What do you miss from home?

This week is Welcoming Week, and in partnership with our partners Welcome All and Asylum Seekers Advocacy Project, we are sharing how we all can create safe, inviting environments for migrants to share their stories about home.

Migrants are always looking forward, moving into the future. But what is left behind? What still anchors us in our memories of home?

“My people, my customs, the food, and above all my culture.”

Settling into a place is challenging, when it’s a new country it is even more difficult. People may feel like they have left or lost parts of themselves in the journey. Some of the journeys are easier than others. We all have stories to share, and to be heard. In trying to build more welcoming communities, it is powerful to acknowledge memories from home. Wherever home may be. Sharing stories can bring relief and opportunities to feel more fully embraced and celebrated in the new community one now calls home.

For many migrants, sharing stories from where they come from and their journey, can bring up a wide range of emotions. Sometimes they are traumatic and sad. They can also be filled with joy and laughter. People want to tell their stories, and by creating a space where they feel comfortable in doing so, opens opportunities for each of us to see each for the human beings we are.

The people, the way the speak, our idioms… They tell me: “When you are with your people the Salvadoran really comes out in you.” How could it not?

How can we have these conversations in a safe and welcoming way?

If you are interested in creating an environment where migrants to your community (new and old) can share more about where they have come from and the journeys they have taken to get there, we have some tips on how to facilitate those conversations.

Creating boundaries

People migrate for a multitude of reasons, and sometimes we choose to migrate and other times we are forced. So first and foremost, it’s important that everyone knows that boundaries on what people share is okay, and in some cases absolutely essential.

What information is safe to share? There is some information that is fine to share with anyone. Some information people may only want to share with trusted acquaintances.

Some information is private — like specific details around why a person left or experiences that could have an impact on their present safety, and each person should carefully think about who they share what with. Please be mindful that everyone in the conversation should have the freedom and space to set boundaries on what they are willing to share, and that be okay.

“My humble people, who when you arrive at their home will welcome you in and offer you food with what little they have. That is beautiful.”

Understanding the purpose of the conversation

We have all had many experiences that have shaped who we are. It is up to each of us to decide whether or not to share any part of our personal experiences. Sometimes, it is uplifting or helpful to share your story. You might find meaning from your experiences, or you may begin to see things differently. Your story might help someone else understand their own experiences. It could even open up new opportunities.

“Before everything, my mother. Food. Music. And my sport Sundays.”

Various options for facilitation

• Always ask open-ended questions and ask permission to ask follow up questions. (Remember it’s okay if the other person does not want to answer)
• A discussion together as a group, out loud.
• A quiet activity with everyone in the same room writing responses on a piece of paper, anonymously. (Be cognizant and accommodating of written literacy levels.)
• A paired interview activity, where one shares with a trusted partner to record (written) their response, anonymously.
• An individual interview activity, where people independently and privately record their responses to the prompt.

The Welcome All team recently reached out to our partner, Asylum Seekers Advocacy Project that provides pro-bono legal support primarily to women and their children who are seeking asylum in the US from Central America. They have an active online community, and we asked them to post the question, “What do you miss from home?” and we are sharing their reponses with this post.

If you are interested in learning more about Welcome All campaign, please visit the website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.