1. What does the Blue Key represent?
We selected a Blue Key as a symbol of the home that refugees will one day regain. The key to a front door, something we often take for granted, is a symbol for the security, stability, and comfort of a home that refugees have left behind, but one day will regain.
Additionally the key to a better future for refugees is in your hands: You can unlock the door to a better life for refugees. Wearing your Blue Key shows that you will not ignore the growing refugee crisis.
The UN Refugee Agency is working around the world to give refugees and internally displaced people a safe home – along with food, water, medical care and education – after being forced to flee.
2. Is the Blue Key a global campaign? If not, how can I support refugees from outside the USA?
USA for UNHCR’s mandate is to focus its work within the United States. As such, the Blue Key Campaign is a U.S.-based campaign and keys can only be shipped to U.S. addresses. International supporters and admirers of the Blue Key campaign are encouraged to support their country’s UNHCR office, which can be found via UNHCR’s website.
3. How exactly does my $5 Blue Key purchase help refugees?
When you order a Blue Key for $5, you are doing just that. The $5 covers the cost of the key, shipping and handling, so you are helping USA for UNHCR defray these costs while also showing your support for refugees.
We have seen that, when people wear and/or display their Blue Keys, they are invariably asked about them—a great way to raise awareness of the dire needs of refugees around the world. Think of your Blue Key as a banner for refugee support that you don’t physically carry but wear, and, in doing so, you help give refugees a voice.
That is why, when you get your Blue Key, you are also offered the option to support UNHCR’s work via a donation that is fully tax-deductible to the extent of the law. When you make such a donation to USA for UNHCR via the Blue Key site, 81% of your donation goes towards supporting UNHCR refugee aid programs (the industry average is 77%). These contributions are not tied to a specific relief program, but disbursed by UNHCR based on the greatest need.
If you would like to make a donation to a specific program, you can do so via USA for UNHCR’s main site. When you do so, 95% of these designated funds go towards relief programs for the people affected by that specific emergency.
4. When will I receive my Blue Key?
The average wait time for you to receive your Blue Key is three to five weeks (we ship keys via U.S. mail).
5. I purchased my Blue Key; is there anything else I can do to support the Blue Key campaign and refugees?
Yes! On top of your $5 Blue Key purchase we also welcome fully tax-deductible donations; but monetary giving isn’t the only thing you can do. Here are 5 more ways you can help:
- Send an email to friends and family to invite them to purchase a $5 Blue Key
- Follow USA for UNHCR on Twitter and join our Facebook community
- Donate a tweet a day to USA for UNHCR through Just Coz
- Share the Blue Key blog posts with your network
- Become a Blue Key Champion or Corporate Champion
6. What is the relationship between UNHCR and USA for UNHCR?
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, was formed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1950. A two-time Nobel Peace Prize winner, it is the UN agency charged with protecting and assisting the world’s refugees—people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war and/or persecution—and finding long-term solutions to their plight.
As such, UNHCR provides protection, shelter, emergency food, water, medical care and other life-saving assistance to more than 25 million of the 42.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. It also provides access to education, psychological support, and livelihood training. When possible, UNHCR helps them return to their homes voluntarily, safely, and with dignity, or in finding new homes.
Since its inception, UNHCR has helped an estimated 50 million refugees restart their lives. Today, with a staff of more than 6,650 people, the agency is the lead humanitarian organization on the scene in 120+ countries around the world.
Established in 1989 by concerned American citizens, the United States Association for UNHCR (USA for UNHCR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to raise awareness and support in the United States for UNHCR’s mission. Based in Washington, D.C., the organization also has fundraising offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami and Phoenix.
USA for UNHCR has a range of programs dedicated to raising awareness and support for refugees, and fundraises for emergency relief programs for those suffering from specific crises as they arise. The Blue Key campaign is one of USA for UNHCR’s programs.
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