Recognizing the Collective Power of Refugees | Basma Alawee | TEDxJacksonville

There are more than 100 million displaced people in the world. Basma Alawee, who fled Iraq with her husband 12 years ago, argues that civic engagement is central to the long-term success of refugee populations.

Now a nationally recognized advocate for policies that support refugee communities, Alawee believes that when we provide opportunities for refugees to share their stories safely and realize their potential as leaders, it fosters a sense of belonging and agency over their lives. As important, by helping refugees make positive changes in their adopted communities, we build not only a more just and vibrant society, but also a stronger, better America.

#Refugees #Immigration #CivicEngagement #leadership #TEDxtalks #TEDxJacksonville Basma Alawee is the National Campaign
Director for We Are All America, and Executive
Director of Weavetales. She oversees
organizing efforts for policy changes and
support for refugee communities with We Are
All America in 21 states. In 2019, she founded
Weavetales and has helped share the stories
of more than 300 refugees and immigrants,
and developed storytelling training programs.
Her lived experiences as a former refugee
from Iraq fuels her passion and dedication for
advocacy. Basma’s work has earned her much
recognition, including Jacksonville’s EVE Award
in 2020, Athena40’s "40 Under 40” in 2021, and

[josephyouhana]

Well done Basma. I real voice to represent the refugees