The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.
CAPAS Podcast Live Now
August 24, 2023
The UUSC Congregational Accompaniment Project for Asylum-Seekers (CAPAS) is excited to announce a new podcast focused on the experiences of people seeking asylum and the community groups that work in solidarity with them. Hear about the process of seeking asylum; the challenges asylum-seekers face; and stories of loss, joy, struggle, and rebuilding offered by two asylum-seekers accompanied through CAPAS. UUSC staff will describe program details and share why this work is critical to building the world we envision—where human rights are always upheld and all are welcome.
The first episode launches on Tuesday, September 5 and will set the scene as Heather Vickery, UUSC Coordinator for Congregational Activism, guides listeners through what asylum-seekers often face at the U.S. southern border, including inhumane conditions, detention, and lack of legal counsel.
Episode 2 (launching Tuesday, September 12) welcomes the Reverends Laura Randall, UUSC Director of Development for Congregation Relations, and Deanna Vandiver, UUSC Director of Justice Education, discussing how doing this justice-centered work in community creates collective well being.
In Episode 3 (launching Tuesday, September 19), listeners will learn more about the CAPAS program and how they and their community groups and congregations can offer solidarity to people seeking asylum. Jessica Sapalio, UUSC CAPAS Coordinator, will describe the process of becoming a CAPAS group—from discernment and preparation to welcoming an asylum-seeker and beyond.
Romel from Honduras and Chris from Nigeria describe in Episode 4 (launching Tuesday, September 26) aspects of their experiences as asylum-seekers—from leaving their countries of origin, to getting established in their new communities, to their recent successes and plans for the future. Listeners will hear about the relationships Chris and Romel formed in their communities and the opportunities for joy and connection that are created when we journey in solidarity together.
On October 12th, 2023 CAPAS hosted an insightful webinar diving into asylum-seekers’ experiences and the supportive communities that support them. We shared details and testimonials on how you and your community can get involved in providing solidarity to asylum-seeking individuals and families.
Can’t wait until the webinar to learn more? Click here to read more about CAPAS. To talk with a UUSC staff member about getting involved, please email capas@uusc.org.
