Challenge

More than 100,000 people were evacuated from Afghanistan when the US military pulled out of the country in August 2021. Nonprofit organizations jump-started a massive effort to resettle tens of thousands of Afghan families in the United States, with the help of local volunteers. Refugee resettlement organizations were inundated with questions from the public about the plan to resettle Afghan families, how many people would be arriving, and what they could do to help.

Solution

This 30-minute PowerPoint presentation explains some of the key issues faced by Afghan evacuees resettling in the United States, and outlines ways that ordinary people in host cities can help. The slide deck coordinates with a handout and presenter guide, which are also included in this portfolio. 

Results

These materials have been used in presentations to community groups in Columbus, Ohio, in an ongoing effort to spread awareness and recruit potential donors and volunteers to support the local resettlement effort. As of May 2022, participating community groups have raised more than $6,000 to support newly-arrived Afghan families.