We welcome David Blair and Lina Hervas to speak to us on our theme, “Solidarity With Refugees”.

What is World Refugee Day?

Designated by the United Nations, World Refugee Day is recognized across the world each year on June 20.  We come together to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. But now, more than ever, our attention and support is needed. 

This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees. 

“Solidarity means honoring refugees not just with words but with actions. It means listening to them and making space for their stories. It means defending their right to seek safety and finding solutions to their plight, ending conflicts so they can return home in safety.

It means ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that have welcomed them and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees.

But above all, solidarity means saying, clearly and courageously, that refugees are not alone and that we will not turn our backs.” UNHCR

(https://www.unhcr.org/get-involved/take-action/world-refugee-day)

David Blair has been involved in refugee and immigrant support since 1987, beginning with 2.5 years at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center, helping Southeast Asian refugees prepare for resettlement in the U.S. He later served as ESL Director for the ConVal District, teaching Cambodian-American children, and promoted immigrant cultures at the Mariposa Museum. Currently, he supports asylum seekers through Project Home and works with immigrants via the Monadnock Immigrant Solidarity Collaborative.

Lina Hervas spent eight years working at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center and two years at a first asylum camp for Vietnamese on Palawan Island. For over 40 years, she has stayed connected with her refugee friends around the world, sharing in their lives and maintaining relationships through visits and social media.