The Iliad Network

Providing aid and awareness for
displaced persons


An International Network

We have team members on the ground in Turkey, connecting with refugees directly.

Although the organization is based in the United States, much of our work is done overseas in Turkey. Turkey has been a common haven for refugees. It was one of the original countries to sign the 1951 Refugee Convention and operates as a geographic and political conduit between Europe and Asia.


About Us

This organization was founded to provide aid and raise awareness for displaced persons, focusing initially on the Uyghur and Syrian refugees. We were surprised and disheartened by the level of ignorance that exists when it comes to the refugees’ situations. Upon meeting individual refugees and learning more about their situations, we were moved to action to help support them.

What is “Iliad”?

Besides evoking a great work of literature, the term “Iliad” has other definitions:
A series of miseries or disastrous events
A series of exploits regarded as suitable for an epic

This simple and iconic word perfectly describes the plight of displaced persons. They are forced to leave their homes with nothing but the hope that they may one day be able to return. On their journeys to find sanctuary, they exist only with what they can carry, and oftentimes, their hearts are already heavy with the burden of leaving or losing loved ones.


Mission Statement

We aim to raise funding to help support and empower displaced persons. We want to give a voice to those who have been forced to leave their homes, and we want them to have the financial support necessary for them to access basic human rights. To do this, we raise awareness of their plights, share articles and testimonials via social media, and engage with the displaced and their supporters from all over the world. It is important that their voices are heard and that they know someone is listening. We believe it is necessary to interact directly with those dealing with displacement, in order to afford them the dignity of their own voice. We are committed to full transparency with our donors and those we are helping. People have a right to know where their support is coming from and where it is going.


Refugee Crises

Syrians

Syrian refugees have been fleeing the war for years. One destination has been the adjacent country of Turkey, which has seen millions of men, women, and children stream across the border in search of peace.

Uyghurs

Uyghurs are an Islamic minority in China. They practice Islam and speak a Turkic language. When the Chinese government began to crack down on the Uyghur population, supposedly to quell a terrorist threat, many could not stay for fear of imprisonment. As with the Syrian people, Uyghurs fled to Turkey. The Uyghur diaspora continues to settle throughout the West, attempting to retain its history and culture.

The Uyghur refugee crisis has not received nearly as much global media coverage as that of the Syrian people; however, we do not prioritize one demographic over another. Those suffering displacement due to oppression deserve their voices heard.


What We Do

Via crowdfunding, we raise support to both run the nonprofit and boost awareness of international options open to refugees and displaced persons. One of our priorities is to educate the communities we work with about countering fake news, giving them the tools and therefore the empowerment to reclaim their own narrative, their own voice. We have already begun sharing our knowledge of immigration options, legal aid, and fundraising networks with both Syrians and Uyghurs in Turkey.

Financial support will also be used for projects to help raise awareness of the refugee crises, ranging from sponsoring social media posts to creating a comprehensive archive of video testimonials from refugees. Testimonials are essential to combating misinformation and for sharing the truth behind refugee situations.


Outreach

We have Western and international partners collecting testimony to populate our social media presence.

Making Voices Heard

As mentioned before, one of our main focuses is collecting witness testimony and firsthand accounts of the refugee situation. These testimonials will be compiled to provide a more complete account of the refugee crisis. They will also be used on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to draw attention to the displaced and our cause. Establishing a strong emotional connection between refugees and those that can help them is imperative for igniting change.

In a divided world, there is an ever-increasing need to come together and lift up those around us.

We collaborate with other NGOs and nonprofits to spread greater awareness of refugee crises. This interorganizational communication also helps us empower rather than overshadow each other.
In addition, our outreach extends to media professionals in order to expand our outreach and gain more widespread coverage and support.


Other Ways to Help

Believe it or not, financial support is not everything. Though donations are always appreciated, there are several means to support an organization without spending a cent. Whether it be writing your local political representatives or sharing information and pages on social media, there are always a low- or no-cost means of participation.

Currently, we are seeking equipment donations to help us start gathering testimonials. Please consider donating unused cameras and video equipment to help displaced persons tell their stories.

Write to Your Political Officials

Politicians can help pave a safe path for global refugees through passing legislation or speaking out in support of refugees. A simple letter to your local representative can help bring these issues to their attention, prompting meaningful action.

Help Locally

Even if you do not have direct contact with refugees in your community, you can spread awareness.
Take a stance on personal social media accounts
Share and tag organizations that are working to provide aid to refugees
Get on your soapbox! Share what you know with family, friends, classmates, whoever will listen


Transparency

We are committed to being completely transparent with our donors and those we are trying to help.
We are open to financial auditing and work to keep our overhead and personnel costs low; we do not frivolously purchase equipment, and we keep a small staff.

Our team operates in both the United States and Turkey, and we are united through technology, reducing travel expenses and providing quick communication.