2024 Global Summit on Social Impact

The 2024 Global Summit on Social Impact Summit will focus on how displacement reaches every corner of society, affecting individuals impacted by natural disasters, human-made crises, shifts in climate and changes in immigration regulations. ​This often-neglected aspect of resilience efforts is the post-disaster phase for those who have been displaced. It will require collaborative partnerships across various sectors that engage everyone to address the displacement crisis genuinely.​

The need for human connection is fundamental and our desire to be a part of something larger than ourselves drives much of what we do as a community. The refugee crisis worldwide is pushing communities to morph and change to accommodate new members of society. Increasingly, refugees are seen as part of a political conversation versus a humanitarian one. But when government and the social and private sectors work together, refugee communities can add and ultimately strengthen the fabric of a society. Listen to leaders from the social, private and government sector discuss the role of partnership in building communities. Hear examples of how cross-sector partnerships can focus on the potential of togetherness resulting in refugee communities adding diversified voices are examples of how cross-sector partnerships can focus on the potential of togetherness, resulting in refugee communities adding diversified voices to civic action, ultimately building stronger civil societies.

In the face of increasing global uncertainties and the rising frequency of natural and humanmade disasters, there is a role for both the social and business communities. Each must play a pivotal role in building lasting resilience of the communities where they operate. During this session, participants will explore the multifaceted dimensions of civic engagement, delving into case studies that illustrate innovative models that strengthen civic capital; the power of effective collaborations with other businesses, NGOs, and local government agencies; the layers of crisis-induced displacement and the ways companies, in particular, can contribute to the integration of refugees and internally displaced people into the fabric of affected communities.

Volunteer Centers have always been at the hub of civic engagement, but until recently, many would not have specifically designated themselves as a disaster response and resiliency organization. As the areas facing natural and humanmade disaster grow many, if not most, civic engagement leaders must also consider themselves emerging leaders in disaster response. One of the longer-term impacts of disaster, not as often discussed, is refugee resettlement. How does an organization with a primary purpose of civic engagement and volunteerism offer support and resources to refugees? What are some of the successes and challenges seen in this work? How can an organization transform or add programming that meets this need while remaining committed to a mission of civic engagement? Panelists will answer these questions as well as share personal examples of their own organization’s refugee work.

Lunch to follow (provided)