On World Refugee Day (June 20), we reflect on how crisis creates distance — from home, from safety, and from rebuilding a life. Too often, crisis pulls us apart. But whether someone lives three doors down or 3,000 miles away, the distance between us isn’t as wide as it seems; we share the same hopes for our families, fears in uncertain times, and need for safety, stability, and opportunity.

Your workplace has the power to close the distance this World Refugee Day with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). From mobile healthcare that reaches remote communities to education that creates opportunity for displaced children, the IRC helps people affected by humanitarian crises survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Every day, the IRC closes the distance between danger and safety, between crisis and refuge, and between lifesaving support and the people who need it most — across mountains, deserts, and borders.

In a more global world, workplaces must increasingly address global crises at work. As today’s global workforce increasingly searches for purpose at work, a partnership with the IRC is not only an act of philanthropy; it’s a strategic investment in your people and your mission.

  • Your employees want meaningful engagement. Purpose-driven workplaces see higher retention, stronger culture, and deeper employee loyalty.
  • Your customers expect values in action. The IRC’s World Refugee Day campaign last year reached more than 4.6 million people, giving partners a powerful platform to demonstrate leadership.
  • Your business benefits from global stability and inclusion. Supporting displaced communities strengthens the future workforce and contributes to more resilient markets.

The IRC is a full-service partner, offering global expertise, local impact, and turnkey engagement opportunities that meet your company where it is.

Four Employee Engagement Offerings for World Refugee Day
A partnership with the IRC on World Refugee Day is the perfect way to engage your employees and showcase your values. Celebrate World Refugee Day in your office by working with the IRC on any of the following employee engagement ideas. These are great options to host across your organization, within one department, or with an Employee Resource Group (ERG).

  1. Fireside chat: Host an IRC expert in person or online to inspire and inform your staff on one of the world’s most pressing issues — global displacement. Dive deep into a wide range of topics, from their core focus areas, like economic wellbeing and health, to one of the places where the IRC works, like Syria or Mexico. Pair a learning session with a game of IRC trivia, letter writing, or another volunteer offering.
  2. Letter writing: Humanitarian aid workers are on the frontlines of the world’s most pressing disasters, devoting their lives to supporting those who are experiencing their darkest days. Share a note, poem, or video message of encouragement that demonstrates your gratitude toward these hard-working individuals. This activity can provide the recipients with much-needed hope and courage to continue their difficult work.
  3. Skills-based volunteering: Is your team multilingual or design-savvy? The IRC is looking for volunteers to help with graphic design and to translate technical tools from English into Spanish, French, and Arabic. Your workforce will apply their real skills to assist the IRC’s Education and Economic Recovery and Development teams.
  4. Become a refugee champion: Host an IRC expert in person or online to lead an interactive training on how to become a better advocate for refugees and other newcomers in your community. The workshop will include an action-packed, moderated discussion and a refugee champion guide. Participants can expect to acquire new knowledge and resources on how to welcome displaced people into their community.

There are plenty more opportunities for collaboration and engagement personalized to your office. Reach out to us to learn how you can work with the IRC on forging a custom partnership.

Explore the Impact

Need help?
Global Impact can help your company connect with the IRC for World Refugee Day and beyond. From hosting speakers to sharing free resources with your ERGs, we’ll help you foster a culture of compassion, awareness, and impact. Let us help you inspire greater giving and foster a culture of social responsibility within your organization. Reach out today to get started!