We stand united-- in strength, in determination, and in ever present focus.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
I am writing today to provide a response to your thoughts and concerns for refugees and immigrants of Lancaster County, as they will undoubtedly be affected by the results of last week's presidential election.
After nearly two years of intense campaigning, the American people have made their decision about the next President of the United States. While this is never a decision that everyone agrees with, nonetheless the election is a critical part of American democracy. The results remind us how divided the electorate is, and yet also, the broad desire to change things from the way they are. We are also aware of the unique role the United States plays in global leadership, and hence the need for other nations to interpret the outcome of the election, and their participation, as part of a global community.
Each of us has a personal reaction to the results, but collectively we do as well. From the perspective of Church World Service and our Lancaster office, these results make us more resolute than ever to accomplish our mission. We know all too well the measure of human vulnerability that exists, not only within the United States, but the larger world. For 70 years our commitment has been to make sure that those who are in need of our help get it. It is with this that we say- to any political rhetoric or policy that compounds the misery of the poor; that threatens to deplete people of their sense of hope and safety; or that silences the voices of those who would cry out for justice—this is a challenge that we are prepared to meet. There have been numerous times over our agency's history that have affirmed the necessity and timeliness of our mission. We have now met another of those moments. And we are prepared to stand united.
We are aware that the realities of a deeply polarized nation and the potential shifts in public policy, pose other challenges for CWS. Our national office will carefully examine them, and develop appropriate strategies and responses. While these may alter the range of services we are able to provide, they will not diminish our resolve. We still have the strength of our Welcome Teams, faith-based groups, and community supporters. We still have a host of volunteers who are committed to change the equation of poverty. We still have businesses, employers and other partners who understand the contributions of refugees and immigrants to our county. We still have partners who are veterans in global development; and advocates ready to put their faith and values on the line to the benefit of others. We still have an incredibly talented community of staff and board members whose life journey clearly bends towards justice. Together, we stand united.
In the immediate days ahead we, along with our national office, will evaluate and assess our best way forward. CWS-Lancaster continues to remain strong and deeply committed to our mission. We believe, whole heartedly, that with hard work and determination, people who once had no hope, will continue to finds means of transforming their lives. We will continue to work hand in hand with caring churches, organizations and individuals to provide help and homes to refugees and immigrants. We will continue work to build a community in the U.S for uprooted people, so that they can fashion a brighter future. We will continue to stand in solidarity with all of those whose human rights are at risk. This does not change for us. And again, we stand united.
We are prepared for the road ahead. We are diversifying our funding streams. We are looking to our congregations and local community, to raise our voices—now, more than ever before, for the world's most vulnerable of people. We are holding a Call-to-Action this Friday, November 18th, during the Extraordinary Give, at 12 noon at Tellus360, 24 East King Street, Lancaster. Please join us to fully understand what you can do to stand with refugees and immigrants of our community. Or, you can give here to further support the efforts of our local office in welcoming refugees.
With hope and appreciation,
