Pathways to Action

Ready to take the next step? Here are ways you can get involved — locally, across Ohio, nationally, or even globally. Whether you're passionate about advocacy, education, or direct support, there's a role for you.

This is your call to action — explore the options below and discover what you can do next to make a difference. Every step matters.

Local Level

If Journey to Belonging sparked something in you, we invite you to continue the journey right here in your community. Here are meaningful, local ways to make a difference in Findlay, Ohio, or your hometown:

Host a Discussion Group

Choose a recommended book or film about immigration and invite others to reflect together. 

Share a Resource

Post about immigrant-related resources on social media, email them to a coworker, or hang flyers at your church or school. Awareness spreads through simple actions.

Support Newcomers in Daily Life

Offer a ride to an appointment, help fill out a form, answer questions about life in Findlay, or simply greet someone with kindness. A small gesture can mean a lot.

Volunteer with Local Organizations

Get involved with groups that directly support newcomers:

  • Read for Life: Help adults improve their reading and English skills

Advocate for Inclusive Policies

Promote inclusive language and policies at your workplace, school, or place of worship. Encourage signage, materials, and services that welcome all.

Attend a Cultural Event or Festival

Findlay hosts various events that celebrate global cultures, including the University of Findlay’s International Night, Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center and community cultural festivals. Show up, learn something new, and connect with your neighbors.

Practice Language Hospitality

Speak clearly, avoid slang, and be patient. Learning a few words in another language or encouraging an English learner can create a welcoming space.

Donate or Fundraise

Support groups that meet critical needs for immigrants, refugees, and asylees:

Invite a Speaker or Host a Workshop

Bring Journey to Belonging to your school, church, workplace, or civic group. Hearing personal stories and participating in activities deepens understanding.

Write to Local Leaders

Let city and county officials know you care about access to services, inclusive communities, and immigration policy reform. Your voice makes a difference.

Be a Connector

Help someone new to Findlay by introducing them to job leads, local groups, or helpful services. Connect them to the community you already know.

Continue Learning

Keep exploring immigrant stories and perspectives through books, podcasts, and news sources. Ask your local librarian for recommendations.

State Level

There are many ways to take meaningful action across Ohio to support immigrant and refugee communities. Here are some ideas:

Advocate for Policy Change

  • Contact your state legislators about bills that affect immigrant rights, access to education, healthcare, and language equity.

    • You can find and contact your Ohio state legislators through the official Ohio General Assembly website:

      Find Your Legislators – Ohio General Assembly

      On that page, you can:

      • Enter your address to find your State Senator and State Representative

      • View their contact information

      • See which committees they serve on

      • Learn about bills they’ve sponsored or supported

  • Support advocacy groups that monitor and influence state legislation, such as ACLU Ohio or Ohio Immigrant Alliance.

Raise Awareness

  • Attend or help organize community forums, panels, or awareness events focused on immigrant experiences.

  • Write letters to the editor or opinion pieces for local media outlets to highlight important issues.

Support Education and Language Access

  • Volunteer with English language learning programs in schools, libraries, or adult education centers.

  • Advocate for language access policies in public services and government agencies.

Partner with Statewide Organizations

  • Volunteer with or support nonprofits that serve immigrants and refugees through legal aid, housing, employment, or cultural services.

  • Join advisory councils or community task forces that shape policies on inclusion and equity.

Participate in Public Processes

  • Attend state-level hearings or town halls to voice your support or concerns.

  • Submit written testimony when immigration-related policies are under review.

National Level

  • Advocate to Your Members of Congress

    Reach out to your U.S. Senators and Representatives to voice support for compassionate immigration policies, refugee resettlement programs, and access to services.

    Find your members of Congress:
    https://www.congress.gov/members

    Contact your U.S. Senators:
    https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

    Contact your U.S. House Representative:
    https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

    Stay Informed and Support National Advocacy Groups

    Join national organizations that advocate for immigrant and refugee rights. Subscribe to their updates, participate in campaigns, and share their work.

    Some examples include:

    Support National Legislation

    Track and support bills related to immigration, asylum, and refugee programs. You can follow legislation on:

    Congress.gov (Bill Tracking):
    https://www.congress.gov

    Look for bills on issues such as:

    • DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

    • Refugee admissions caps

    • Pathways to citizenship

    • Family reunification

    Donate or Fundraise for National Efforts

    Contribute to national nonprofits and legal aid groups that serve immigrants and refugees. Many have donation platforms and toolkits for peer-to-peer fundraising.

    Vote and Encourage Civic Participation

    Support candidates and policies that prioritize humane immigration practices. Encourage others in your community to register, vote, and stay informed on national issues.

    National Voter Registration:
    https://www.vote.org

International Level

Support Global Humanitarian Organizations

Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide direct aid, protection, and resettlement services to refugees and displaced people around the world.

Some leading international organizations include:

Advocate for International Human Rights

Raise awareness about the global refugee crisis, statelessness, and forced migration by supporting human rights organizations and campaigns.

You can:

  • Follow developments through organizations like Human Rights Watch (https://www.hrw.org) and Amnesty International (https://www.amnesty.org)

  • Share stories and information to educate others

  • Support global campaigns that push for policy changes at the United Nations and other international bodies

Participate in International Giving and Sponsorship

  • Sponsor refugee families or children through trusted global networks.

  • Support microloans or development projects that help displaced communities rebuild their lives.

Examples:

Stay Informed About Global Migration Issues

  • Subscribe to global news outlets or nonprofit newsletters that report on migration, conflict, and displacement.

  • Follow data and trends through:

Advocate for Global Refugee Protections

  • Promote the importance of international refugee conventions and treaties.

  • Encourage your country’s leaders to support global agreements that protect the rights of displaced people.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Every step taken with empathy brings us all closer to belonging.

Contact us today to learn more about our workshops, reading list, and watch list.