CALL FOR HUMANITARIAN ACTION: President Obama recently increased from 2,000 to 10,000 the number of refugees from Syria allowed into the United States. According to the UNHCR, the world refugee crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with children making up half of those displaced. It is time that Montana joins other communities around the globe making a positive difference in these peoples' lives. Our fellow world citizens need our help, and it is critical that we act quickly and intentionally. We, the caring citizens of Montana, implore our Governor, senators, mayors, and other elected officials to lead our community in taking an active stance by:

• Welcoming Syrian refugees into our state
• Providing temporary housing assistance and other basic services
• Offering English language training, as well as other educational and counseling programs
• Providing employment training and job placement
• Organizing volunteers willing to help administer needed services

Montana has already demonstrated the capability required to accomplish such a task, providing refuge for members of the Hmong community fleeing the war in Vietnam, and more recently for refugees from both Cuba and Iraq. Our community understands the challenges and rewards of welcoming those fleeing persecution or the aftermath of war. This time is no different - we simply cannot stand by and let others do work best shared by all; it isn't the Montana way. Let Montana show the world that we are not afraid—that we instead are capable and compassionate. It is time to roll up our sleeves and work to make a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of our fellow world citizens; we urge you, our elected officials, to lead us in the charge.