Puerto Rican chefs, back to school drives, and an Afghan pro-cyclist in Atlanta.
285 South's July Calendar.
Monday, July 10
Sticker contest for Estamos Aquí Fiesta: The Latino Community Fund is looking for sticker artwork that represents Georgia’s Latino/Hispanic community, and the chosen artwork will be featured on the sticker for this year’s Estamos Aquí Fiesta in September. The winner also gets a $200 gift card. Artists must submit a design and application by July 10 to be considered for selection. Details here and application here.
Thursday, July 13
Monthly Wellness Group: Join the Refugee Women’s Network for their wellness group to discuss women’s health issues. The event also offers free diapers, free childcare, and free hygiene products. 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur 30030. Details here and registration here.
Saturday, July 15
Back 2 School Supply Drive: In preparation for the new school year, Atlanta’s International Rescue Committee is hosting a drive to gather supplies for an expected 500 school-aged refugee children. Drop off supplies between 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 2305 Parklake Drive NE, Suite 100, Atlanta 30345. Find more information here, view a printable list of needed supplies here, and access their Amazon wishlist here.
Wednesday, July 19
Avoid Scams and Identity Theft presentation: Join Ser Familia’s Center of Emotional and Family Assistance and Money Management International for a presentation on how to avoid scams and identity theft, hosted by Beatriz Mauersberg, a financial wellness educator. 5:00 p.m. 445 Atlanta South Parkway, Suite 140, Atlanta 30349. Call (678) 363-3079 to register and find more details here.
Thursday, July 20
Monthly Women’s Circle: Refugee Women’s Network partners with the Dharma Project, a trauma-informed yoga group, to host their Monthly Women’s Circle. The circle includes self-care, stress relief, and fun activities for women. 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur 30030. Details here and registration here.
Refugee Women’s Network on Bikes: And another RWN event! In conjunction with Patagonia, REI, and Global Spokes, Atlanta’s Refugee Women’s Network is hosting bike lessons for women. The event kicks off on July 20th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a welcome featuring Afghan pro-cyclist Rukhsar Habibzai. There will also be bike lessons and a picnic on July 22nd from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030. Details here.
Saturday, July 22
South Youth Liberation Conference: Buford Highway’s People’s Hub is hosting their 3rd annual Global U.S. South Youth Liberation Conference, “Collective Power: Living in Our Own Imagination,” from July 22-23. Organizers say the event is intended to bring together young Atlantans who are passionate about the liberation of oppressed communities in the South and provide them opportunities to connect with organizers and other young activists, while participating in workshops. Starts July 22 at 8:00 a.m. Location TBD. Details and registration here.
Sunday, July 23
SanSe Atlanta: Join Ser Familia, a nonprofit that supports Latino families, for a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, complete with live music, food, and cocktails. The event is led by community leaders, along with Puerto Rican chefs. Admission costs $100 per person, and proceeds benefit Ser Familia. 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Truist Park. Details here and tickets here.
Sunday, July 30
Plaza Fiesta Back to School Day: Plaza Fiesta is hosting a back to school day and plans to provide school supplies to community members with the help of sponsors. Time and location TBD. Details here.
Opportunities + Resources
Volunteer with New American Pathways: New American Pathways (NAP), an immigrant and refugee support nonprofit, is looking for volunteers to help facilitate MARTA orientations, which teach refugees the ins and outs of public transportation. They are also asking for volunteers who can take people to and from their thrift store, Shop of Hope. For more information or to get involved, email volunteercoordinator@newamericanpathways.org. Details here.
Assist Ukrainian families in Georgia: NAP is also looking for individuals or organizations to sponsor Ukrainian families through the government program Uniting for Ukraine. Sponsorship responsibilities include providing housing, transportation, financial and paperwork assistance, and basic resources to Ukrainians seeking refuge. If you’re interested in sponsoring a family, reach out to B.Akinrotiba@newamericanpathways.org. Details here.
Georgia Asylum job opening: Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network is looking to hire a full-time Navigator, who would be responsible for supporting GAIN’s work “on behalf of asylum seekers and immigrant victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault.” Details and application information here.
Upcoming
English learning classes with Los Vecinos de Buford Highway: In August, Los Vecinos de Buford Highway will offer free English learning classes for parents in conjunction with the City of Doraville and Georgia State University. Starts in August. Forest Fleming Arena, 3037 Pleasant Valley Drive, Doraville 30340. Register here.