Time and time again, studies have shown that refugee resettlement in America is good for everyone.

It benefits our economy, it strengthens our communities, and it reflects our values as American citizens. It’s also something that brings us all together.

It turns out that all kinds of people support refugee resettlement for various reasons—

Farmers. High schoolers. Engineers.

Baristas. Priests. Florists.

Executives. Moms. Libertarians.

Republicans. Business owners. Grandparents.

Atheists. College students. Postal workers.

Artists. Imams. Dog walkers.

Democrats. Store managers. Bank tellers.

Doctors. Veterans. Engineers.

Americans.

Arkansans.

Supporting refugees goes beyond any political, social, economic, or religious demographic. Refugee resettlement is not a trend, a cause, or a mission that belongs to a certain type or group of people. And that’s what we love about it.

Canopy NWA was started by a diverse group of individuals: from staunch conservatives to proud liberals, the devoutly religious to atheists and agnostics, entrepreneurs, mothers, faith leaders, retail workers, and everyone in between. And in the years since, our community of support & welcome continues to be just as diverse, varied, and colorful. So in 2020, we want to celebrate that.

Throughout this year, we are going to be highlighting #ArkansansForRefugees who have made this community the perfect place for refugees to settle and thrive. And we could not be more thrilled to kick this series off with one of Arkansas’ educators.

Today, meet Amanda, aN #EducatorForRefugees.

We sat down with Amanda and asked why she supports refugees.

“Immigrants are the foundation of this country. To ignore that history is to disavow the tradition of multiculturalism that built this nation. When you consider the legacy of injustice and oppression against the original native American citizens of this land, it definitely rings hollow and hypocritical to shun anybody seeking to resettle here now.  

As a melting pot that continues to evolve, we owe it to each other to seriously examine our motives. Welcoming newcomers and building communities through our shared connections (music, dance, food, family, and fellowship) is beneficial to everyone.

“Northwest Arkansas is a beautiful, thriving place with plenty of room and resources for those seeking asylum or resettlement.”

— AMANDA; EDUCATOR, MOM, ARKANSAN, SUPPORTER OF REFUGEES

All the stories I hear from my students and their families resonate with me.The trauma people experience trying to escape warfare, gangs, gun violence, poverty, extortion, and/or sexual assault is only compounded by the bewildering culture shock and language barriers once they arrive.  

I support refugee resettlement because I don’t believe that man made borders can trump decency, amnesty, or compassion for fellow human beings who are only doing what any of us would do if facing such dangers in our home countries.”

-Amanda

Our community is stronger, kinder, bolder, and better because of how diverse and welcoming the people of Northwest Arkansas are. Canopy’s community of support and welcome is made up of individuals across every generational, political, religious, and socio-economic category — and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

#ArkansansforRefugees #WeWelcomeRefugees

Are you or is someone you know an Arkansan that welcomes refugees and would like to tell your story? Canopy is accepting nominations for our #ArkansansforRefugees, a regular feature that highlights NWA community members & Arkansans from throughout the state who support refugee resettlement. To apply, simply email Hannah Lee at hannah.lee@canopynwa.org with your interest or with any questions!