| Hi jay, I created these regular emails to give you quick updates on what’s happening at the American Refugee Committee. I hope you find them valuable and informative. If you have a minute, please send me a quick note and let me know what you think. Here’s the latest news from our programs around the world. Sincerely, -Daniel Daniel Wordsworth, President *********************************************** *Music For Relief* The situation in Somalia is the worst humanitarian emergency in the world today. But amazing people around the world are stepping forward in solidarity to help. We’ve blown right past our Music For Relief goal – and raised $50,000 for Somalia in the process. There are 13,315 likes on the I Am A Star Facebook page. From Mexico to Sweden to Uganda to Qatar, people from more than 30 countries have gotten involved. And the most common language you’ll find on the page is Spanish! Now, we have a new goal. Hip-hop star K’naan and Music For Relief want 10,000 more messages of solidarity. And they’ll donate $5 for each one. Will you help us take advantage of this opportunity? You can post a simple message of hope, a photo, artwork, music, a video, or whatever you want. If you’re logged in, view K’naan’s video request here on Facebook. If you’re not logged in to Facebook, you can see it here on YouTube. Creativity is making a difference. $50,000 has already been sent to help. Please, help us earn another $50,000 for relief in Somalia! *Emergency Response in Jonglei, South Sudan* In Jonglei state in South Sudan, recent waves of violence and conflict are fracturing communities and putting thousands of lives at risk. In situations like this, rape spikes. The United Nations has asked the American Refugee Committee to take the lead in responding to gender-based violence in Jonglei and helping protect women and children from abuse. Background on the Conflict: Jonglei, the largest state in South Sudan, has been marred by a long history of inter-communal fighting, dating back to Sudan’s civil war. The recent violence is the latest in a series of large-scale clashes between the Lou Nuer and Murle that have taken place over the past year. Even before the most recent clashes, an estimated 1,100 people had lost their lives, and about 63,000 people had been displaced in 2011. Insecurity and limited road access have constrained the humanitarian effort. The impact on women and children during conflicts is disproportionally large. Sexual violence usually increases and is used as a weapon of war. There are a large number of unaccompanied minors in the region, and we fear these children are at risk. With no services to address gender-based violence in the state, the needs are immense. How We Help: A team from the American Refugee Committee deployed for a month-long mission on Feb. 8. The team will conduct an assessment, train local and international partners in gender-based violence emergency response, and help set up services and a referral pathway. Information about support services will be disseminated to all recent arrivals in Jonglei. *Preventing Violence in Thailand* Involving men and boys is imperative to prevent and mitigate the risks of gender-based violence. Through awareness, discussions, and trainings, men and boys can become more effective agents of change in their communities. The Thailand team initiated a four-part training on gender awareness, violence against women, anger management and effective communication. Participants included men and boys from three refugee camps who are members of village savings and loans associations. As a culmination of the trainings, the men drafted an action plan that set out their intentions to apply what they learned into their own lives and their communities. They committed to helping their wives with household responsibilities and to communicate more effectively with their loved ones. In their communities, they committed to speaking out against violence toward women and helping intervene if they witnessed violence. Most of the participants also belong to community-based organizations, and they plan to share what they learned with their peers. *Giving* Whenever I send an email that doesn’t include ways to donate, I receive feedback. People often ask for a quick link to donate or a phone number to call and make a donation. Donate online: http://www.ARCrelief.org/donate Become a monthly donor: http://www.ARCrelief.org/givemonthly Give Us a Call: (800) 875-7060 Send in a gift: American Refugee Committee
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