| We’ve got some exciting news to share! Last week, our longstanding CEO Zrinka Bralo won the prestigious Long Term Achievement Award at the Sheila McKechnie Foundation National Campaigner Awards. This is big news for us. The relentless courage of refugees is silenced in mainstream narratives, so this award is incredibly powerful. |
This powerful accolade is reserved for incredible people who have dedicated their lives to making change – the person that continuously reminds us that change is possible! Previous winners include Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Selma James, Sir Patrick Vernon – giants in their work on racial, gender and social justice. |
| Many of you will know Zrinka’s contagious energy and will appreciate her unwavering belief in our power to change the world around us. Arriving in London in 1993, Zrinka survived the siege in Sarajevo; she fought her asylum case and threats to deport her. She built a connected community of friends and neighbours to act in solidarity with her. This courage led to her establishing successful campaigns, organisations and resourcing migrant justice movements; from Right to Remain to Solidarity Knows No Borders. 25 years ago, Zrinka joined Migrants Organise and has since transformed the landscape of migrant justice organising, building people power, coalition building and direct action all rooted in the lived experience of migrants and refugees. |
| In her words, this award “celebrates the courage of thousands of grassroots organisers who have built power from living rooms, community halls and detention centre gates, often in the face of enormous hostility.” No matter what we are told, the stories of grassroots change makers deserve to be recognised. |
| This award is for all of us and is a reminder of the world we are building together, in the face of hostility. It’s a reminder to share the everyday stories that connect us all. And it’s a reminder to care and look for each other. Stories like our Women’s Walking Group making Bracelets of Courage for Refugee Week; and our members walking 10km across London to raise essential funds for people seeking protection. In coming together we create spaces to imagine new possibilities, dream, heal, and connect. |
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| If you are able to, please consider a donation (big or small) to our Summer Fundraiser full info here. On World Refugee Day, let’s unite and stand for world where everyone has the right to belong. |
