The world has more than 27 million refugees. Last year, the United States resettled only 13,700 refugees. With its actions, the US is sending an unwelcome message to refugees seeking a new home. The Unwelcome Home State campaign by the International Rescue Committee raises awareness of restrictive refugee policies by hijacking state welcome signs at the state borders. The surprising messaging will draw people to a website with information about the refugee situation. There, people can help change the message by writing a message to their state representatives. By working together, citizens can change policies to make their home state a welcoming place for refugees.
At the beginning of the summer when many people embark on road trips, the International Rescue Committee will cover up state welcome signs with unwelcome messages. These signs will have a url directing viewers to a customized webpage for each state. News coverage and social media commentary will drive awareness and bring people to the webpages.
Each state will have a home page with information about the restrictive refugee policies in the United States. On the page, people can write a message to their state representatives encouraging more welcoming policies for refugees.
After each citizen writes a message, the IRC will send the person a postcard for their home state. It will thank them for helping change the message and will provide additional ways people can help refugees in the United States.
Along with the postcard, the IRC will send a sticker to each citizen who writes their state representatives. The sticker will be an unwelcome message, but once peeled off, it will be a positive message for refugees. People can use the sticker to show their support and help raise awareness.
Copy Writer: Jared Brockbank
Art Director: Annabell Peterson & Annie Kate Cutler