Good afternoon & welcome to the Lab Brief.

New webinars, new guides, and a new Refugee Storytellers Collective website - highlights of the Lab’s work this summer supporting the field to champion inclusive policies, shift the narrative, and build coalitions that will make communities across the country more welcoming.

Let’s take a closer look.

Lab Highlights

A WELCOMING MESSAGE FROM COLUMBUS, OHIO

In an opinion piece published in USA Today, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus Chamber of Commerce CEO Don DePerro emphasize the importance of welcoming refugees to Ohio.

“When refugees come here after fleeing war and persecution, they demonstrate a determination and grit many Ohioans would recognize in themselves. And in doing so, they become our colleagues, customers, business partners and neighbors.”

This is why Mayor Ginther and many other Ohio elected officials from Toledo to Cleveland have signed the #WelcomingRefugees2025 bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden, which calls on him to invest in a robust, well-funded and sustainable federal system to welcome people seeking safety and help them rebuild their lives in Ohio and nationwide.

“It’s time we prioritize a solution that not only brings people to safety and makes a significant change in the lives of individuals, but also makes central Ohio – and the whole state – stronger.”

EQUITABLE ACCESS

The Lab and Refugee Congress hosted “Equitable Access: Understanding Categories of Forcibly Displaced Populations in the United States and Strategies for Inclusive Advocacy,” a webinar where attendees gained a better understanding of the different legal categories of forcibly displaced newcomers and what that means in terms of access (or lack thereof) to support services. Panelists also shared strategies for advocating for policy changes at the state and local levels that are inclusive of all newcomers. Watch the webinar and learn more!

STORYTELLING GUIDE

The Lab, Refugee Congress, and the Refugee Storytellers Collective published a storytelling guide, “Building Blocks for Sharing Your Story: A Guide by Forcibly Displaced People for Impactful Storytelling.” This guide provides key recommendations from seasoned leaders and communicators who have experienced forced displacement on what to consider when preparing to tell your own story in a way that is impactful and genuine.

Read The Guide

*NEW* REFUGEE STORYTELLERS COLLECTIVE WEBSITE

The Refugee Storytellers Collective has a new online home! The Collective has grown significantly since its launch in 2021 and is showing no signs of slowing down with more than 70 members across 28 states. To reflect this growth and to showcase the amazing work of its members, the Collective has a new website: www.refugeestorytellerscollective.org.

The Collective is an initiative of people in the United States who have experienced forced displacement and believe in the power of sharing their perspectives, experiences, and stories for social change. Learn more about our powerful members and read their stories!

State Roundup

Most state legislatures across the country have either adjourned for the year or have been on an extended summer recess. However, there are still a few in session, and many of our state partners are already planning for next year. Here are some highlights from this summer in Lab states:

GEORGIA

The Georgia General Assembly adjourned earlier this spring, but the work continues this summer to build momentum towards a bill to reduce barriers for internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs) to practice in the state, and cultivate new champions in support of improved access to higher education for forcibly displaced students.

MICHIGAN

The Michigan legislative session is still ongoing, and we are continuing to support two bills (HB 5612 and HB 5613) which would advance opportunities for a pathway to practice for international medical school graduates (IMGs).

MINNESOTA

Our Minnesota State Lead with the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) participated in the North American Refugee Health Conference in Minneapolis in August and presented on key ways providers can be advocates. CVT has also been co-convening a working group of local government, service providers and advocates in the Twin Cities to explore improving job training opportunities for asylum seekers.

OHIO

The Lab and Vibrant Ohio are spending the summer building a coalition of support towards future legislation to reduce barriers for internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs). This has included meeting with key leaders across the healthcare, business, and service providing sectors in communities across the state to plan for legislation to be introduced next session.

PENNSYLVANIA

The Lab and our local partners at Church World Service are supporting a bill that would create a statewide Office of New Pennsylvanians. It passed out of the House State Government Committee in early June, with future developments to come this fall.

Stay in Touch

Thanks for reading!

Are you interested in state advocacy or Lab resources? Reach out.

The Refugee Advocacy Lab partners with varying groups on different activities, and as such, partnership with the Lab does not necessarily imply a partner’s support for any specific activity or policy. Similarly, the Lab does not necessarily support or endorse specific activities or positions of partner organizations.

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