Be a Helping Neighbor
In Lincoln today, many immigrants and refugees are fearful, anxious, and uncertain.
When people are in need, neighbors are the first to step in. If you want to be a helping neighbor, there are many ways – big and small – for you to support our community’s New Americans.
Learn
Learn about our New American neighbors. Lincoln has been resettling refugees since the 1970s – so we are home to a wide variety of cultures and peoples from all over the world.
Sign up for the newsletters of organizations helping immigrants and refugees and follow their social media accounts. (See list below)
Attend cultural and social events organized by immigrant communities to show your support and learn more about them. Don’t miss Welcoming Week, Sept. 12-21, which celebrates Lincoln’s rich cultural diversity through a variety of activities and events, including music, food, stories, and traditions from the many cultures in our community.
Read books or watch films about the experiences of New Americans and spread the word to book clubs and friends. “The Middle of Everywhere,” by Mary Pipher, which chronicles the lives of refugees in Lincoln, is a great place to start. The group Global Refuge suggests these books. The Immigrant Learning Center suggests these films, TV series and documentaries.
Support
Support immigrant- and refugee-owned businesses. Many newcomers, regardless of their immigration status, are fearful of being targeted. So, they are staying home instead of frequenting local businesses. When the community supports local immigrant-owned businesses, these entrepreneurs can thrive and our city's economy benefits. Bonus - you can have cultural adventures right here in Lincoln!
Visit Lincoln’s many ethnic stores, restaurants and food trucks. Make it a weekly routine and visit a different business each week.
Invite friends to join you at a restaurant or a grocery shopping trip to make your own ethnic meal.
Order food or services from immigrant businesses for parties, social events, and business meetings.
Leave complimentary online reviews and share positive experiences on social media.
Donate
Donate to organizations that are helping immigrants and refugees in Lincoln – whether it be with your time or treasure. These nonprofits work hard to help New Americans in all facets of their lives but they can use your support.
Make a monetary donation to help Lincoln’s nonprofits do more to help New Americans in need.
Volunteer your time. Lincoln nonprofits offer a variety of volunteer opportunities – from tutoring to food distribution. Check out VolunteerLNK for opportunities or visit the websites of your favorite organizations.
Share a special or professional skill. Legal services, notary services, translation, and tax preparation are among the services in demand.
Advocate
Advocate on behalf of our New American neighbors.
Promote positive messages about newcomers. Seek out and share content that showcases the diversity and contributions of immigrants.
Contact your elected officials to advocate for policies that protect immigrants and their rights.
Stay informed about immigrant rights issues and connect with other advocates through webinars and events.
Speak out against anti-immigrant rhetoric, correct any misinformation you see and challenge stereotypes about immigrants. Share facts like these, which dispel common misconceptions about immigrants.
Here are some of the nonprofits that help and support Lincoln’s immigrant and refugee neighbors:
Asian Community & Cultural Center
Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement (CIRA)
Center for Legal Immigration Assistance (CLIA)
By taking these steps, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees in Lincoln and help build a more welcoming and inclusive community for everyone.