7 Days For Syria:
Photo Credit: Shaam News Network
The wave of Arab unrest that began with the Tunisian revolution reached Syria on March 15, 2011, when residents of a small southern city took to the streets to protest the torture of students who had put up anti-government graffiti. The government responded with heavy-handed force, and demonstrations quickly spread across much of the country. As we reach the five year anniversary of the start of the uprising, it is still not too late to push our leaders to take action to help end the conflict, to assist the millions of those displaced from their homes—and to remind the Syrian people that they are not alone.
With that in mind, starting March 15th, I am Syria will be providing “Seven Days for Syria”—a set of small but significant things you can do to help, all easy to do and only a couple of clicks away and will cost no money. Throughout the week, we keep in mind that the Syrian Refugee crisis is the biggest of our time, and they need our help more than ever. We also keep in mind the devastation across Syria, especially Eastern Ghouta the past month, where dozens of people are dying everyday.
With that in mind, starting March 15th, I am Syria will be providing “Seven Days for Syria”—a set of small but significant things you can do to help, all easy to do and only a couple of clicks away and will cost no money. Throughout the week, we keep in mind that the Syrian Refugee crisis is the biggest of our time, and they need our help more than ever. We also keep in mind the devastation across Syria, especially Eastern Ghouta the past month, where dozens of people are dying everyday.
Day 1:
Help raise awareness for the people of Eastern Ghouta. Everyday, dozens of innocent civilians are being killed to to conflict in the area, and the international community is doing little to stop the killings. Upload and share this photo to your cover page on Facebook and Twitter.
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Day 2:
Tweet to your favorite celebrity and tell them to speak out for the Syrian Refugees with this sample tweet.
The people of Eastern Ghouta need our help! Spread awareness to save innocent lives. #IAmSyria #SaveEasternGhouta http://www.iamsyria.org/eastern-ghouta-how-did-we-get-here.html |
Day 3:
Call your local governor or congressmen and tell them to share support for the resettlement of refugees in your district. Find your local congressmen here. Find your governor here.
"I am a constituent from [City] and I support the resettlement of Syrian refugees. I urge you to support refugees displaced by the Syrian Conflict. I am opposed to any legislation that would stop or halt the resettlement of Syrian families. Please represent me and your constituents who want to welcome Syrian families into the United States" Day 5:
Send hope to Syrian Refugee's by writing them a message. Through an organization called CARE, anyone can send a simple message of hope and solidarity. Let refugee's know that they are not alone, and not forgotten.
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Day 4:
The best way to spread awareness on the Syrian conflict, is to educate yourself. This simple but important step is an integral part of mobilizing your friends, neighbors and community on the dire situation in Syria.
Take some time today to read an the conflict background as well as the events leading up the the situation of Eastern Ghouta Day 6:
Know a teacher who might be interested in making a difference? Tell them about Teach Syria, a 40 minute Common Core-friendly lesson that provides the background knowledge and materials to engage their students in the Syrian refugee issue—and empowers them to take action.
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Day 7:
Only 100,000 children of the documented refugees have been able to continue their education, and only 1/5 of them have received counseling. Refugee children are often unable to attend school to continue their education, even at the primary level. Instead, they are forced to work for long hours standing on their feet, carrying heavy boxes, or working behind sewing machines earning less than 5 dollars. Syria’s children must go back to school as soon as possible to obtain their basic right to education.
These children are part of Syria's increasingly forgotten generation. Their stories deserve to be heard. Watch and share the documentary film Tomorrow's Children and make sure these children, and their struggle, is never forgotten.
These children are part of Syria's increasingly forgotten generation. Their stories deserve to be heard. Watch and share the documentary film Tomorrow's Children and make sure these children, and their struggle, is never forgotten.