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#FridayFinds: Issue 2

Welcome to #FridayFinds where our team shares some of the things we are reading, watching, and listening to that are related to our work with the refugee community. Every Friday, we’ll share one thing in each category that you can enjoy over the weekend. We are grateful for you, the passionate individuals who are a part of this community, and hope you’ll also share with us some of the things you’re enjoying!

What we’re reading

The Book of Rosy: A Mother’s Story of Separation at the Border

Co-written by Julie Schwietert Collazo, the Founder of our nonprofit partner Immigrant Families Together, The Book of Rosy is an unforgettable true story of co-author Rosayra Pablo Cruz’s journey to seek asylum. Facing violence stemming from gangs, crime, and spiraling chaos, Rosy knew her family’s one chance at survival was to flee their home of Guatemala. We’ll let one of the reviews speak for itself: “This wrenching story brings to vivid life the plight of the many families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border.” (Publisher’s Weekly) –Jen

What we’re watching

Little America, Season 1, Episode 8: The Son

We’re big fans of the entire Little America series on Apple TV+, an anthology of funny, heartfelt, and inspiring stories about the lives of immigrants in the United States. But in particular, we were touched by the season finale, “The Son”: the harrowing story of a Syrian man and his friend who both applied for asylum in the U.S. due to persecution at home for being gay. This episode is an intimate portrayal of a story similar to ones we have heard from the heroes Miles4Migrants donors have helped fly to safe homes. It punctuates the difficult and often painful journeys our heroes have to take but also reminds us that no two processes are the same. –Cat

What we’re listening to

Luvvie Ajayi’s TED Talk: Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Luvvie Ajayi isn’t afraid to speak her mind or to be the one dissenting voice in a crowd, and neither should you. “Your silence serves no one,” says the writer, activist and self-proclaimed professional troublemaker. In this bright, uplifting talk, Ajayi shares three questions to ask yourself if you’re teetering on the edge of speaking up or quieting down – and encourages all of us to get a little more comfortable with being uncomfortable. –Jen

How Miles4Migrants helps

We collaborate with a network of global non-governmental organization (NGO) partners who work directly with refugees and migrants to identify and verify individuals who are financially unable to afford air travel. Once our partners submit flight requests, we use donated frequent flyer miles, credit card points, travel vouchers, and cash to eliminate transportation barriers for the most vulnerable individuals affected by war, persecution, or climate disaster. Our goal is to help these individuals reunite with their loved ones and start a new life in a safe environment.

Learn more about us in our FAQ

Support our work

– According to the United Nations, there are currently 108 million individuals forcibly displaced from their homes worldwide.

– The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that seeking asylum is a fundamental human right. Everyone has the right to life and liberty. Everyone has the right to freedom from fear. Everyone has the right to seek asylum from persecution.

– As migration is often the last option for survival, migrants may embark on clandestine journeys, subject to danger, extortion, and inhumane conditions.

– Once they finally get legal approval for resettlement, migrants face another challenge that makes the journey seem impossible: the transportation costs.

There are many ways for you to get involved and help us continue our work:

You can donate cash to help us cover operational expenses or contribute your unused air miles, credit card points, or travel vouchers to help us book flights for refugees and asylum seekers. Additionally, you can help us spread the word about our cause and our impact on the lives of those we serve.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, has the power to make a difference. Thank you for considering supporting our mission.