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25 Things to Help25 Things You Can Do To Help Karen Refugees Marcia and Duane Binkley compiled a list of things people are doing in some churches to minister to and partner with the Karen people: 1. Find the local resettlement agency in your area and learn if Karen people are living there. 2. Find out if the Karen want to have worship services in your church. Will they join in on the English service? Will they have a Karen language service? Both? 3. Invite Karen children and adults to join your Sunday school classes, or assist the adults in organizing a Karen language class. 4. Invite Karen singing groups to sing during the worship service or for special events, such as association or regional meetings. 5. Encourage your Sunday school classes to adopt a Karen family to mentor. 6. Start a clothes closet, food or other program to help supply basic needs – but be sure to coordinate with the local resettlement agency. 7. Invite Karen women to your home and teach them about cooking in an American kitchen. 8. Invite the Karen to your circle or cell group. 9. Assemble layettes to give to pregnant or new Karen mothers or welcome baskets to newly arrived families. 10. Invite a Karen family over for a meal and simple games, so they can practice English in a fun way. 11. Ask volunteers to serve as “conversation” coaches to help the Karen learn English. 12. Make sure Karen parents understand the local school system and policies relating to their children. 13. Help the Karen learn how to fill out and interpret forms they are asked to complete. 14. Help advise the Karen about how to file income taxes, etc. 15. Ask youth group members to help tutor Karen children in their schoolwork. 16. Encourage groups to gather school supplies for Karen children. 17. Sponsor Karen children, through the church or a Sunday school class, so they can attend summer church camp. 18. Take Karen families on outings to see local sites like zoos, parks, etc. 19. Help provide transportation for the Karen to get to doctor’s appointments, or other transport needs. 20. Help put the Karen in touch with local businesses who may be able to give them a job so they can support their families. 21. Invite the Karen to join in special events like celebrating holidays, birthdays, etc. 22. Be watching for learning opportunities at libraries and schools and help the Karen take advantage of these. 23. Help Karen learn to drive. 24. Teach basic auto mechanics and/or home repair. Hold home repair clinics in Karen homes. 25. Just visit, be a friend. Invite the Karen to tell their stories. - For more information, or to add an idea, go to: www.karenkonnection.org. |
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