What We’ve Been Up To…

In our last update were were looking at the impact of Netroots three months in, now…it’s booming!  With 800 members and over 30 area-specific Chapters, Netroots members have been coming together to build a support system for recently resettled Iraqis.  October was especially exciting for Netroots because TLP brought together dozens of Iraqis and Netroots members.  TLP set up an interactive map where we plotted Iraqis and Netroots members in order to give members a better idea of how many Iraqis were resettled to their area.  The map has allowed us to bring those Iraqis who have made it here and the Netroots Chapters together. If you haven’t done so, go plot yourself and see who you can help in your neighborhood!

Bringing Iraqis and Americans together has not only been exciting, but it has give TLP a chance to work with Netroots members in a new way.  At the end of October we had ‘Sponsorship Week’, which focused on answering the questions that have arisen due to the confusing nature of the resettlement system.  We had our most attended conference call yet, with well over 50 Netrooters participating across the country and many more who have streamed the recording available on the site!  You can listen to the call on the main Netroots page and please check out the forum section to get a better idea of issues that were covered!

In addition to the enthusiasm brought on by Netroots, TLP has been part of meaningful events and conferences.  In the beginning of October, TLP held a wonderful reception in New York, co-hosted by Ambassador Frank Wisner and Meena & Liaquat Ahamed.  We were also honored by the attendance of George Packer, who has been a driving voice in this cause from the beginning, and Rena and Sami David, whose financial support seeded the List Project, bringing it into existence.  We are most thankful to our contributors for helping us with this event and for their continual support.  Following the fundraiser, TLP took part in a conference at Rutgers Law School, entitled ‘Iraq at the Crossroads: Protecting Refugees, Rescuing Our Allies and Empowering Iraqi Law’.  Kirk Johnson spoke with Eric Blinderman and Anthony Diana, our great allies over at partnering law firms Proskauer Rose LLP and Mayer Brown LLP, respectively.  Many Netroots members were also in the crowd, contributing to an intriguing Q & A.  TLP is looking forward to the new event opportunities in November.

It’s time for our Netroots Star.  The October Star is…the List Project of Central New Jersey!   With Philip Sweeney as the Chapter head and with amazing members, like Liz Henry, this Chapter as worked with focus and speed to help Iraqis in their area.  Recently, TLP connected the NJ Chapter to a family in Sayreville and the Chapter has done wonders in helping them in the resettlement process.  Liz and Phil have been instrumental in helping this family, some of the things they have done include: calling state companies to provide fuel assistance, bringing the children Halloween costumes, calling prospective employers and asking for informational interviews, giving resume help and much more!  In fact, the Chapter has not only helped those in New Jersey, but all along the eastern seaboard!  Please check out last week’s TLP blog to see a few of their tips for sponsorship and go to their group page to get ideas for your chapter.

Finally, in case many of you haven’t hear…the Netroots Challenge has started!  Netroots members and TLP challenge you to raise more than $500 before Thanksgiving.  The money raised will be given directly to a family in need through our emergency resettlement fund or it can be donated to one of the families in your area.  The person who raises the most money will win a flipcam and two runners-up will receive a free TLP t-shirt and bracelet.

Please help us to make this holiday season memorable for those who are finding the resettlement process so difficult.  Go to the Netroots website and get involved.