About World Refugee Day 2021
The theme for World Refugee Day this year is Together we heal, learn, and shine. This day is an opportunity to celebrate the courage and resilience of refugees in our communities. Here in Tennessee, we celebrate the many ways refugee families and individuals enrich our economy, schools, culture, and sense of connectedness.
This day of celebration is also a moment of somber awareness that many refugees have yet to experience the chance to find refuge and home. Many people around the globe have been forced to flee their homes, livelihoods, and dreams by persecution or violent conflict. We celebrate World Refugee Day because everyone deserves a home where they feel safe and welcomed.
Calendar of Events
World Refugee Day is on June 20, but there are events leading up to and after the day that celebrate refugee communities in Tennessee. See what virtual and in-person events and activities are happening near you!
Wednesday, June 16
Nashville Center for Empowerment, Nashville
Community Celebration
10 am – 12:30 pm CT
Location: 4646 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Join NICE and community partners, including longtime volunteers, Mother To Mother, and Cross Point Church, at Highlands Apartment Complex for a celebration with refreshments and pizza.
June 18 – 20
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, Statewide
World Refugee Weekend of Prayer
TIRRC invites you to join congregations and individuals throughout the state in a Weekend of Prayer corresponding with World Refugee Day. During the weekend or prayer (June 18-20), please designate a few minutes of your regular worship service to pray for the refugee families in our state and for those who currently are fleeing persecution around the world.
Please register your congregation, or as an individual, here. By signing up to participate, you will receive a Weekend of Prayer toolkit to better help you plan your service.
Saturday, June 19
Bridge Refugee Services, Chattanooga and Knoxville
Virtual Event on Facebook Live
5 – 6 pm ET
In 2001, The United Nations declared June 20th as World Refugee Day. This day recognizes those who have made their way to our community after fleeing for their lives, those who remain in camps worldwide, and all of those who are forced daily to flee their countries due to unsafe conditions.
This year, through our celebration on Saturday, June 19, we will offer World Refugee Day participants a glimpse into the journey of local refugees. This virtual event will use video stories, personal experiences and creative performances to help you connect with refugees’ journey to a new life—and how you can be part of the story.
Monday, June 21
Catholic Charities, Nashville
4 – 5 pm CT
Ever wondered how you could support the refugee population in Nashville? Join us on June 21st at 4pm CT for an important conversation about World Refugee Day, the resettlement process in Tennessee, and how YOU can get involved to support the refugee youth population in the area! Come ready to learn, explore new cultures, and to join us in honoring and amplifying the voices of our refugee neighbors. Special focus will be on the Youth Mentoring program for youth ages 15-24 and how you can get involved to support individuals reach their goals. Event facilitators will be available to answer questions and comments from 4-5pm on the day of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday, June 22
World Relief Memphis
Behind the Scenes
7 – 8 pm CT
Location: World Relief Memphis Office, 5340 Quince Road, Memphis, TN
Get a Behind-the-Scenes look at resettlement in Memphis. World Relief, a resettlement agency in Tennessee, will explain how a refugee comes to Memphis, what that process is like once here and how others can get involved.
Saturday, June 26
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, Statewide
Volunteer Deep Canvassing Phone Bank
Noon – 4 pm CT
Volunteer to help us talk to Tennessee Voters about refugee resettlement! Join TIRRC (virtually) on June 26th from Noon-4 PM CT to learn how to deep canvass, hear refugee stories, and call fellow Tennesseans to learn how they feel about resettlement. To participate, please register here.
Deep Canvassing engages voters in two-way story sharing in the hopes that by listening and discussing their concerns we might create space for individuals to become more supportive of refugees.