hundreds of others through the normal refugee pipeline. This effort over 10 months amounts to more resettlements than the previous four years combined. It is monumental and the work is far from over. Given that almost all of those resettled through the agencies must apply for asylum, their future (and thus, their ability to feel secure and move forward with their new life) remains uncertain and full of anxiety. Again, the Afghan Adjustment Act would provide a solution.

From my position as volunteer coordinator for the WCC Afghan Refugee Response Program, I shared with our senators and my representative (Congressman Mark Pocan) the story of how the Church has responded to this ongoing crisis. We have witnessed people of faith from all over the state, in cities and rural communities, representing a range of religious affiliations, coming together over the last year and investing enormous time, effort, creativity and resources to meet this moment. They have found renewed energy in service beyond themselves and their congregations. They have formed new relationships with resettlement agencies, state and local government, and non-profit organizations. They have come together with neighboring churches and other community members to help our country and our society fulfill its commitment to our Afghan allies and to serve other refugees. It has been extraordinary, and the impact has been both positive and mutually beneficial. There have been so many stories of success and new friendship, but also of the challenges, trauma, and anxiety suffered along the way and into the present. Their good work in this situation, carried out in faith, hope, and love, needs this act of congress to be truly effective and have the lasting impact we all long for.

To participate in the EOA Advocacy Days, click the following links: Social Media Toolkit, AAA Advocacy Talking Points, Contact Your Legislators, Contact the White House

Switchboard, and online resource for refugee resettlement providers, is offering a free online certificate course on Cultural and Practical Considerations for Working with Afghan Clients beginning on August 20 and running through September 27, 2022. This course will be useful for all resettlement service providers working with Afghan clients. This course will review a foundational body of knowledge of Afghan culture, provide contextualized information about working with Afghans while navigating different cultural topics, and describe key social and cultural aspects that distinguish this population from other refugee groups in the US.

Register for Fall series: Cultural and Practical Considerations for Working with Afghan Clients 

Do you know someone who can translate Pashto? The Catholic Multicultural Center in Madison is in need of additional translators as they prepare legal immigration/asylum applications for Afghans. If you can help them or refer someone to them, they'd greatly appreciate it! Contact:

Resettlement of Afghans from processing centers abroad continues through the organized system of resettlement, managed by the federal government. Prior to the beginning of this second wave, there were about 50,000 Afghans from the August '21 evacuation still being housed in military installments overseas, known as "lily pads." They are now arriving in Wisconsin via the normal refugee pipeline, but are still being resettled through the separate Afghan Placement and Assistance Program. Consider how you and your church can assist the nearest agency in meeting these needs. Reach out to us if you need help facilitating those conversations.

Affordable Housing is a need everywhere, but particularly for refugees. One issue is the difficulty in finding adequate housing upon arrival.

Dental Care is such an important component of our overall health, and many Afghans have had serious dental needs upon resettlement. Unfortunately, Badgercare reimbursement rates are so low for emergency dental services that this care has been difficult to get. WCC donated $5,000 to a dental fund at LSS last Spring and are exploring further support to this important cause. Please consider making a gift to our program or holding a fundraiser at your church to help cover emergency dental care for Afghans in Wisconsin. Your proceeds can go directly to the nearest resettlement agency or through our Afghan Refugee Response program.

LSS has a partner with 5 more apartments for future refugee arrivals in need of cleaning and painting. With the hiring shortages currently being felt across the economy, these units sit empty and unavailable until the work can be done. Paint, some supplies, and lunch will be provided, but volunteers are needed to prepare these new homes.

The apartments are 2-bedroom (about 5 rooms total) and groups must plan to complete their unit in a single day or over two consecutive days. 8-12 people is recommended. If you or your leaders would like to discuss this opportunity further, contact Rev. Peder Johanson.

North West Wisconsin - Welcoming New Neighbors, an interfaith community coalition based in Eau Claire, is working with Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin to resettle Afghans in Eau Claire. Contact Rev. Peder Johanson to be connected with their leadership.

East-Central Wisconsin - Catholic Charities in Green Bay is resettling Afghans in and around Green Bay. World Relief is resettling Afghans in Appleton and Oshkosh and offer several ways to support the effort there.

Central Wisconsin - New Beginnings for Refugees is a new resettlement agency located in Wausau, under the direction of ECDC. They are resettling families in and around Wausau, including Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wisconsin Rapids.

South West Wisconsin - Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Inc (SWCAP) is working with Church World Service to resettle Afghan families in and around Platteville. For more information and to discuss how your church can support their work, contact Rev. Peder Johanson.

South Central Wisconsin - Jewish Social Services is a resettlement agency located in Madison. With the support of volunteers through Open Doors For Refugees, they are resettling families and individuals in and around Madison. Visit opendoorsforrefugees.org to learn how you and/or your congregation to volunteer.

South East Wisconsin - Lutheran Social Services is resettling and supporting Afghans primarily in Milwaukee and within a 100 mile radius. They rely on cosponsors and volunteers for much of the support to the resettlement effort and care of refugees. International Institute of Wisconsin is also resettling Afghans in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition provides services and support to the refugee communities in Milwaukee.

Active volunteers, cosponsor team members, and others interested in engaging with one another around refugee resettlement are invited to our private Facebook Group.

For education and worship resources, volunteer opportunities, and to give a donation towards the WCC effort in helping refugees from Afghanistan, visit our website.

This work is possible because of generous donations from judicatories, churches, and individuals.

Choose "Afghan Refugee Relief" in the fund drop-down menu.