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On Thursday, June 20th, the ̽����ѡ in Dallas and GenR: Dallas hosted the 4th Annual Force For Change!  Together, we raised $25,000 in support of the ̽����ѡ’s local programs and those dollars will be reinvested into the Dallas community through the ̽����ѡ’s local programming empowering refugee clients to thrive.

'I Am Not A Weapon' Exhibition in Dallas.

Photo: Christiane Roehrborn

The event featured select portraits and short films from the  I Am Not A Weapon exhibition, which was created in collaboration with acclaimed director and producer Kathryn Bigelow, renowned photographer Adam Ferguson, and the ̽����ѡ. I Am Not A Weapon shares the experiences of young girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram, and explores their power and potential to overcome.

Last night’s event was hosted by GenR, a group of humanitarians who further the mission of the ̽����ѡ and the ̽����ѡ in Dallas by fundraising for the ̽����ѡ’s local programs, advocating for the continuation of refugee resettlement in the United States, and raising awareness about the ̽����ѡ to their friends, colleagues, and networks in Dallas.

Farhat Popal, GenR Leader and the Senior Program Manager for the Women’s Initiative at The Bush Institute, described the impact the ̽����ѡ in Dallas has had on young women refugees:

• “Women are not weapons. Women are human beings, worthy of being treated with dignity and respect, being lifted and empowered, and being afforded equal opportunities to live a healthy, happy life that embodies each and every one of their human rights.  The ̽����ѡ in Dallas helps women — and all refugee clients — strive to live such a life. The ̽����ѡ in Dallas helps refugees build a sense of home after losing their homeland, provide for their families after losing their professions, and find acceptance and support after losing their community. It helps vulnerable women find their voice.”

Commissioner Grady McGahan posing with a guest at the photobooth at the GenR: Dallas Force For Change.

Photo: The ̽����ѡ

Grady McGahan, Executive Director of RETREET, President of the Texas Urban Forestry Council, and At-Large Commissioner for the City of Dallas’ Arts and Culture Advisory Commission, spoke after Farhat, and discussed the impacts refugees have on our local community:

• "The doctors tell us that the more colors are on our plate, the healthier our meal is.  The same is true for our community - the more color and the more diversity we have makes Dallas a healthier city.  Refugees make our city vibrant."

A special thank you to all of our sponsors:

• Modelo
• Airbnb
• The Ben Strube Team at NXT Mortgage
• Lush Cosmetics North America
• Whistlepig Whiskey
• Tito's Vodka
• High Brew Coffee

More photos from the event will be on our Facebook Page () soon.