By: Aileen Balahadia, N2N Program Consultant
In our vibrant community, the power of our voice is both imperative and unparalleled. Unfiltered, authentic storytelling is not just deserving of attention—it’s the catalyst for a community steeped in joy, equity, and prosperity. To carve the path to the thriving community we undeniably deserve, we must actively embrace the honesty of our voices.
This quarter’s Spotlight is on Wide World for Refugees, a new organization that wrote and received their first grant ever from N2N in Winter 2024. Their campaign to tell the stories of local refugees is, at the most basic level, a humane connection to those who are often the most misunderstood members of our community. The mission of Wide World for Refugees is to create a safe and connected global community for refugees and immigrants where the individual’s artistic talent is recognized as a tool for social, economic, and cultural development. What is unique about this organization is that they believe in harnessing art and creativity as the means to bridge cultural divides, foster mutual understanding and acceptance, and provide a platform for refugees and immigrants to share their talents and experiences with the wider world.
The group will pilot an effort called “Voice Unheard,” focusing on two of the most diverse high schools in South King County: Kent-Meridian in Kent and Foster in Tukwila. They have also proposed partnering with past N2N grantees, Ubumwe in Kent and Cocreative Culture in Tukwila, to recruit and support students along the way. Through group gatherings and workshops, youth will create stories of their arrival to the US through poetry and other creative expressions they choose to explore. Based on their past community engagement, the group understands that youth face many challenges at school, especially related to fitting into a new school system and understanding and advocating for their rights.
A desired outcome of this project is to counter bullying that often occurs in school. Tshishiku Henry, the organization’s co-founder, shared more about what refugee youth face. “Stereotypes against refugees and immigrants persist. We hear stories about refugees facing bullying, mistreatment, and derogatory name-calling. The root of this problem lies in the historical context of refugee experiences and a lack of information within the community. Refugee stories are often incomplete, portraying them solely as individuals in need, neglecting to highlight the valuable contributions they make to our cities. This incomplete narrative perpetuates a one-sided understanding within the community.”
Through Voices Unheard, those stories will be created and shared widely. Wide World for Refugees hopes to collaborate not just with the schools, but with the local governments and community partners to share these stories online or in exhibit form at libraries, city halls, bus stops, etc. One great example of partnership is the annual Refugee Day event on June 22, 2024, in Tukwila. Last year’s event united 50 nonprofit organizations and 500 participants, intending to expand its reach even further this year. The Day is uniquely led by refugees and immigrants and centers their experiences and ideas.
“Our goal is to empower refugee communities to own their stories, as well as empower the larger community to understand the struggles faced by these individuals and inspire them to actively support and champion the rights of refugees and immigrants.” – Tshishiku
“A Tribute to Refugee” by Tshishiku: In lands of strife, they face tribulation, Yet rise with unmatched determination. Through persecution, they find salvation, A testament to human migration. In search of peace, a new foundation, They bear the weight of transformation. With hope as their sole motivation, They craft stories of inspiration. Their dreams defy all expectations, Built on stories of adaptation. In unity, they form a nation, A symbol of reconciliation. Through trials and endless frustration, They shine with a steadfast dedication. In their strength, there's no limitation, Refugees, a source of admiration. In their journeys, a vivid illustration Of the human spirit's celebration. With hearts full of love and aspiration They teach us profound appreciation. So let us stand in their veneration, Support their cause, end their isolation. For in their struggles and determination, They exemplify true resilience and elation.
The full list of N2N Winter 2024 grantees can be found below:
- African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program International: To support the youth led African Roots Cultural Program empowering Kent and SeaTac/Tukwila youth to embrace cultural identities, foster confidence, and develop leadership skills through planning community activities and workshops.
- CHAMPS Resource and Service Center*: To support a series of CONNECT gatherings in South Seattle, led by Black and BIPOC residents featuring opportunities to network with local organizations, gain knowledge of resources (Such as resident-requested mental health, financial literacy, and employment), and build community.
- Cocreative Culture*: To positively impact the mental health of SeaTac/Tukwila African and African American youth by utilizing traditional and contemporary music/arts for healing.
- Global Refugee Camp**: To support Global Refugee Camp in developing the sewing class initiative dedicated to empowering Afghan Women in Kent and SKC through comprehensive sewing education, fostering skill development, economic independence, and community building.
- Marvin Thomas Memorial*: To support GROW, Girls Removing Obstacles Worldwide, a mentorship and leadership development project for girls of color age 12-17 in South Seattle created to strengthen bonds, mental health resiliency and increase confidence.
- Olu Productions: To support Its Never Too Early To Create, a youth Black entrepreneurship project, and collective opportunities for youth to vend at community marketplaces and cultural festivals predominantly located in Kent, South Seattle and SKC.
- Pan African Community Services*: To support Project Aafiya, a project to empower African/Somali mothers and children in South Seattle to lead healthier lives by addressing metabolic health disparities through peer support and community facilitated meetings and workshops.
- Panama Folklore: To support Latinx youth leaders from South Park to implement their ideas for community workshop offerings focused on Panamanian cultural ancestral roots teachings, art, food, and culminating in a final performance.
- Reclaiming Our Expected End (ROEE): To support at-risk BIPOC youth in Kent with transferable life and cognitive behavior skills conducted in the community sessions that will complement a new partnership with experienced partners in workforce development.
- Resource Equity Association*: To support efforts to measure the long-term success of their core strategy to preserve Black homeownership and cultivate generational wealth in South Seattle/beyond. The strategy is culturally competent, whole family counseling including knowledge and skill building, allowing homeowners to make informed decisions about their financial situations.
- Serenity Resource Center**: To support East African/Somali women through community building and the culturally competent facilitation of a series of forums in SeaTac/Tukwila focused on health-related subjects such as mental health wellness, healthy foods, importance of physical activity and discussions about chronic illness, together with African health providers.
- South King County Discipline Coalition: To support the South King County Discipline Coalition to conduct a series of learning/training series for African American families in Kent in order to promote families’ awareness of their educational rights.
- The UpnUp: To support community storytelling and podcasts highlighting BIPOC community leaders, organizers, and small business owners from the SeaTac/Tukwila communities.
- Wide World for Refugees**: To support Voice Unheard, a SeaTac/Tukwila and Kent pilot project in partnership with local high schools to uplift diverse refugee’s voices through art, advocating for their rights, anti-bullying, and inclusion.
- Women United: To support ongoing kinship care for Black/African American grandmothers raising grandchildren through regular activities such as the weekly Grandma’s hands sewing class and opportunities to engage children in arts and intergenerational programming.
*Indicates a first-time applicant to N2N
**Indicates the first time an organization has written a grant application
For more information about Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N), please contact Program Consultant Aileen Balahadia at 206-250-4299 or [email protected]. The quarterly deadlines for N2N are January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30.